Vanuatu is not one single resort island. It is an island nation where each major destination offers a different kind of trip: Efate combines easy day tours with Port Vila restaurants and markets; Tanna is known for volcanic landscapes; and Espiritu Santo is the place for blue holes, beaches, caves, and world-famous diving.

This guide groups the best things to do in Vanuatu by island so you can decide what fits your time, interests, and travel style. Ace Tours operates on Efate, so our local expertise and bookable services focus there. For outer-island experiences, arrange flights, accommodation, and a qualified local operator before travelling.

Top attractions on Efate and around Port Vila

1. Swim at the Blue Lagoon

Efate's Blue Lagoon is a vivid natural swimming hole near Eton Village, around a 45-minute drive from central Port Vila. The water, shaded banks, and rope swings make it popular with families and groups. Entry is normally paid in cash, and weekdays can be quieter than weekends. Read our Blue Lagoon planning tips or explore a guided Blue Lagoon tour.

2. Walk and swim at Mele Cascades

Mele Cascades combines a tropical forest walk with freshwater pools and a waterfall. Paths can be wet, so shoes with grip are more useful than smooth sandals. It is close enough to Port Vila for a half-day outing and can be paired with other stops. See our Mele Cascades tour guide.

3. Tour Efate's east coast

A day on the east side of Efate can combine the Blue Lagoon, Eton Beach, local food stops, viewpoints, and community-run attractions. Because opening conditions and entry arrangements can change, travelling with a local driver removes much of the guesswork. Compare our Efate Island day tours.

4. Explore Port Vila Market

The central market is one of the best places to see everyday island produce and buy fruit, vegetables, flowers, and prepared food. Bring vatu, ask before photographing vendors, and visit with time to look rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

5. Learn at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre

The national museum and cultural centre in Port Vila introduce Vanuatu's archaeology, art, music, and kastom. It provides valuable context before a village experience and helps visitors understand why traditions differ between islands.

6. Visit a cultural village

A community-led cultural experience can include storytelling, food, dance, traditional skills, and an introduction to kastom. Choose respectful experiences where local hosts control how their culture is shared. Our Vanuatu cultural tours page explains what to expect.

7. Snorkel near Hideaway Island

Hideaway Island is known for its marine reserve and underwater post office. It is reached from the Mele area by a short boat connection. Confirm the current day-pass, boat, and site arrangements directly before setting out.

8. Discover Chief Roi Mata's Domain

Chief Roi Mata's Domain is Vanuatu's UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. The associated places on Efate, Lelepa, and Eretoka tell the story of a powerful chief and a living oral tradition. Visits to sensitive community and island sites should be organised with an authorised local guide.

9. Take a day trip to Pele, Nguna, Lelepa, or Moso

Efate's nearby islands offer beaches, snorkelling, village stays, hiking, caves, and marine areas. Transport commonly involves a road transfer followed by a small boat, and some visits require advance guide arrangements. Build weather flexibility into the plan.

Highlights on Tanna

10. See Mount Yasur

Mount Yasur is Vanuatu's best-known volcano experience. Access is controlled and depends on official volcanic alert levels and local conditions. Use a licensed Tanna operator, follow every safety instruction, and never assume access is guaranteed on a particular day.

11. Experience Tanna's landscapes and culture

Beyond the volcano, Tanna offers ash plains, hot springs, waterfalls, coastal scenery, and village-based cultural experiences. Allow more than a rushed single day if you want the island to feel like a destination rather than a flight connection.

Highlights on Espiritu Santo

12. Swim or paddle at Santo's blue holes

Matevulu, Nanda, and other blue holes are known for remarkably clear freshwater. Some are approached by road and others can be reached by river. Entry fees and access arrangements vary, so confirm locally and bring cash.

13. Relax at Champagne Beach

Champagne Beach is one of Santo's best-known beaches, with pale sand and clear water. Cruise schedules can change how busy it feels, making timing an important part of the visit.

14. Dive the SS President Coolidge

The SS President Coolidge is a major wreck-diving site near Luganville. It is an advanced environment with different routes for different certification and experience levels. Book with a reputable dive operator and be honest about your training.

15. Take on Millennium Cave

Millennium Cave is a demanding guided adventure involving jungle walking, rock scrambling, water, and canyon terrain. It is not a casual sightseeing stop. Check fitness requirements, weather, equipment, and current operating conditions with the tour provider.

Experiences found across Vanuatu

16. Snorkel and dive responsibly

Vanuatu's reefs, marine protected areas, and wrecks reward both beginners and experienced divers. Avoid touching coral or wildlife, use established access points, and follow community rules.

17. Taste local food and kava

Try seasonal fruit, market food, laplap, tuluk, local seafood, and other island specialities. Kava is culturally important; ask a local host how it is served and approach the experience respectfully.

18. Attend an event or festival

Festivals can be the most memorable way to experience local music, dance, food, and traditions. Dates are not fixed forever, so use the current Vanuatu Tourism Office events calendar when planning flights.

How many days do you need?

Three or four days work well for Port Vila and selected Efate highlights. A week allows a relaxed Efate stay or time to add one outer island. Ten days or more gives you room for Efate plus Tanna or Santo without making every day a transit day. Domestic travel can be weather-dependent, so avoid tight same-day international connections.

Plan your Efate attractions

If Port Vila is your base, start with our guide to the best things to do in Port Vila and our three-day Efate itinerary. Browse all Vanuatu tours on Efate, or ask our local team to help connect the stops into a realistic day.

Planning note: attraction access, fees, roads, flights, and volcanic conditions can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the Vanuatu Tourism Office and the relevant operator before travel.