Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an island chain in the South Pacific with active volcanoes, strong traditions and some of the warmest hospitality in the region. It has black sand beaches, reefs and villages that follow customs untouched for generations.
Why it is on my list
Standing on the rim of an active volcano on Tanna. Mount Yasur erupts almost constantly, and you can walk up at dusk and watch it glow.
Best time to go
May to October: dry season and best weather.
November to April: hot, wet and cyclone risk.
Land diving: on Pentecost, usually April to June.
Volcano: access to Yasur depends on the alert level. Check before you fly to Tanna.
Where to stay
Port Vila: capital with resorts. Warwick Le Lagon is a known one.
Tanna: bungalows near the volcano.
Espiritu Santo: diving and beaches.
Pentecost and Ambrym: remote cultural stays.
Getting there and around
Airport: Bauerfield (VLI) near Port Vila.
From the US: via Australia, New Zealand or Fiji.
Internal: Air Vanuatu flights and boats.
Roads: rough on outer islands.
Permits: volcano and village visits are arranged with local guides.
What to eat
Lap lap: a pudding of root vegetables baked in leaves.
Fresh seafood: reef fish and lobster.
Island cabbage: a green leafy vegetable.
Coconut crab: a regional delicacy.
Beef: from Santo cattle.
What to drink
Tanna coffee: grown on the island.
Local lager: available in Port Vila.
Coconut water: fresh.
Fruit juices: tropical.
Don't miss
Mount Yasur: active volcano on Tanna, with a short walk up from a car park and explosions that light the crater after dark.
Blue holes: swimming spots on Santo.
SS President Coolidge: wreck dive.
Champagne Beach: white sand and clear water on the north coast of Santo.
Land diving: a Pentecost ritual in which men leap from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. It is a cultural event, so go respectfully.
Mele Cascades: waterfalls near Port Vila.
Day trips and side trips
Hideaway Island: snorkeling and an underwater post office.
Efate loop: coastal drive.
Million Dollar Point: WWII dumping site.
Ambrym: volcanoes and sand drawings.
Festivals and events
Independence Day: July 30.
Fest'Napuan: music festival in Port Vila, usually in autumn.
Pentecost land diving: April to June.
Music and dance
String band music: village favorite.
Custom dances: ceremonial.
Nightlife
Nightlife is relaxed. Port Vila has a few bars and live music.
When people go out: evenings.
Where the action is: Port Vila waterfront.
Good to know: islands are quiet at night.
Photography spots
Mount Yasur at dusk: lava glow.
Champagne Beach: clear water.
Port Vila market: colors.
Pentecost: land diving.
Drones: permission is needed. Check current rules.
Cost of living
Overall: $$$ versus New York.
Coffee: $3 to $5.
Local lunch: $6 to $12.
Dinner for two: $40 to $80.
Beer: $3 to $6.
Mid range hotel: $100 to $220 per night.
Daily budget: $120 to $250.
Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: fine in Port Vila hotels and cafes, patchy on outer islands.
Coworking: limited.
Time zone: 15 hours ahead of US Eastern in summer, 16 in winter.
Longer stays: check current rules.
Nomad rating: 2/5.
Good to know
Language: Bislama, English and French.
Currency: Vanuatu vatu.
Plugs: Type I, 230V.
Entry for US citizens: visa free for short stays. Check current rules.
Getting around apps: taxis and minibuses.
Tipping: not expected.
Water: bottled.
SIM/eSIM: local SIMs.
Useful phrases
Halo: hello.
Tangkiu tumas: thank you very much.
Olsem wanem: how are you.
Yes and No: same as English.
Meeting people
Social scene: village hospitality is the highlight. Resorts and dive trips are the easiest places to meet other travelers.
Apps: limited.
Etiquette: ask permission before visiting villages or taking photos. Dress modestly away from the beach, and respect tabu places.
Stay smart: use local guides.
Staying safe
Volcano: follow guides and alert levels. Stay behind the marked rim and do not climb at night without a guide.
Cyclones: season is November to April.
Health: take malaria precautions where advised.