Experience what Vanuatu has to offer whether you’re travelling alone or in a group seeking an adrenaline rush, or simply pure relaxation, cultural experiences, a life-changing adventure, fun, music and art, or unwinding with the family, go on a photography expedition, and much more.

By visiting Vanuatu, you will have an incredible experience beckoning you to return for more!

Hiking
Vanuatu offers some of the world’s most diverse hiking. From soaring, steamy mountain peaks to volcanic craters, beach trails to riverside meanders, you’ll find a trail that’s perfect for. Hiking offers an excellent way to connect with the local community with multiday hikes often stopping in villages and being led by local guides. There are a great range of walks taking half a day close to Port Vila to full 5 day hikes in the Outer Islands.

 

Go off the beaten track
Climb mountains and ford streams. If you love to trek, then Vanuatu is the place for you with a massive diversity of hikes across the 83 islands.

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters (perfect for a post-hike dip), you can traverse jungles, lunar landscapes, volcanic ashplains and soaring peaks…

Traditional customs are still at the heart of Ni-Vanuatu way of life. We recommend always walking with a local guide or two to ensure cultural sensitivity.

Photographers
If you are a professional photographer, social media influencer, or videographer and you would like to include Vanuatu in your next project we would be delighted to have you here! Send us a message and let’s start planning.

Like something out of a storybook, Vanuatu is the island of your dreams with its beaches, rainforests and culturally rich environment. Vanuatu has always attracted professional photographers, who want to capture the pristine beauty of nature in its bare form.

Here, you can get lost in the many wonders from azure waters to lush rainforests, from beautiful beaches to mighty volcanoes, Vanuatu is a photographer’s paradise ready to complete galleries with awe-inspiring images of nature and ultimately beautiful people.

Tankiu tumas camera friends!
Vanuatu Tourism has collaborated with talented photographers and influencers, who have captured the beauty of Vanuatu. Each photo is worth a thousand words and these brilliant photographers have been writing stories with the images they’ve captured.

Diving
Vanuatu is best known to divers around the world for the wreck of the SS President Coolidge, but as a diving destination, there is much more to Vanuatu’s underwater world. Encircled by, and in common with, its Pacific Ocean neighbours Fiji, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu has rich coral reefs, a wealth of wrecks and some great snorkelling too. It is also home to the only underwater post office in the world. (Seriously.)

Huge caverns and drop offs, abundant marine life, beautiful bright corals, giant sea fans and world-famous wrecks all contribute to Vanuatu’s reputation as a diving destination. It is also one of the best places for divers to see dugongs.
The landscape beneath the water mirrors that found above: mountainous terrain with plunging cliffs, grottoes and overhangs, huge caves and intricate interconnecting underwater tunnels and chasms formed by frozen lava.

Diving Vanuatu’s Coral Reefs
Vanuatu is an island archipelago consisting of approximately 82 relatively small islands. The main islands from largest to smallest are; Espiritu Santo, Malakula, Efate (home to the capital Port Vila), Erromango, Ambrym and Tanna. The islands are volcanic in origin and as a consequence, Vanuatu’s shoreline is mostly rocky with fringing reefs and little continental shelf, dropping rapidly into the ocean depths. This gives rise to some exciting diving on reefs and walls, as well as some excellent snorkelling opportunities, particularly on Tanna.

Diving Vanuatu’s Wrecks
Vanuatu became independent as recently as 1980, being jointly administered by France and Britain, and named the New Hebrides prior to that. Being an allied territory, it supported a large American base during WWII and we have them to thank for the wrecks of the SS President Coolidge, the USS Tucker and Million Dollar Point.

Where to Dive…
There are three main regions for diving in Vanuatu; Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna.

Efate: Port Vila and Tranquillity Island
The island of Efate is surrounded by very pretty fringing reef, a few wrecks and a stunning cavern called the Cathedral, with stand-out dive sites including Owen’s Reef on Tranquillity Island and West Side Story near Hideaway Island Resort.

Diving Port Vila is easy, with a range of operators to choose from, each of which pick up and return divers to their hotels. Many of the best dive sites are only minutes away. Diving is well supervised and varied, with several wrecks, bommies, drop-offs and caverns in the protected waters of the bay.

Port Vila is a good place to try diving for the first time, with a Discover Scuba Diving experience, or even learn to dive and get the Open Water Certification. With operators such as Big Blue, lessons can often start in the pool of your chosen resort, before you venture into the ocean.

Introductory dives at Hideaway Island Resort and Tranquillity Island are usually done in the clear, protected shallows of the lagoon. More experienced divers can dive deeper at sites such as the Semele Federesen – the wreck of an inter-island trader which lies with its propeller at 40m, or the Cathedral, an impressive tall narrow cavern stretching down to 28m.

There is the wreck of the 1874 built sailing ship Star of Russia, a three masted sailing ship in 36 meters of water. An island trader scuttled in the harbour Konanda, and the ex-Qantas Sandringham flying boat Tasman.

Espiritu Santo
Diving Espiritu Santo is synonymous with diving the SS President Coolidge, but it’s not the only dive in town. Wreck diving options also include the infamous Million Dollar Beach and the USS Tucker, and for coral lovers, there’s plenty of fringing reefs, drop offs and coral gardens to explore.

Being home to the world’s largest, most accessible wreck in the world, Santo is popular with technical divers, using their skills to plunge the depths of the SS President Coolidge. This 33,000-tonne converted luxury liner sank during WWII after hitting a (friendly) mine, and now rests in depths of 21 to 70 metres. The impressive wreck is one of the most exciting wreck dives in the world, that is accessible to recreational divers.

If you want to see the whole wreck, you’ll need between 10 and 15 dives, and technical diving allows divers more time to explore the seemingly endless corridors, hidden alcoves and cavernous cargo holds.
Other technical dive sites around Santo include Million Dollar Point where you can explore the famously dumped WWII equipment in depths of up to 50m.

Dive Centres on Espiritu Santo, including Absolute Adventures and Pacific Dive provide technical dive training and support both open circuit and rebreather technical divers, with a range of gases and equipment available for hire.

For those seeking coral reefs, there’s Ratarata Reef and two at Tutuba Island, with good chances of seeing resident turtles, barracudas and other passing pelagics, plus Cindy’s Reef, off Aore Island, which provides easy reef diving with good visibility.

Tanna
Diving Tanna is very different from diving Port Vila or Santo, as Tanna is a more remote volcanic island – with an active volcano. Diving Tanna, you will experience crystal clear water, colourful hard coral reefs and an amazing topology of swim throughs and blue holes.

The diving on Tanna also offers shear vertical walls with pelagic action including reef sharks, turtles, schools of yellowfin tuna and barracuda as well as the wreck of a small cargo boat. One of the most unique aspects of diving in Tanna is the vast amount of easily accessible swim-throughs and caves. Some so small you question whether it’s possible to squeeze through, but the local dive guides at Volcano Island Divers know this fringing reef like the back of their hand and expertly weave through it.

When to dive…
Diving is possible year-round in Vanuatu, with water temperature varying between 24ºC – 29ºC depending on the season, with the warmest months from January to May and the coolest in August. There is also a distinct difference in water temperature from north in Santo, to south, at Tanna. Rainy season runs from December to March, however with steep drop offs this does not affect visibility.

Best Dive Sites in Vanuatu
Owen’s Reef, Tranquillity Island
Fields of staghorn coral, towering pinnacles, enormous brain corals and colourful soft corals and fans. I honestly lost count of how many different types of coral I saw on a single dive on Owen’s Reef, near Tranquillity Island, just off the coast of Vanuatu’s main island of Efate. Owen himself, the owner of Tranquillity Island Eco Resort (and the reef’s namesake) told me that a visiting marine biologist once said that he had never seen so many different species of coral on a single dive.

Turtle Reef, Tranquillity Island
Google “best place to see turtles in Vanuatu” and you’ll find Tranquillity Island Eco Resort. While you are likely to see turtles on the house reef (Turtle Reef), you’ll also see them at the resort’s Turtle Sanctuary, a largely educational institution that is funded and operated by resort staff, with help from guest donations. The turtles are kept here until they reach a size that will assure them a better chance of survival, and guests and day trippers can release turtles for a small donation.

The Cathedral, Port Vila
The Cathedral is a striking tall narrow cavern, about a 20-minute boat ride from Port Vila. The entrance to the cavern is tall and wide, about 22m deep at the sandy bottom, and it gets narrower as you approach the ‘pulpit’ at the apex. Beyond the pulpit is a narrow chimney that leads to the surface, where you can pop up, wave to the boat before swimming back down and out of the Cathedral to check out the coral on the reef wall outside.

Bonzer wreck, and the coral gardens surrounding it, Efate
The Bonzer Wreck is a cute little wreck about a one-minute’s boat ride from Hideaway Island Resort in Port Vila. The small freighter, purposely scuttled in an upright position in shallow water, is perfect for inexperienced wreck divers. The dive boat normally moors a little distance away so there’s a scenic reef to traverse along and steadily down before arriving at the wreck at 18m. Along the way, one of the largest anemone gardens you’ll ever see, teeming with reef fish and cheeky red and black anemone fish. Nearby dive sites include West Side Story which features seemingly endless fields of bright yellow staghorn coral.

Fan garden, Aore Island
A few metres off the beach on Aore Island, this drift dive has to be seen to believed. You’ll feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland as you drift with the current through a forest of seriously enormous sea fans. Sometimes called ‘Aore Wall’, in the shallows you’ll find nudibranchs, anemones, a variety of WWII artefacts and if you’re lucky you might also find a colourful mantis shrimp. It’s a great site for photographers looking to practice their macro skills or for those wanting to let the current do the work.

SS President Coolidge, Santo
At just over 200 metres long, the SS President Coolidge is one of the largest wrecks in the world. In fact some divers go to Espiritu Santo or even Vanuatu just to dive the Coolidge, and spend the best part of the week doing so: starting with an orientation dive, and working their way up (down) to the ‘Lady’ – a porcelain figure of a medieval babe riding a unicorn in the first class dining room, and on to the engine room and the stern, the wreck’s deepest point at 70 metres. A highlight for me is the marine life on this wreck, an enormous resident moray eel called Nessie and the flashlight fish in Cargo Hold #2.

Million Dollar Point, Santo
So named by the price tag U.S. troops put on the vehicles of their task force, that they tried and failed to sell to the French, the English and finally the Vanuatu locals at the close of WWII, before bulldozing the whole lot into the ocean to spite them all. A dive site of tracked and wheeled vehicles, and various other machines in about 15-25m of water just off the beach near Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. It boggles the mind to swim through this wreckage, the wastes of war.

Tanna’s Blue Holes
The first swim-through you’ll experience in Tanna will probably be the house reef at White Grass Ocean Resort. Walk to the end of a long jetty in front of the resort which takes you over the shallowest parts of the fringing reef, and giant stride entry into a blue hole. Head across to the far-right corner to find a narrow swim-through that winds its way through to the reef wall, which drops down to about 25 metres. This is hands down my favourite dive in Vanuatu.

Fishing in Vanuatu
Vanuatu is known for offering some of the best fishing spots in the world right at its doorstep. Ideally located in the South Pacific, Vanuatu provides a vast variety of fishes. Thanks to the great Vanuatu weather, the waters here stay tepid all year round, making it ideal for fishing species like Marlins.

Whether you are looking to spend a relaxing day with family or challenge yourself, there is something for everyone here. Check out our tour operators offering fishing charters and day trips by clicking here.

Fishing Options Available
The coastal areas of Vanuatu are home to a huge assortment of fish species. Species like yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, skipjack tuna, marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel are available in abundance around the islands.

If, during your time in Vanuatu, you are looking for a relatively more comfortable adventure where you do not have to wrestle with massive fish, reef fishing is just what you are looking for. The inshore reefs around Epi or Efate offer some of the best reef fishing spots in the world. You can look to catch fishes like queenfish, coral trout, mangrove jack and much more.

If reef fishing isn’t what you are looking for, then head out into the deep waters. A vast variety of game and sport fishing options are available for you to choose from. You will love the challenge deep water fishing, Vanuatu offers and you are sure to catch some incredibly huge fishes to show off to your friends and family.

Best Time to Fish
Fishing is excellent all year round, and you can catch marlins every month. But if you are looking for a particular fish or if you are planning a fishing trip, here is what you can expect in these months:

June to November
The temperature is lower during this time and the period is perfect for fishing the revered Indo-Pacific Blue Marlin. You can catch the black and striped marlins in limited numbers in these months.

December to February
Perfect to catch the yellowfin tuna and marlin, the climate is hot and humid, and the conditions are calm.

March to May
This period is the best time to go fishing as it is easy to catch almost all the fish species. This season is outstanding for catching the wahoo and the marlin, especially around Erromango.

Agritourism
Agritourism is catching on across the globe. It is an experience that offers travellers a different experience. It is a chance for people to know and live a life different from the one they’re living. Such a holiday is an exciting and unique adventure that you must undertake. Agritourism is all about educating people and allowing them to get involved at the grass root level. So, visit Vanuatu and live an experience that is unique, exciting and exhilarating. You are sure to walk away with a happy, content heart and a bagful of interesting stories!

Agritourism in Vanuatu
Agritourism in Vanuatu has flourished because of the many brilliant options people have when visiting this culturally rich region. When you make a trip to Vanuatu, you can visit Aelan Chocolate Makers, where chocolate is manufactured using cocoa beans sourced from the Vanuatu archipelago. It is a fantastic place for children to learn about the manufacturing process of chocolate.

Another great option is visiting the Haos Blong Handikraft & Mahitahi. Here you can purchase genuine Vanuatu products created and sold by local businesses. It is the perfect place to spend a day exploring the culture and history of Vanuatu.

Kava is native to the South Pacific Islands, and you can go an adventure of a lifetime with Kava Discovery Tour Factory. You can see firsthand how the crop is harvested in the fields and gardens, and end it with a shell of Kava surrounded by nature and the sun setting in the distance.

And if its not kava, instead a tropical fruit punch, Lapita Cafe’s delicious Coconut and Ginger cookies will have your taste buds wanting more. The proud owners can tell you all about how they produce their delicious treats. Every product tells you a story of how it ends up in the pack.

Agritourism combines rural settings with products of agricultural operations – all within a tourism experience that is distinctly different from traditional holidays. Visiting Vanuatu will allow you to interact with local farmers and producers. You can purchase products manufactured in Vanuatu from local businesses exotic interesting wares, food products, and more.

So when you come on a tour or visit one of our agritourism sites or local businesses, you not only help local businesses flourish but also get to experience something so distinct that it has flourished and sustained an entire region. The culture, food and interests of the Vanuatu people are extraordinary, and we help you experience it in all its beauty. Come experience Vanuatu, the Vanuatu way!

Cruise haven
Drifting on the sea in the comfort of your cruise ship enveloped by the fresh, clean breeze can be sensational. Cruising in Vanuatu is an experience you will never forget, and the cruise holidays are extremely popular because of the uncrowded beaches, the region’s proximity to Australia and clear waters, and every fantastic thing Vanuatu has to offer to cruise passengers – all perfect for a few days on and in the water.

Vanuatu is full of hidden gems from stunning natural beauty to colourful cultures and rich histories foretold in our custom stories, and could even be drawn on sand. Cruising on board the Carnival or any of the P&O cruise ship can be your choice of getting here, to experience more of our enchanting locales, our vibrant cultures across five stop points Port Vila, Luganville, Mystery Island, Champaign Beach, and Pangi.

Ports of call highlights
If you would like to explore nature and culture at Vanuatu, you can visit Mystery Island, Port Vila, Luganville, Champagne Beach and Pangi. Several activities are included in the cruises. You can choose the cruise that sounds exciting to you and your companions. The cruise service providers are experienced and will be happy to guide you to select the cruises or customise them according to your group’s requirements.

In Port Vila, you can choose from Port Vila city highlights and the fruits and veggies markets are always hot favourite, to Port Vila discovery tours, ekasup cultural village, round island safaris, fun rides on buggies or horse-backs whichever you choose, and more. Just speak with your tour desk to plan your activities before arriving at each port of calls.

You will love the snorkelling at Mystery island in the southern province, the world war 2 history tours, blue holes, champagne beach on Espiritu Santo, and daring land diving rituals on south Pentecost, will leave unforgettable memories of our islands very likely to tempt you for another return, so WELKAM!

Its a unique and exceptional experience than any other cruise destinations in the south Pacific, boasting our hidden gems waiting to be shared with all our cruise ship passengers.

SURFING
Vanuatu’s not typically associated with surfing but there’s a growing reputation among the global community that surfing in Vanuatu is on par, if not better, than some of the best spots in the South Pacific (such as Fiji, Tonga and Sa’moa). Surfing, as an activity, is still in its infancy but offers excellent and accessible surf spots which aren’t crowded and at a much cheaper rate.

Surfers willing to travel to the outer islands islands will be rewarded with breaks that offer perfect hollow waves and temperate waters (thanks to the stunning Vanuatu weather) for those ideal surfing conditions. With excellent conditions all year round and the perfectly shaped group of islands, there is plenty of potential for surfing in Vanuatu.

Surfing Conditions in Vanuatu
Vanuatu offers perfect surfing conditions all year round, but the best time to surf here would be between March and December when the Antarctic lows send over consistent southern swells.

Moderate rainfall during the hot and wet season between December and April bring in huge swells, but cyclones are also likely to occur during this time. The Northern coastline receives swells during this time due to the low-pressure system brewing there.

With 40 to 50-metre ride lengths and waves ranging from 5 to 6 feet, Vanuatu offers some incredible surfing locations.

Best Spots for Surfing
Vanuatu offers some of the best and untouched surf spots in the world. With surf spots scattered around Vanuatu that provides the perfect opportunity for newbies and experienced surfers alike. Black Sand Beach, British Beach, Epao, Forari Bay, Mangea Reefs, Pango Point, Soumabal Point, Port Resolution are just some of the beaches which offer a great surfing experience for everyone.

For someone looking for more of a challenge, spots like Breakas, Devils Point, Erakor Reef, Pounders and Tapi Point are just perfect. The adventurous surfers might want to travel to islands such as Tanna to enjoy some of the genuinely untouched surfing locations.

The best way to enjoy surfing in Vanuatu is to explore it island-by-island, exploring the full gamut of surf breaks available. Efate (where Port Vila is located) holds most of the best surfing spots here and plenty of accommodation options are available here. Some of the more remote locations can be accessed by seaplanes or boats.

Vanuatu Surfing Association can offer further assistance to surfers who are new to the place. Comprising of locals and expats from Australia and New Zealand, they organise local surfing events along with domestic and international competitions. So, if you are looking for new and exciting surfing challenges, Vanuatu should undoubtedly be your next destination. Check out our accommodation pages to book your surfing holiday today.

MICE in Vanuatu
Get away from the regular business conference set up, and come to Vanuatu to meet in a refreshing, creative, and relaxed conference venue where colleagues get together, network, while unwinding in the tropical ambience of the happiest place on the planet!

There’s an array of conference venues, facilities, and offers to suit all sorts of business meetings, including any of our open business events may interest you!

We look forward to meeting you.

Yachting and Sailing
Sailing to Vanuatu on a yacht is an incredible experience. Our island paradise of 83 islands is always a joy to sail through by both newcomers as well as the regulars, in part thanks to the year-round stunning Vanuatu weather. Vanuatu’s location between New Caledonia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands also makes it an ideal stop-off on longer journeys. There are several yachting service suppliers that are able to provide assistance, point you in the right direction in finding the best sailing season, to secluded bays, and answering general queries about sailing into and around Vanuatu.

These yachties are longtime residents of Vanuatu and are very experienced sailors and will be able to assist you. Contact any of the suppliers and operators in our Provision and Maintenance page.

Vanuatu Entry Formalities
Vanuatu is very welcoming of all its tourists whether arriving by air or boat! However, specific laws regarding customs, fishing, international borders, quarantine, immigration, anchorages and more need to be followed by all visitors. Click on the tiles below to access information. One amazing aspect of visiting Vanuatu is that only 400 cruising vessels visit annually, and with hundreds of safe anchorages, you won’t get bothered with crowded anchorages. You’ll simply be able take your time enjoying sailing in Vanuatu and discovering all the nature, culture and beauty across our remarkable islands.

Weddings
What’s better than an island? 83 islands!
Vanuatu is a pristine archipelago of 83 islands. When it comes to exotic wedding locations such as under the coconut palms (right image by Groovy Banana Photography), Vanuatu wins hands down. The beautiful beaches and clear water beckon the wedding party. You can be hitched on a volcano.

It definitely can’t get more amazing than that! Vanuatu is a great location to celebrate before, during and after the wedding. A wedding in Vanuatu is an extended vacation that is sure to fill up several albums with fond memories. With so many Natural Charms to make all your wedding dreams come true, you can start planning now.

Wedding Services
Wedding services for cakes, professional photographers, catering, venue, officiator, hair and makeup and more are readily available in Vanuatu. You and your guests can indulge in exceptional South Pacific cuisine with a French influence.

Wedding Venues in Vanuatu
You can get married at Éfaté, Espíritu Santo or Tanna Island. Éfaté is one of the most populous places in Vanuatu and wedding services are easily available here as well as on Espíritu Santo and Tanna Island is now catching on. If you are looking for a remote and exclusive location to get up gorgeous ceremony from white sandy beaches, luxury holiday homes, cascading waterfalls, tropical gardens, sailing yachts and jetty’s or even on top of Mt Yasur Volcano, you’ve come to the right place!

Fun Activities for the Wedding Party
There are so many exciting things to do in Vanuatu for everyone to enjoy as a group or just the two of you from soaking in and learning about the culture together, go scuba diving and exploring blue hole, a golfing and spa kind of a holiday, to exploring the rainforests, go on a kayak safari, sunset cruises and more. To get bit more romantic with your loved one, couples can have a candlelit dinner on the beach or on a deck over the water, go swimming together under Mele Cascades Waterfall, enjoy an open-air couple’s massage, horseback riding on beaches and so much more.

Legal requirements to get married in Vanuatu
You can contact a wedding organiser in Vanuatu, who can help you with the legal part as well as planning of the wedding. These are the requirements to note when preparing for your magical day here in paradise:
1. Submit your application to the Vanuatu Government 28 days before to your wedding

2. Ensure you are in Vanuatu three days before the wedding date

3. Both the bride and groom should take with them the following:

a witness each, passport and birth certificate for bride, groom, and witnesses, divorce documents or a death certificate of a former spouse, in case of a second marriage.

Vanuatu offers a good variety of eco tour products from discovering the hidden beauty of the fabulous flora and fauna in its natural environment, to learning about the history and cultural background of certain natural attractions, meeting local communities that are involved in environmental projects, gentle bush walking passing coconut plantations and historical sites, waterfall and cascade tours, group mountain biking tours, river kayaking tours, volcano and hot spring trips, bird watching at Vatthe Conservation on Santo, turtle tagging on Moso north of Efate and so much more on offer!

Blue Cave Adventures & Tours
SITUATED ON THE NORTH WEST COAST LINE OF TANNA ISLAND, THIS TANNA ATTRACTION IS NOT TO BE MISSED!

Whether you are a keen snorkeler or not, you will be enthralled by the beauty of this place. Once you arrive to Blue Cave either by boat or road it is an easy swim into the cave, at low tide you can swim right under the rock ledge that takes you into the cave and at high tide you will need to swim underwater for a very short distance, where you will then come up in the cave.

The cave is quite large and has a hole in the roof that provides a beautiful light, which shines into the cave highlighting the blue water and creating great photo opportunities.

You do not need to be an experienced swimmer but if you feel a little nervous about diving underwater to enter the cave then you should visit the Blue Cave at low tide. Check with your tour operator to find out what times the tides are on the day of your tour. Most tours will not go if the sea is too rough as there can be some currents that do push into the cave when the sea is stronger.

Truly a magical place to spend some time, your tour operator will provide you with enough time to explore the cave and jump from some of the platforms outside the cave if you dare! There are also ladders that go up the cliff to a small area on top where you can relax in a hammock, check out the cave roof hole from above, talk to the friendly local family who own the Blue Cave or just enjoy the views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Some tours will provide food and refreshments, check with your tour company about additional extras that can be provided.

If you make your own way to the cave with a boat, yacht or 4WD an entrance fee of 2000 vatu per person is required to be paid in cash, otherwise all tours will include this entrance fee as part of the tour price.

The Blue Cave local owners are Daniel and Rachel Talap who are full of a wealth of knowledge about the area. They have also recently built a bungalow on top of the ridge above the Blue Cave where you can stay overnight and get even more time to enjoy the Blue Cave and nearby attractions.

There is also Accommodation situated on top of the Blue Cave if you wish to explore the Blue Cave more than once and stay somewhere remote and beautiful!

Chief Roimata’s Domain – World Heritage Site
IN JULY 2008, CHIEF ROI MATA’S DOMAIN WAS FORMALLY REGISTERED AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE – THE FIRST IN VANUATU! JUST HALF AN HOUR’S DRIVE NORTH OF PORT VILA AND FEATURING A STRING OF PERFECT BEACHES, A BREATHTAKING HARBOUR, SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE HAT-SHAPED ISLAND OF ARTOK, AND SO MUCH MORE!

In a cultures where language is unwritten, oral traditions are faithfully passed down from generation to generation. The accuracy of such history is frequently disputed by Western cultures, for what is heard can be changed in the retelling. And in any case, how does one separate fact from legend? Throughout the middle and southern islands of Vanuatu there existed the story of a great and powerful man.

Club Hippique Adventure Park
CLUB HIPPIQUE IS SITUATED 10 MINS FROM PORT VILA AND OFFERS A NUMBER OF TOURS ON HORSEBACK. WE HAVE OVER 50 HORSES TO CHOSE FROM, FOR BEGINNER TO ADVANCED. WE OFFER 1HR, 2HR, ½ DAY & FULL DAY TOURS AND INCLUDE RETURN TRANSFERS FROM YOUR HOTEL.

Choose from a rainforest ride or ride to a white sand beach or waterfall or take advantage of the cooler hours and enjoy a magnificent sunset ride.

Crab Bay Mangrove Forest Walk
JOIN A LOCAL TOUR GUIDE ON A 1 ½ HOUR SCENIC WALK EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE AND HISTORY OF THIS BEAUTIFUL MANGROVE CONSERVATION AREA AND HOW IT ASSISTS IN PROVIDING HABITAT FOR SPECIES AND CLEANSING THE ENVIRONMENT. LEARN ABOUT THE SIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF MANGROVE, SOME OF THE ENDEMIC TREES, BIRDS, GECKOS, SNAKES, AND OF COURSE CRABS.

You will learn the uses of the trees in hunting and house construction before arriving back at Amal-Crab Bay Ecological Education Centre where they will provide fresh tropical fruit and refreshments. This is an opportunity to view posters and have any questions answered about the centre and the species they help to preserve before having a refreshing swim from the beach.

Eden on the River
JUST 20 MINUTES FROM PORT VILA YOU WILL FIND THE “EDEN EXPERIENCE”. A MUST SEE DESTINATION FOR ALL AGES. OUR TROPICAL ECO TOURS BLEND EDUCATION WITH A TOUCH OF ADVENTURE. ALL LEAD BY OUR EXPERIENCED TOUR GUIDES WHO’LL ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE A SAFE AND TRULY WONDERFUL DAY.

Choose from: • Bridges of Eden Both exhilarating and beautiful this tour takes you on a series of suspension bridges across our stunning tropical riverscape. Built to the world’s highest standards for your safety.

Enimah Traditional Tours
ENIMAH IS A TRADITIONAL WORD FROM THE ISLAND OF TANNA, MEANING ‘CENTER’. IN TRADITION, ENIMAH IS AN AREA WHERE ALL VILLAGES ASSEMBLE TO MEET OR PERFORM CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. THE ENIMAH TRADITION COMBINES DANCE, FOOD CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING.

Activities in the cultural village include; Tradition Architecture, Local Food Crops, Traditional Food Preparations, Traditional Brew ‘Kava’, Traditional Art & Craft, The use of the Coconut Tree, Traditional Dance, Traditional Face Painting, and Hair braiding with beads.

Lake Letas and Mt Garet Trek
GAUA IS KNOWN AS THE ADVENTURE ISLAND IN TORBA PROVINCE AND FOR GOOD REASON. HIKING TO LAKE LETAS AND MT. GARET ARE THE MAIN DRAW CARDS FOR TOURISTS VISITING GAUA WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A REWARDING CHALLENGE. HIKING, CANOEING, AND ACTIVE VOLCANOES – THIS TREK HAS IT ALL!

Your guide Victor will lead you on the hike at a pace that suits you, with the option to walk over one, two or three days. The trek will take you through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the country; we highly recommend you bring your camera with spare batteries, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, water bottle, wet weather gear and a small first aid kit.

This is a challenging trek – even walking at a more leisurely pace, and it is recommended that it is only undertaken by those who have a high level of fitness and stamina or have experience hiking in similar (tropical) conditions. The hike is subject to natural conditions and your safety is our priority.

Losinwei Cascades and Waterfall Walk
THIS FABULOUS, PICTURESQUE WALK TAKES GUESTS PAST A MULTITUDE OF SMALL NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS IN THE LIMESTONE ROCK SMOOTHED BY THE FLOW OF WATER AND TIME. GUESTS WALK UNDER THE CANOPY OF THE GREEN TROPICAL COASTAL JUNGLE WITH TINY ORCHIDS AND OTHER FLOWERING IRISES.

The guide will help negotiate the numerous rock pools and the rocky riverside track cutting vegetation away as guests pass. After negotiating a steep rock face you will arrive at the powerful and majestic roaring waterfall to swim and splash in its secret elevated pools and through the hidden crevices. Guests are bound to be soaked and wet before returning.

Visit the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (VKS) and National Museum to learn about 2 of Vanuatu’s world heritage sites declared by UNESCO, to experience the culturally rich heritage and traditional art history of Vanuatu passed on from one generation to the next for hundreds of years. The sites and attractions are:

Chief Roi Mata Domain
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain is the first site to be inscribed in Vanuatu. It consists of three early 17th century AD sites on the islands of Efate, Lelepa and Artok associated with the life and death of the last paramount chief, or Roi Mata, of what is now Central Vanuatu. The property includes Roi Mata’s residence, the site of his death and Roi Mata’s mass burial site.

It is closely associated with the oral traditions surrounding the chief and the moral values he espoused. The site reflects the convergence between oral tradition and archaeology and bears witness to the persistence of Roi Mata’s social reforms and conflict resolution, still relevant to the people of the region.

Year of Inscription 2008
Add world heritage to your travel plans – plan to visit Chief Roi Mata’s Domain! Sign up on GoUNESCO to get travel advice, tips, partners and help with traveling to Chief Roi Mata’s Domain.

Intangible Cultural Heritage – the sand drawing
Situated in the South Pacific, the Vanuatu archipelago has preserved a unique and complex tradition of sand drawing.

This multifunctional “writing” is more than an indigenous artistic expression and it occurs in a wide range of ritual, contemplative and communicative contexts. The drawings are produced directly on the ground, in sand, volcanic ash or clay. Using one finger, the drawer traces a continuous meandering line on an imagined grid to produce a graceful, often symmetrical, composition of geometric patterns. This rich and dynamic graphic tradition has developed as a means of communication among the members of some 80 different language groups inhabiting the central and northern islands of Vanuatu.

The drawings also function as mnemonic devices to record and transmit rituals, mythological lore and a wealth of oral information about local histories, cosmologies, kinship systems, song cycles, farming techniques, architectural and craft design, and choreographic patterns. Most sand drawings possess several functions and layers of meaning: they can be “read” as artistic works, repositories of information, illustration for stories, signatures, or simply messages and objects of contemplation. Sand drawings are not merely “pictures”, but refer to a combination of knowledge, songs, and stories with sacred or profane meanings.

A master sand drawer must therefore possess not only a strong knowledge of graphic patterns but also a deep understanding of their significance. In addition, sand drawers should have the ability to interpret the drawings for spectators. As attractive symbols of Vanuatu identity, the drawings are often showcased as a form of decorative folklore for tourists and other commercial purposes. If left unchecked, this tendency to appreciate sand drawings on a purely aesthetic level may result in the loss of the tradition’s deeper symbolic significance and original social function.

Port Vila is growing in experience and expertise to pamper pack holidays with invigorating and indulging treatment holiday makers desire and deserve. For rejuvenation and relaxation, tourists can succumb and indulge their senses to an array of divine day spa magic at resorts listed below.

Pamper packages cater to both men and women, highlighting various techniques of massage therapies with a wide selection of natural aromatherapy and essential oils for facials, manicure, pedicure, body scrub, waxing, and more. Day spas are surrounded in complete serenity, comfort, and may be set in amongst tropical gardens to beachfronts with direct access to ocean view, and swaying coconut palms in the midst.

Aore Island Weddings & Spa
GETTING MARRIED OR RENEWING YOUR VOWS? AT AORE ISLAND RESORT, WE UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE LIFE EVENTS AND IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO ASSIST YOU.

Weddings: Our in-house wedding planner Montana is on hand to ensure that your day is stress free and aligns perfectly with your personal wishes for the occasion. Aore Island Resort can cater for large wedding parties with exclusive use of the resort, smaller groups or even just the special couple.

Wedding Services offered: Wedding planning tips, Photography, Photo Album, Video Footage Video and Photo postage, Wedding Cake, Floral Arch, Celebrant, Registration and Wedding, Certificate, Bridal Car, Witness’s (if required), Wedding vows, Decorated floral area, Hair and Make-up for the Bride, Bouquet for the Bride, Button Hole for the Groom, Conch Shell Escort, Floral crown or hair flowers for the Brides, Flora crown for the Groom, Traditional Custom Costume for the Bride and Groom Serenaders, Music Entertainment, Garden Wedding, Beach Wedding, Cultural Wedding, Lagoon Cruise Wedding, Wedding Night, Accommodation + breakfast, Wedding Gifts, Floral Leis, Basket of Petals, Wedding Hen’s night, Pre Wedding Stag’s night

Barrier Beach Resort
BARRIER BEACH RESORT PROMISES A LUXURIOUS, RELAXED ATMOSPHERE TO USE AS YOUR BASE FOR EXPLORING THE MANY DELIGHTS THAT SANTO HAS TO OFFER. SPACIOUS FARES LOOK OUT OVER THE SEA, WHERE OFFSHORE ISLANDS AND A CORAL REEF CREATE A NATURAL BARRIER TO THE OCEAN. SUNDECKS STRETCH OVER THE SAND AND PROVIDE PLENTY OF PLACES TO TAKE IN THE VIEW – RELAX IN THE SUN OR LEAVE YOUR TOWELS WHILE ENJOYING YEAR ROUND SWIMMING. PLUS ENJOY A COCKTAIL WHILE RELAXING IN THE WATER.

The fares are strung along the beach and embraced by trees. Barrier Beach Resort has an extraordinary setting for your next escape – soft white sand canopied by ancient hardwood trees, and welcoming warm blue sea. The garden is abundant with tropical flowers and foliage. Decked pathways lead you on to sumptuous day spa rituals and fine dining.

The Day Spa promises to add to your holiday glow with island massage or luxuriant spa treatments with pure, botanical products, while the restaurant combines the best of Santo’s fresh produce with fresh, modern flavours. Breakfast included Free self parking Free WiFi Restaurant 24-hour front desk.

Fares have tea and coffee facilities, a personal safe and a small refrigerator and minibar. To allow for ease of travel guests are provided with both bath and beach towels, as well as shampoo, conditioner and a full sized hairdryer with diffuser. Breakfasts are served either in the main living area or on your own deck. Lunches and dinner are served by arrangement with guests or alternatively, your host will arrange bookings at one of the many high quality local restaurants.

Oasis Spa
OASIS SPA IS THE WORLD OF ROYAL INDULGENCE, HEALTH AND BEAUTY SECRETS. OASIS SPA IS THE PLACE WHERE YOU CAN CONCENTRATE ON RESTORING AND REJUVENATING YOUR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.

A new spa experience has emerged like no other. Signature treatments using indigenous ingredients and techniques fuse with the world’s finest spa products. Surrounded by a deliciously lush, undulating landscape, this location provides a breathtaking experience offering the purest of privacy.

Volcanic Earth Day Spa
THE VOLCANIC EARTH HEALING CENTRE DAY SPA IS A TRIPADVISOR TOURISM AWARD WINNER FOR EXCELLENCE AND OFFERS YOU THE ULTIMATE IN INDULGENCE, DETOXIFICATION, RELAXATION AND RESTORATIVE HEALING.

Our highly sought after Volcanic Signature Package, our Ash Me Tender Package and our Mineral Detox Package combine the benefits of Volcanic Ash with modern body wraps and scrubs, hot lava stone massages and the skillful hands of our friendly staff. With a full range of other spa treatments this is your perfect choice to de-stress and detoxify your body, burn fat (for weight loss), boost your immune and cardiovascular systems, increase energy levels and soothe muscular aches and pains –all while you kick back, relax and enjoy your Vanuatu holiday.

Namele Day Spa
THE NAMELE DAY SPA IS A HAVEN FOR SELF INDULGENCE, CREATED TO SOOTHE, CALM, AND RESTORE HARMONY.

A UNIQUE FEATURE IS THE COMBINATION OF TRADITIONAL NI-VANUATU HEALING REMEDIES WITH CLASSIC FRENCH SPA THERAPIES.

The Day Spa is a haven for self indulgence created to restore harmony. A unique feature is the combination of traditional ni-Vanuatu healing remedies with classic French spa therapies.The Hot Rocks Massage, which utilizes smooth, heated, local volcanic rocks to produce a balance of well-being and energy, is one of the most popular items on the spa menu.

Moyyan Day Spa
MOYYAN DAY SPA EMBRACES SPA WELLNESS WITH SIGNATURE RITUALS AS CENTRAL TO YOUR HOLIDAY JOURNEY OF REJUVENATION AND REVITALISATION. OUR BEAUTIFUL SPA, SET AMONGST THE LUSH GARDEN, IS AN OASIS TO HEIGHTEN YOUR SENSES. RELAX INTO AROMATIC, ESSENTIAL OIL DRENCHED TREATMENTS.

Moyyan Day Spa treatments are truly wonderful. Surrender to body wraps and scrubs, cocoon treatments and facials for a real holiday glow. Our dedicated staff exclusively use the pure, active botanicals of Waterlily skin care products to ensure an uncompromised spa journey.

Lotus Day Spa
THE TOURISM AWARD WINNING LOTUS DAY SPA AND TEAHOUSE IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF PORT VILA AMONGST TROPICAL GARDENS IN A FRENCH COLONIAL HOMESTEAD. THE WORLD CLASS LOTUS DAY SPA HAS 6 TREATMENT ROOMS INCLUDING TWO COUPLES ROOMS WITH CORAL BATHROOMS. EXPLORE OUR FULL RANGE OF BEAUTY AND MASSAGE TREATMENTS ON OUR LOTUS WEBSITE MENU.

Clear the mind, cleanse the body and sooth the soul at Vanuatu’s finest spa, the Lotus Day Spa and Tea House. Set amongst tropical gardens with a bamboo border, is a romantically restored French Provincial Home. Lotus harmonises its treatments with the stunning natural surrounds and offers a unique and peaceful setting to be pampered and polished to perfection.

JoJo Vanuatu – Galavanting Goddess Experience
THE ULTIMATE AND UNSURPASSED AFTERNOON FOR THE GIRLS! IT’S MORE THAN A ‘SPA’ – DESIGNER FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA, TROPICAL REEF, MASSAGE AND HIGH TEA… TO MENTION JUST OF FEW OF THE INCLUSIONS IN THIS WORLD UNIQUE EXPERIENCE.

A foot and shoulder massage from the internationally trained masseur while you enjoy a glass of champagne, will help you decide whether your next move will be to the reef for a snorkel or kayak or to try a little frock therapy and maybe even strut the runway for your girlfriends. If you are a bubbly type you might prefer the freshly filled chemical free hot tub with a glass of champagne and a fragrant face cloth. Where ever you are, the high priestess of the high tea will find you with her never ending tray of freshly baked scones, cute little cucumber sandwiches or whatever she fancies on the day.

Iririki Day Spa
A TRULY INDULGENT WAY TO REJUVENATE ON YOUR HOLIDAY IS TO HAVE A DAY SPA EXPERIENCE. IRIRIKI DAY SPA LOCATED AT THE HIGHEST POINT ON THE ISLAND OFFERS BREATHTAKING HARBOUR VIEWS. THIS LUXURIOUS DAY SPA OFFERS AN EXTENSIVE MENU OF LUXURIOUS TREATMENTS WITH THE SUPPORT OF THALGO SKINCARE PRODUCTS.

Upon arrival along the beautiful cobblestone pathway surrounded by palm trees, take a moment to enjoy the tranquillity. From the decked area you can take in the views, listen to the water trickling from the fountain whilst sipping on a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a refreshing green tea.

There are multiple treatment rooms with several offering breathtaking views of the ocean.

The extensive day spa menu provides a range of treatments to pamper from relaxation, deep tissue, swedish or hot stone massages to rejuvenating foot massages, there are specifically designed treatment rooms for the popular body scrubs complete with bath and shower facilities.

Essence of Erakor Day Spa
WALK IN TO THE ERAKOR ISLAND DAY SPA, AND GET READY FOR COMPLETE REVITALISATION. OUR SPA CATERS FOR ALL YOUNG AND OLD, MEN AND WOMEN, AND WE OFFER A FRESH RANGE OF BODY TREATMENTS AND SPA PACKAGES.

Relax & Rejuvenate! Essence of Erakor Day Spa brings you a part of the soul of beautiful Erakor Island. Here, you can be pampered with fresh tropical treatments of coconut oils, papaya lotions, cucumber, lime and many more island relaxants.

Eden Hair and Beauty
Your wedding is one of the most important day in your life and you need to look stunning at this occasion. Your hair and make up must reflect your style to look perfect and keep wonderful memories. In Vanuatu, you’ll find different beauty saloons that will work with you to reach your expectations and to ensure you look and feel absolutely beautiful.

Vanuatu hosts a wide variety of cultural festivals, musical events, conferences and sporting events throughout the year in addition to many of the tourist attractions across the country. During your time in Vanuatu, you’ll perhaps come across some of these events, but we suggest you plan your trip around being able to go to these events. Beyond the capital of Vanuatu, there are some great events that occur all through the country’s 83 islands. Below, we’ve added in a range of events, from horse racing, Fest’Napuan music events, Rowing competitions, The Barista and Salon Culinaire regional cooking contests, to the home of what is commonly known around the World as ‘bungy jumping’, Nagol on Pentecost Island (April to June), Vanuatu has something for everyone for that take home memorable experience.

Sia Raga Festival
This is the first event of its kind for the people of Pentecost. It is a week-long celebration consisting of various traditional and cultural activities and ceremonies such as pig killing ceremony, slow-food preparations and sand drawing, traditional marriage, weaving & traditional arts, songs, dances and drum beats.
There will also be sports competitions and live entertainment from prominent local music bands from Pentecost Island.

St Andrews and Leaf Fishing Festival
For more than 100 years, the people of Rah and neighbouring Mota Lava in the Banks group of islands have been coming together to combine custom tradition with Christianity celebrating the life of St. Andrew.

This is a three-day event, with visitors welcome to join in the extraordinary culture and celebrations. Fish using a giant traditional coconut leaves fishing net, taste the “volcano baked” food, see the famed sea snake dances and trek up the Rock of Rah or the Sleeping Giant mount. Rah island – Mota Lava island.

Unity Day
Unity Day in Vanuatu comes every 29 November and was specifically instituted in 1977 to engender a spirit of national unity among Vanuatu’s very diverse population.

Family Day
Family day is celebrated on the 26th December. A day where people enjoy time with and give thanks for their family, often taking part in community or religious events and feasts. Activities involving family spirit, celebrating, bringing families and extended families together. A holiday worth celebrating!

Vanuatu is divided into six provinces. Torba province includes Torres and Banks islands. Sanma consists of Espiritu Santo, Malo and surrounding islands. Penama is made up of Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo. Malampa province includes Malekula, Ambrym and Paama. Shefa province is Shepherd islands and Efate where the capital Port Vila is located, the southernmost province Tafea consists of Tanna, Aneityum, Futuna, Erromango and Aniwa.

All provinces have their own signature attractions from Torba’s women’s water music and snake dancers, pristine blue holes, world war 2 relics and champagne beach of Sanma, Penama’s daring land diving ritual, vibrant cultures, black magic, and ancient tribes in Malampa, Shefa being the international gateway is a mix potpourri of culture and gourmet, and the mighty Mount Yasur down south in Tafea province.

Torba Province
The TORBA Province is the northernmost province of Vanuatu, made up of the Banks Islands and the Torres Islands. It sits above the SANMA Province. The province’s name derives from the initial letters of TORres and BAnks.

Torba is made up of over 15 islands divided into the Torres and Banks Islands. Torba has an estimated total population of around 9,500 people who are friendly, welcoming and cannot wait to show you their island home!

Relatively new on the international tourism scene, Torba is Vanuatu’s best kept secret. Famous for its white sandy beaches, world-class fresh seafood, unique culture and dense rainforests, you can be sure that your visit to the northern islands will be an experience you will never forget. Each island is unique and offers its own adventure. Choose to visit Gaua, Vanualava, Motalava, Rah or Loh Island – or island hop between them all to get the ultimate Melanesian island experience!

The islands are relatively small and most attractions are easy to walk to; explore white sand beaches and coral reefs around west Mota Lava and Ra or climb the massive rocks on Ra, or climb the Sleeping Mountain on Mota Lava with beautiful island bungalows dispersed across the islands.

While there are no standard hotels in Torba, the island style bungalows, home-stays, tours and activities on offer are high quality and have been developed collaboratively by the local community. In fact all tourism operations in Torba are Ni-Vanuatu owned ventures! This means that when you visit these islands you can be sure that your money is returned directly to the community.

Malampa Province
Located in the heart of Vanuatu’s archipelago, Malampa’s islands offer the adventurous traveller a unique South Pacific experience.

Meet the Big Nambas and Small Nambas; the ancient people of Malekula; Peek into the heart of a live volcano; Go snorkelling with a dugong in the Maskylnes! Malampa province has something for everyone – traditional dancing, sand drawing, ancient cannibal sites, lush jungle trekking, remote waterfalls, snorkeling tropical clear waters and much more…

MALAMPA province gets its name from the islands of Malekula (MAL), Ambrym (AM) and Paama (PA). The region also includes a number of smaller islands along the coast of Malekula and the uninhabited volcanic island of Lopevi.

The islands of MALAMPA are steeped in culture, history and a rare tropical wilderness. Malampa also boasts the twin volcanoes of Mt Benbow (1160m) and Mt Marum (1270m) on the island of Ambrym or the ‘black magic island’.

The people of MALAMPA province are proud of their cultural heritage and pristine environment, they welcome you to experience, enjoy and learn about the wonders of their home.

Penama Province
Penama province, where culture entwines with nature’s discovery, consists of three Islands Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo Island.

Each of the three Islands has natural attractions that are as memorable and unique as their own signatory attractions and culture. Despite their distinctiveness, the three islands share the same history and kastom stories teaching people how they relate to the land, seas and one another.

Takaro, Penama’s ancient God, is believed to be the source of all wisdom in Penama province. Takaro has bestowed unto the Penama people great knowledge and understanding of humankind, morals and values, the land, the ocean and everything that lives in or on it.

Visitors are guaranteed a unique experience hosted by the friendly people of all three islands. Some people will call it a cultural escape, but at the end of your trip, you will leave calling any of the three islands home.

Many of the tourism operations in Penama Province are still in the process of being registered, a few are open for business and will be joined by others soon.

Sanma Province
Sanma Province is made up of the islands Espiritu Santo and Malo, and includes a number of smaller surrounding islands that sit just offshore, such as Aore, Tutuba, Turtle, Bokissa and Ratua island.

Known for its world-class diving, blue holes and white sandy beaches, Sanma Province is the perfect destination for your next holiday. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, off-the-beaten-track adventure, relaxing spell on pristine beaches or a family-friendly getaway, we guarantee that there is something here for everyone!

Getting here is stress-free as Espiritu Santo’s Pekoa International Airport, located just outside Luganville, receives daily flights from Port Vila and twice weekly flights from Brisbane Australia via Air Vanuatu.

Sanma Province is also the gateway to the northern outer-islands of Vanuatu. Pekoa airport has direct flights to Torba, Penama and Malampa provinces, making it easy for you to explore!

For more information visit Santo.travel and when you get to Luganville, pop into the Santo Travel Centre and say hello to our friendly staff.

The team at Santo Travel will be happy to help answer any queries you may have of Santo and her surrounding islands.

Tafea Province
Tafea, the southernmost province of the six in Vanuatu, is an acronym (the name) deriving from the five islands that make up the region: Tanna, Aneityum, Futuna, Erromango and Aniwa.

The province has a population of 32,540 people and an area of 1,628 km². The main island, though second to Erromango in land size, is Tanna, with some 80 percent of the province population, with the provincial capital of Isangel, and the largest village of Lenakel, both close together on the southwest coast.

The three larger islands are Melanesian, but the smaller two, Aniwa and Futuna, also known under the collective term Erronan Islands, are Polynesian outliers. Futuna is sometimes called West Futuna to distinguish it from Futuna Island, Wallis and Futuna.

The island of Tanna has the world’s most accessible volcano, Mount Yasur, at 1,084 meters the highest peak of the province. Aniwa Island is the only coral island, the other four are volcanic and reach much higher elevations than Aniwa.

Aneityum is the southernmost island of Vanuatu (not counting the remote, tiny and uninhabited Matthew and Hunter Islands, 280 to 335 kilometres (174–208 miles) to the southeast, which are disputed with New Caledonia, but which are considered by the people of Aneityum part of their custom ownership). Its southeastern cape Nétchan Néganneaing is the southernmost point of land in Vanuatu.

The latter, however, is surrounded Intao Reef, that extends even further south, albeit submerged, thus being the southernmost feature of Vanuatu.

Shefa Province
Shefa is one of the six provinces of Vanuatu, located in the center of the country. The province’s name is derived from the initial letters of SHepherd islands, Epi, and EFAte which make up the province.

With a population of 78,723 people and an area of 1,455 km², it is home to the nation’s capital city Port Vila located on mainland Efate.

The Shefa Islands are volcanic, and limestone/raised reef in origin with one active volcano on Epi – only sporadically active, and other underwater and extinct volcanoes are scattered throughout the province.

Shefa is made up of approximately 27 islands, Efate being the most populated located and surrounded by several smaller islands: Iririki, Ifira, Eratap, Erakor, Erueti Lep, Eratoka (Hat), Lelepa, Moso, Nguna, Pele, Kakuhla, and Emao. To the north are the Shepherd Islands which includes Naore, Etarik, Matasao, Makura, Emae, Buninga, Tongariki, Tongoa, Ewose, and Laika. Past Shepherd islands lies Epi, and Tefala, Namuka and Lamen. Some of these islands are uninhabited.

With many great snorkelling spots, you can even sight endangered species such as turtles and dugongs near Erakor Island and marine sanctuaries.

Marine sanctuaries are popular to attempt preserving marine life around Shefa, although traditional methods of conservation have also been highly effective. This movement is also an effort to promote sustainable tourism through the Efate Land Management Area, the Nikaura Marine Protected Area on Epi, the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area Network at north Efate, and the Hideaway Marine Sanctuary at Hideaway Island.