Ultimate Vanuatu Trip Itinerary: Travel guide, Tips & FAQ

Discover the ultimate Vanuatu trip itinerary for every duration, from 2 days to 14 days. Explore stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures in this South Pacific paradise. Vanuatu is made up of approximately 83 islands, each offering unique experiences ranging from stunning beaches and lush rainforests to rich cultural experiences. The main island, Efate, is home to the capital city, Port Vila, while other popular islands include Espiritu Santo, Tanna, and Malekula.

Travel Tips for Vanuatu

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is when you can expect pleasant temperatures and less rainfall.
• Currency: The currency used is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).
• Transportation: Domestic flights and ferries are available between the islands. Renting a car or taking a taxi is a common way to explore Efate.
• Language: The official languages are Bislama, French, and English, but you’ll find that many locals are bilingual or trilingual.

Vanuatu Trip Itineraries

Vanuatu Trip Itinerary for 2 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Port Vila

• Morning:
  • Arrival: Fly into Bauerfield International Airport (VLI). Taxis are available at the airport. Expect to pay around $30-40 AUD for a ride to central Port Vila. Book your Port vila Affordable Airport Transfers online with us. No Payment is needed pay when you arrive 🙂
    • Accommodation:
      • Best Options:
        • The Melanesian Port Vila: Comfortable with good amenities. Cost: $200-300 AUD/night.
        • Iririki Island Resort: Offers stunning views and private villas. Cost: $200-300 AUD/night.

Airport Taxi Booking Vanuatu & Airport Transfers in Port Vila Vanuatu

• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Visit the local market in Port Vila for souvenirs and fresh produce.
    • Cost: Free entry, but budget $20-50 AUD for snacks or small purchases.
• Evening:
  • Dinner: Dine at The Beach Bar, famous for its local cuisine & also Fire shows in Port Vila Vanuatu
    • Cost: $20-30 AUD per person.

Places to watch Fire Show in Port Vila Vanuatu

Day 2: Day Trip to Paradise

• Morning:
  • Activity: Take a half-day trip to Iririki Island for snorkeling or relaxation on the beach.
    • How to Reach: A ferry departs regularly from Port Vila.
    • Cost: $15 AUD round trip.
• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Visit Ekasup Cultural Village to learn about local customs and traditions.
    • Cost: $30 AUD for entry.
• Evening:
  • Dinner: Enjoy a sunset dinner at Nambawan Café.
    • Cost: $25 AUD per person.

Total Estimated Cost for 2 Days: $500-700 AUD Approx

Vanuatu Trip Itinerary for 3 Days

Day 1: Explore Port Vila

• Morning:
  • Arrive at Bauerfield International Airport and check into your hotel.
• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Visit the Vanuatu Cultural Centre to understand the heritage of the islands.
    • Cost: $20 AUD for entry.
• Evening:
  • Dinner: The Waterfront Bar and Grill is known for its local seafood.
    • Cost: $30-50 AUD / per person.

Tanna Island Vanuatu

Day 2: Adventure Day

• Morning:
  • Activity: Take a guided tour to Mele Cascades, a beautiful waterfall.
    • How to Reach: Book a tour or take a taxi.
    • Cost: $40 AUD for entry.
• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Try zip-lining or ATV riding in the jungle.
    • Cost: price starts @ $100 AUD for zip-lining.
• Evening:
  • Relaxation: Enjoy a massage at Vanuatu Spa.
    • Cost:$60 AUD.

Day 3: Island Hopping

• Morning:
  • Activity: Take a boat trip to Hideaway Island for snorkeling.
    • Cost: $50 AUD for ferry and gear rental.
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch: Enjoy local food on the island.
    • Cost: $25 AUD/per person.
• Evening:
  • Depart or stay another night.

Total Estimated Cost for 3 Days: $1000-1500 AUD Approx

Vanuatu Trip Itinerary for 4 Days

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

• Arrive in Port Vila and check into your accommodation.

Day 2: Nature and Culture

• Morning:
  • Visit Mele Cascades.
    • Cost: $50 AUD.
• Afternoon:
  • Cultural experience at Ekasup Village.
    • Cost: $30 AUD.

Day 3: Espiritu Santo Adventure

• Day Trip:
  • Fly to Espiritu Santo.
    • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for the round trip.
  • Activity: Snorkel in the Blue Hole.
    • Cost:$50 AUD.

Day 4: Leisure in Port Vila

• Activity: Explore local shops and relax at a beach.
  • Cost: Free, but budget $50 AUD for food and souvenirs.

Total Estimated Cost for 4 Days: $1500 – 1700 AUD Approx

Vanuatu Trip Itinerary for 5 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Port Vila

• Check into your accommodation and explore local cuisine.

Day 2: Port Vila Highlights

• Morning:
  • Activity: Visit the Vanuatu Cultural Centre.
  • Cost: $30 AUD.
• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Trip to Mele Cascades.
  • Cost: $50 AUD.

Day 3: Espiritu Santo

• Day Trip:
  • Activity: Fly to Espiritu Santo for snorkeling at the Blue Hole.
  • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and $50 AUD for entry.

Day 4: Tanna Island

• Day Trip:
  • Fly to Tanna Island. Visit Mount Yasur volcano.
    • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and entry.

Day 5: Relaxation Day

• Spend your last day on the beaches of Tanna before returning to Port Vila.
  • Budget $50 AUD for food.

Total Estimated Cost for 5 Days: $2,000-2,200 AUD Approx

Vanuatu Trip Itinerary for 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Port Vila

• Check into your accommodation and explore local cuisine.

Day 2: Port Vila Highlights

• Morning:
  • Activity: Visit the Vanuatu Cultural Centre.
  • Cost: $30 AUD.
• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Trip to Mele Cascades.
  • Cost: $50 AUD.

Day 3: Trip to Espiritu Santo

• Day Trip:
  • Activity: Fly to Espiritu Santo to snorkel at the Blue Hole.
  • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and $50 AUD for entry.

Day 4: Espiritu Santo

• • Things to do in Santo : Float down a river at Millennium Caves or Mt Hope,  Snorkel and Sunbake at Champagne Beach/Lonnoc Beach
  • Cost: $50 – 150 AUD

Day 5: Tanna Island

• Day Trip:
  • Fly to Tanna Island. Visit Mount Yasur volcano.
    • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and entry to Volcano.

Day 6: Tanna Island

• Day Trip:
  •  Visit Blue Cave, Port Resolution, Custom Village, Black Magic tour 
    • Cost: $100 – 200 AUD for tours and entry.

Day 7: Departure

• Last-minute shopping in Port Vila.
  • Cost: $100 -200 AUD for shopping.

Total Estimated Cost for 7 Days: $2,400-2,800 AUD

Vanuatu Trip Itinerary for 10 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Port Vila

• Check into your accommodation and explore local cuisine.

Day 2: Port Vila Highlights

• Morning:
  • Activity: Visit the Vanuatu Cultural Centre.
  • Cost: $30 AUD.
• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Trip to Mele Cascades.
  • Cost: $50 AUD.

Day 3: Trip to Espiritu Santo

• Day Trip:
  • Activity: Fly to Espiritu Santo to snorkel at the Blue Hole.
  • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and $50 AUD for entry.

Day 4: Espiritu Santo

• • Activity: Float down a river at Millennium Caves or Mt Hope,  Snorkel and Sunbake at Champagne Beach/Lonnoc Beach
  • Cost: $50 – 150 AUD

Day 5: Tanna Island

• Day Trip:
  • Fly to Tanna Island. Visit Mount Yasur volcano.
    • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and entry to Volcano.

Day 6: Tanna Island

• Day Trip:
  •  Visit: Blue Cave, Port Resolution, Custom Village, Black Magic tour
    • Cost: $100 – 200 AUD for tours and entry.

Day 7:  Trip to Malekula

• Activity: Explore Malekula, known for its traditional culture.
  • How to Reach: Domestic flight from Port Vila.
  • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and activities.

Day 8: Malekula 

• Activity: Kastom Dancing And Visit To A Cannibal Site
  • Cost: $50 – 100 AUD

Day 9: Departure to Port Vila or Relaxation Day/ Adventure Activities

• Spend a leisurely day on a Club Hippique beach.
  • Cost: $100 AUD for entrance & food.

• Activity: Kayaking or sailing trips around the islands.
  • Cost: $100 AUD.

Day 10: Departure

• Depart from Port Vila with unforgettable memories.

Total Estimated Cost for 10 Days: $2,800-3,000 AUD

Vanuatu Trip Itinerary for 14 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Port Vila

• Check into your accommodation and explore local cuisine.

Day 2: Port Vila Highlights

• Morning:
  • Activity: Visit the Vanuatu Cultural Centre.
  • Cost: $30 AUD.
• Afternoon:
  • Activity: Trip to Mele Cascades.
  • Cost: $50 AUD.

Day 3: Trip to Espiritu Santo

• Day Trip:
  • Activity: Fly to Espiritu Santo to snorkel at the Blue Hole.
  • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and $50 AUD for entry.

Day 4: Espiritu Santo

• • Activity: Float down a river at Millennium Caves or Mt Hope,  Snorkel and Sunbake at Champagne Beach/Lonnoc Beach
  • Cost: $50 – 150 AUD

Day 5: Tanna Island

• Day Trip:
  • Fly to Tanna Island. Visit Mount Yasur volcano.
    • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and entry to Volcano.

Day 6: Tanna Island

• Day Trip:
  •  Visit: Blue Cave, Port Resolution, Custom Village, Black Magic tour
    • Cost: $100 – 200 AUD for tours and entry.

Day 7:  Trip to Malekula

• Activity: Explore Malekula, known for its traditional culture.
  • How to Reach: Domestic flight from Port Vila.
  • Cost: $400 – 500 AUD for flights and activities.

Day 8: Malekula 

• Activity: Kastom Dancing And Visit To A Cannibal Site
  • Cost: $50 – 100 AUD

Day 9: Malekula Relaxation Day

• Spend a leisure day on a beach.
  • Cost: Free, but budget $50 AUD for snacks or lunch.

Day 10: Visit Ambrym Island

• Morning:
  • Depart from Port Vila on an early morning domestic flight to Ambrym Island.
  • Cost: Approximately $200 AUD for flights and guided tours.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive on Ambrym Island and check into your accommodation.
  • Accommodation Options:
    • Ambrym Beach Resort: Simple and comfortable with beach access. Cost: $100-150 AUD/night.
• Activity:
  • Embark on a guided tour to explore the volcanic landscape, including the famous active volcanoes.
  • Cost: $50 AUD for a guided tour.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner at your resort or a local restaurant.
  • Cost: Budget around $30 AUD.

Day 11: Explore Ambrym Island

• Morning:
  • Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Cost: Included with accommodation.
• Activity:
  • Spend the day exploring more of Ambrym, such as visiting local villages or additional trekking to volcanic sites.
  • Cost: Budget $50 AUD for activities and lunch.
• Evening:
  • Dinner at a local eatery.
  • Cost: Approximately $30 AUD.

Day 12: Travel to Tongoa Island

• Morning:
  • Depart Ambrym Island for Tongoa. Confirm transportation options in advance (boat or flight).
  • Cost: Approximately $150 AUD for transport.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive in Tongoa and check into your accommodation.
  • Accommodation Options:
    • Tongoa Island Resort: Basic yet comfortable with ocean views.
    • Cost: $100-150 AUD/night.
• Activity:
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the island’s stunning beaches and local culture.
  • Cost: Budget around $30 AUD for lunch and snacks.
• Evening:
  • Dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Cost: Approximately $30 AUD.

Day 13: Explore Tongoa Island

• Morning:
  • Breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Cost: Included with accommodation.
• Activity:
  • Spend the day engaging in activities such as snorkeling, hiking, or visiting traditional villages.
  • Cost: Budget $50 AUD for activities and lunch.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner on Tongoa, soaking in the island atmosphere.
  • Cost: Approximately $30 AUD.

Day 14: Return to Port Vila

• Morning:
  • Depart Tongoa and return to Port Vila. Confirm transportation in advance.
  • Cost: Approximately $150 AUD for transport.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive in Port Vila and check back into your hotel.
  • Accommodation Options: Same as before.
• Activity:
  • Spend your day leisurely exploring Port Vila, visiting local markets for last-minute shopping.
  • Cost: Budget around $25 AUD for snacks and shopping.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy your final dinner in Vanuatu at a restaurant of your choice.
  • Cost: Approximately $30 AUD.

Total Estimated Cost for 14 Days: $5,500-8,000 AUD Approx

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Vanuatu Travel

1. What is the best time to visit Vanuatu?

• The best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The weather is pleasant with less humidity and minimal rainfall.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Vanuatu?

• Visa requirements vary by nationality. Many visitors can enter Vanuatu without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Check with your local Vanuatu consulate or the official government website for specific requirements.

3. What is the currency used in Vanuatu?

• The currency used is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but it’s wise to carry cash for smaller vendors.

4. How do I get to Vanuatu?

• Vanuatu is accessible via Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, with regular flights from Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands. Domestic flights connect the main islands.

5. What language is spoken in Vanuatu?

• The official languages are Bislama, English, and French. Bislama, a creole language, is widely spoken among locals.

6. What are the must-visit islands in Vanuatu?

• Some of the must-visit islands include:
  • Efate (home to Port Vila)
  • Espiritu Santo (famous for the Blue Hole and Champagne Beach)
  • Tanna (known for Mount Yasur volcano)
  • Malekula (rich in traditional culture)

7. What activities can I do in Vanuatu?

• Popular activities include:
  • Snorkeling and diving at the Blue Hole
  • Hiking to waterfalls like Mele Cascades
  • Visiting cultural villages
  • Zip-lining and ATV riding
  • Volcano tours on Tanna

8. Is Vanuatu safe for tourists?

• Vanuatu is generally considered safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing your belongings.

9. What should I pack for a trip to Vanuatu?

• Recommended items include:
  • Lightweight clothing for warm weather
  • Swimwear and snorkeling gear
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • A hat and sunglasses
  • A light jacket for cooler evenings

10. Are there health precautions I should take?

• Vaccinations are not usually required, but it’s wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended.

11. What are the dining options like in Vanuatu?

• Vanuatu offers a range of dining options from street food to fine dining. Local cuisine features seafood, fresh produce, and traditional dishes. Popular restaurants include The Beach Bar, Nambawan Café, and Tamanu on the Beach.

12. Can I use my mobile phone in Vanuatu?

• Mobile coverage is available in urban areas but can be spotty in remote regions. International roaming may be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.

13. How do I get around Vanuatu?

• Transportation options include:
  • Taxis and buses in Port Vila
  • Domestic flights between islands
  • Rental cars and scooters (with an international driver’s license)

14. What is the tipping culture in Vanuatu?

• Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated for good service. A tip of 10-15% in restaurants is customary.

15. Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of?

• Yes, respect for local customs is important. Dress modestly when visiting villages, and always ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites.

16. What are the environmental considerations?

• Vanuatu is committed to sustainability. Avoid single-use plastics, and respect marine and wildlife. Follow guidelines when snorkeling or diving.

17. Can I drink tap water in Vanuatu?

• Tap water is not always safe to drink. It’s recommended to drink bottled water, which is widely available.

18. What should I know about currency exchange?

• Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and some hotels. ATMs are also present in urban areas. Check for any fees associated with withdrawals.

19. What are the emergency numbers in Vanuatu?

• Emergency services can be reached by calling:
  • Police: 111
  • Ambulance: 112
  • Fire: 113

20. Is there nightlife in Vanuatu?

• Port Vila has a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Popular spots include The Melanesian, Sky Bar, and The Beach Bar.

Conclusion

Vanuatu is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re on a short trip or an extended vacation, this guide provides you with a detailed itinerary to make the most of your stay. With stunning beaches, exciting adventures, and a warm local culture, Vanuatu will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.