Vanuatu: Volcanoes, Sea and Living Culture

During Nagol, also known as land diving, men jump from tall wooden towers on Pentecost, with vines attached to their ankles. The tradition takes place every year from April to June. Vanuatu also has very different sides to discover: historic sites, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and experiences at sea. Deciding which of these you want to shape your trip is a helpful starting point for planning.

Volcanoes, waterfalls and nature on Efate

Mount Yasur on the island of Tanna is considered the world’s most easily accessible volcano. On Efate, a scenic trail leads through lush tropical forest to the natural swimming pools of Mele Cascades, a waterfall near Port Vila. Trail conditions may change. Both places offer a clear focus on nature, but their landscapes are very different: the volcano on Tanna, and the waterfall and forest on Efate.

The Blue Lagoon is also on Efate, a 45-minute drive from downtown Port Vila. Road conditions and journey times may vary. It is therefore helpful to treat the drive as an approximate guide and weigh it against other experiences on Efate.

Islands, the sea and underwater worlds

Day trips to Lelepa offer snorkeling in a marine protected area. The excursions also include a visit to a historic cave. Specific tour arrangements may change; check them before planning your trip. On Nguna Island, tours include hikes to an extinct volcano and diving in the Nguna Pele Marine Protected Area. Nguna is accessible by boat from Emua Wharf. As transport schedules may change, check boat travel options in advance.

Lamen Bay on the west coast of Epi is considered one of the best places in Vanuatu to see dugongs in the wild. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. On Espiritu Santo, the SS President Coolidge offers a different underwater experience: the wreck is just over 200 meters long and is one of the largest shipwrecks in the world; its deepest point lies 70 meters below the water’s surface. Comparing wildlife watching with a shipwreck shows how varied marine experiences in Vanuatu can be. Matevulu Blue Hole, meanwhile, is the largest of Santo’s Blue Holes.

History and cultural experiences

Chief Roi Mata’s Domain comprises three sites dating to the early 17th century on Efate, Lelepa and Artok. They are associated with the life and death of the last paramount chief, Roi Mata, and include his residence, the place where he died and his mass burial site. The site was the first in Vanuatu to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The three places give the historical theme a clear geographic and chronological context.

In Port Vila, the Vanuatu National Museum offers live demonstrations of sand drawing, as well as exhibitions on kastom artifacts and history. The museum program may change. At Ekasup Village, visitors can learn about traditional cooking methods and discover local handicrafts; specific program details may also change.

Tradition, food and travel planning

The seasonal Nagol on Pentecost is recognizable by its tall wooden towers and the vines tied to the ankles of the men who jump. If you want to include this event in your travel plans, check the exact dates and locations in advance. For a different cultural insight, you can learn about kava: the traditional drink is made from the root of the kava plant, a type of pepper. Visitors can try it in a nakamal, a traditional kava bar.

If you’re looking for hotels in Vanuatu, first decide which experiences matter most for your trip: historic sites and culture, volcanic and forest landscapes, or activities in and around the sea. The places mentioned are spread across different islands and include both seasonal traditions and nature and cultural experiences.

Discover more destinations: Shefa, Sanma, Tafea, Malampa Province, Penama Province, Marshall Islands, Coconut Island, Norfolk Island.

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