Tropical Vanuatu Discovery

Halo! Welcome to Port Vila, the vibrant capital of Vanuatu. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 5 pm this evening at your hotel. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the lively local markets filled with fresh tropical produce or enjoy a stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade just a short walk away. It’s the perfect introduction to Vanuatu’s laid-back island atmosphere before the journey truly begins.

• It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today, explore some of the highlights of Efate on a scenic journey through tropical landscapes and local villages. Travel to a secluded kayak base along the peaceful Rentapao River, where you’ll paddle through lush rainforest and experience everyday island life from the water. Enjoy a delicious French-inspired lunch beside the river before heading upstream to beautiful natural cascades – the perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a chance to unwind after your travels. Return to Port Vila by mid-afternoon, leaving you free to continue exploring the town and find the perfect place for an optional dinner this evening.

Your kayaking time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Life jackets must be worn for today's kayaking activity.

Rise early this morning for your included flight with Air Vanuatu to the remote island of Tanna Island. After arriving, transfer to your bungalow accommodation and enjoy a locally prepared lunch before heading out on your first island adventure. Hike through lush rainforest trails, traditional villages and tropical gardens to reach the legendary giant banyan tree, believed to be one of the largest in the world, standing high above the coastline. Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse into everyday life on Tanna and meet local communities living closely connected to nature.

On the return journey, stop by a traditional kava bar for a refreshing drink and a taste of local culture. This evening, relax with your group as the sun sets over the coast, and during whale season (July to September), keep watch for whales passing offshore. End the day with a group dinner and stories shared around the campfire beneath the island sky.

• Today’s hike will take approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and conditions along the trail.
• This itinerary relies on scheduled domestic flights between Port Vila and Tanna Island. Occasionally, flights may be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions or aircraft maintenance. If this happens, your tour leader will keep you informed and alternative arrangements may be made, including charter flights operated by Unity Airlines. Any additional costs for charter flights must be paid locally by travellers, so it’s recommended to have extra funds available for unexpected travel changes.
• Flights to and from Tanna have a baggage allowance of 10 kg checked luggage and 5 kg carry-on luggage. Larger bags can be securely stored at your hotel in Port Vila while you travel with a smaller overnight bag for your stay on the island.
• A local airport tax of 200 VUV per person is payable in cash today and will be collected by your group leader.
• While travelling around Tanna, you may notice locals and visitors riding in the back of vehicles. However, for safety reasons, all travellers on this trip must remain seated inside the vehicles at all times.
• Accommodation on Tanna is simple, locally run bungalow-style lodging with private bathroom facilities, cold-water showers and limited electricity availability. As you’ll be staying within a traditional local community, alcohol consumption is discouraged. Drinking water is provided, though any additional beverages should be purchased before arriving.

Today, journey across the rugged landscapes of Tanna Island as you travel to your next accommodation and explore one of the island’s most fascinating cultural regions. Visit a traditional John Frum village hidden within the rainforest beneath the towering presence of Mount Yasur – one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. If road conditions allow, enjoy a relaxing stop at the natural hot springs of Sulphur Bay before continuing to Port Resolution for lunch.

Later, return to the base of Mt Yasur and begin your hike along the rugged volcanic road leading to the crater rim. For those who prefer, there is also the option to drive part of the way to the crater parking area. As you approach the summit, feel the earth tremble beneath your feet and hear the deep rumble of the volcano echo across the landscape. Arriving at the rim in the late afternoon, you’ll witness the unforgettable spectacle of glowing lava bursts and dramatic Strombolian eruptions lighting up the sky. After this extraordinary experience, head back to your bungalow in the evening for a well-earned late dinner.

• Today’s travel time will be approximately 1 hour, with around 1 hour of hiking involved. The trail to the volcano rim is uphill throughout, though travellers who prefer not to hike can choose to take transport directly to the crater viewing area.
• Roads on Tanna Island are unpaved and can become rough after heavy rain and landslides. While the 4WD vehicles used on this trip are designed for the terrain, expect a very bumpy but adventurous journey across the island.
• Visits to Mount Yasur are dependent on volcanic activity levels and safety advice issued by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazard authority. Protective face masks and safety glasses will be provided to shield you from volcanic ash during the experience. Please carefully follow all instructions from your leader, especially regarding safe viewing areas and photography points. While some visitors may attempt to approach closer to the crater edge, this is extremely dangerous and strictly discouraged. As the return descent takes place after dark, bringing a torch or headlamp is essential.
• Tonight’s accommodation consists of simple island bungalows with shared facilities. Electricity is limited and may only be available intermittently. Shared bucket-style toilets and cold-water showers are located a short walk from the rooms, offering a rustic and authentic local experience.

This morning, you may choose to return to Mount Yasur for an unforgettable sunrise experience as the volcano awakens in the early morning light. After breakfast, travel into the lush jungle-covered hills of Tanna Island to visit a traditional kastom village, where many aspects of ancestral life and customs are still carefully preserved.

During your guided visit, learn about traditional ceremonies, rites of passage and the fascinating local Prince Philip movement, while gaining a deeper understanding of how the community balances cultural preservation with the opportunities and challenges brought by tourism. This is a rare chance to experience a way of life that remains deeply connected to tradition and the natural world.
Later, enjoy lunch at a local café in town before stopping at a coffee shop to sample locally grown and freshly brewed Vanuatu coffee. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Port Vila.

You have the option to visit the volcano a second time this morning for sunrise. Please speak to your leader for more information and costs.

An airport tax of 200 VUV per person will be payable in cash at the airport today and will be collected by your leader.

Today, leave Port Vila behind and journey to the tropical island of Pele Island, famous for its protected marine conservation area and crystal-clear waters. Travel by road to Emua Wharf, with a stop at a local coffee roastery along the way, before boarding a short boat transfer across the turquoise sea to Pele.

On arrival, enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch on the beach before heading out to snorkel in the lagoon or nearby marine reserve, weather permitting. Beneath the surface, discover colourful tropical fish, vibrant coral formations, hidden underwater canyons and, if luck is on your side, even sea turtles gliding through the reef.
Later this afternoon, adventurous travellers can take a boat to nearby Nguna Island for a challenging volcano hike, while others may prefer relaxed walks through Pele’s peaceful village pathways and coastal scenery. Tonight, stay in simple beachfront bungalows hosted by local village women, offering an authentic island experience and warm community hospitality.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Your optional volcano walk on Nguna Island today is a challenging hike and takes approximately 3 hours.
Your bungalow accommodation tonight has solar power only and no running water. There are shared bucket toilets and showers. As we are staying in a local community, consumption of alcohol is discouraged. Drinking water is provided, but other drinks will need to be purchased in advance/

This morning, enjoy a gentle walk to the main village on Nguna Island, where you’ll visit the historic local church and learn more about the island community and its traditions. Afterwards, return to Efate for lunch at a locally owned restaurant, with another chance to snorkel in the clear tropical waters if you’d like one final underwater adventure.

Continue your journey around Efate along the scenic east coast road, completing a full circuit of the island. Along the way, browse colourful roadside markets, admire stunning coastal landscapes and stop for photos at some of Vanuatu’s most picturesque viewpoints. Cool off with a swim in the breathtaking Blue Lagoon or at one of the hidden coves near Eton village. Before returning to Port Vila, make a final stop at a local distillery to sample handcrafted island liqueurs.

Arrive back in Port Vila this evening, where you can celebrate the end of your adventure with an optional farewell dinner alongside your travel group.

Your Vanuatu adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

• If you are staying longer in Vanuatu, ask your trip leader about the optional Discovery Bushwalk tour to visit more nearby villages and communities.