Vanuatu
Overview:
The Heart of the South Pacific lies within an archipelago of 82 islands found in between Australia and Fiji. Vanuatu was the inspiration for Tales of the South Pacific and the famed Bali Hai’a by James Michener. It’s a destination filled with diverse adventures topside and underwater; offering unique experiences; featuring romantic luxurious boutique resorts and French influenced organic cuisine; and has a rich cultural heritage and a legacy of WWII history. It’s a destination that has so much to offer and yet, has so few tourists. Answer the call and experience for yourself all there is to do in Vanuatu!
Itinerary Summary:
Days 1 – 5 Santo Island / Full day Millennium Cave Tour / Bush Trek, Secret Snorkel Cove, Private Beach Tour / ½ Day WWII History and Sites / Paddleboards, kayaks and mountain bikes
Days 5 – 7 Tanna Island Mt Yasur Volcano Safari / Surf Beach & Waterfall Hike / Daily Guided Snorkeling
Days 7-10 Efate Island / Port Vila Restaurants / Shopping / Local Nakamals / Sunset Cruise / Non-Motorized Watersports
Day 10 Depart
The Essentials:
Seasonality: Year Round - Best from May through October for the tropical “dry season”
Accommodation: Combination of Boutique 3,4 & 5 star resorts, breakfast, tours, transfers and domestic flights included
Highlights: Underwater and Topside Adventures / Kastom Culture / Pristine Beaches / Coral Reefs / WWII History / Beautiful Islands / Organic Cuisine / Under Touristed Destination
Cost: from $$
Itinerary:
Santo Island – 4 Nights
Welcome to Vanuatu!
You will arrive into Port Vila and connect on a domestic flight to Vanuatu’s largest island located north in the archipelago. Base 4 nights in a beachfront fare with the sound of the ocean and the feel of the sand right outside your door.
Santo Island was the US Navy base in WWII and many remnants can be seen. You have 3 full days to explore the natural treasures found on this lush tropical island.
For the fit and adventurous, the Millennium Cave Tour is a must do. Hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking into lagoons that are so blue you think they’ve been colored are all part of the adventure that is Santo Island. Packages can cater for scuba divers to dive the famous Wreck of the President Coolidge, Million Dollar Point, and the surrounding vibrant coral reefs.
Connect with the past through a WWII history tour.
And don’t miss trying the famous Santo Island raised beef while there.
Tanna Island – 2 Nights
From the north, you’ll fly to the south of this island nation. In the heart of Tanna Island lies Mt. Yasur. It is an active volcano and one of the most unique experiences that a non-volcanologist can have. Be wowed from the very rim of the crater as the sun sets and the eruptions are felt through your heart and soul while the lava flow lights the sky. Mt Yasur is the reason many visit Tanna Island, and your itinerary will include a safari to experience the volcano.
Tanna was also made famous by the legacy of the John Frum Cargo Cult; one of many unique and authentic cultural experiences you can experience when here. The local people from Tanna are known for their colorful dress and traditional lifestyle is still largely intact. You’ll even find Vanuatuan Cowboys as horses are used for farming, and herds of wild horses can be seen throughout the island. Two famous crops are grown here - Tanna Island coffee and kava which is reputed to be the strongest kava in the world. Drinking Vanuatu kava is an experience all its own!
There are caves to explore, waterfalls to hike to, and healthy fish filled coral reefs offering excellent snorkeling and scuba diving; yet you will feel like you have the whole island to yourself with only a few simple, boutique styled accommodations available for international tourists.
Efate Island / Port Vila – 3 Nights
In contrast to the outer islands of Santo and Tanna, Efate Island is home to the international gateway of Port Vila and has quite the cosmopolitan vibe – for a small island located in the heart of the South Pacific. It is a well-known yachting destination, and it is not uncommon to see a fleet of yachts moored in the harbour. It is also the government seat and center hub of the island nation and the most developed with a range of accommodations and services available.
A short distance from the hustle and bustle of town you can indulge at one of the premier beach resorts. Offering a complimentary shuttle service to town, you will still be able to take advantage of the local scene filled with restaurants, shopping and the not to be missed, “Mamas Market” where there is an amazing array of organic vegetables available. You’ll find gourmet coffee shops serving lattes of Tanna Island coffee, bars are serving Tusker beer, while French cafes dot the waterfront and traditional kava Nakamals are found throughout the island.
Back on the beach you can spend your days snorkeling and diving, paddle boarding and kayaking, enjoying a sunset cruise with a bottle of wine or a rejuvenating spa treatment to end your Vanuatu holiday.
Please call us on +1 720 494 1530 or email us at the link below to discuss this trip further with a travel expert. We would be happy to discuss ways to tailor this itinerary to your personal preferences.
