The Best Tropical Islands: Vanuatu
Vanuatu is home to several best-in-the-world experiences that very few people know about: a luxury liner shipwrecked in clear diveable water, the world’s most accessible active volcano, a banyan tree the size of a soccer field, cascading waterfalls, extraordinary cultural ceremonies and dances on the island of Malekula. It’s paradise and few people venture out here, usually skipping it for Fiji, the Cook Islands, or Tahiti. The best thing about Vanuatu, though, is that you feel safe and happy here. The people are amazing. They love their country and want you to enjoy its pleasures, but they aren’t after the ‘tourist dollar’. There’s no bargaining, no hawkers, no pressure to buy.
Quick Facts About Vanuatu
Capital: Port Vila
Population: 240,00
Size: 12,200 km2
Power Outlets: 220V 60Hz
Official Languages: Bislama, English, French
Currency: Vanuatu vatu
Time Zone: GMT +11
Religion: Catholic
Calling Code: +678
When to go: Vanuatu’s climate varies from wet tropical in the north to subtropical in the south. The dry season - from May to October - is cruising time: sparkling days and pleasantly cool evenings. For walking, the cooler period from June to August is better. November to April is the wet season, with higher temperatures, heavier rains, and mosquitoes. December to March is cyclone time.
Cost and Budgeting for Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s currency based on a basket of other currencies. There is a 2,500 VT departure tax on international flights. ATMS can be found in town centers and tipping is not practiced.
Things to See and Do in Vanuatu
Bank Islands- These white-rimmed islands are filled with natural and cultural treasures that make for great exploration.
Ambae- Navigate through misty cloud-forest to a mystical world of colorful crater lakes that will blow your mind. It’s a great activity to do after you get sick of the beach.
Santo- Flipper-kick into a luxury liner, hack through to a cave, and visit picture-perfect beaches. A great place to go diving and hiking.
Tanna- Visit this amazing volcano and witness volcanic fireworks displays. It’s one of the highlights of any visit to Vanuatu.
Scuba diving- Vanuatu has some great snorkeling and scuba diving, especially it’s underwater luxury liner dive site.
Windsurfing- Vila’s Erakor Lagoon is a great place to go windsurfing.
Hiking- After you have gotten bored of the beaches, hike around the islands to see amazing flora and fauna and cool off in Vanuatu’s lush jungles. Hiking around Espiritu Santo is a much bigger undertaking with local guides required. There are also many great volcanoes worth hiking.
The Naghol-Watch men perform the Naghol (a ritual leap) during April and May on Pentecost Island. To ensure a bountiful yam harvest; they tie vines to their ankles and leap from a 30m (100ft) tower, falling head first. Only the vine saves them from death. Only recently, this ceremony was opened to the public and the fee goes towards local projects.
Bird Watching-Spot Vanuatu’s prolific and varied birdlife. One of the best times to view birds is during the breeding season (September to January), particularly in the southern islands.
Water Sports-There are many beautiful beaches suitable for swimming. Kayaking, game fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing are also popular.
