Vanuatu
A South Pacific nation of more than eighty islands. It has an active volcano you can walk up to and a shipwreck lying in shallow water.
Landmarks
A volcano, a wreck, and blue holes.
- The most accessible active volcanoMount YasurTanna
You walk to the crater rim and watch lava thrown up. Access closes depending on the activity level.
- A huge wreck in shallow waterSS President CoolidgeEspiritu Santo
A large liner sunk in wartime, shallow enough to dive. It is a world-class wreck site.
- A beach that fizzesChampagne BeachEspiritu Santo
Bubbles rising from the seabed gave it the name. The sand is exceptionally fine.
- Freshwater blue holesNanda and RiriEspiritu Santo
Limestone groundwater wells up into brilliant blue pools. This is fresh water, not sea.
- World HeritageChief Roi Mata's DomainEfate, Lelepa and Artok
The residence, burial site and tabu area of a seventeenth-century chief. Oral tradition was confirmed by excavation.
- The origin of bungee jumpingNaghol, land divingPentecost
Men leap from a wooden tower with vines tied to their ankles. It runs only from April to June.
Where to go
Each island differs, and you move between them by air.
- Port VilaThe capitalEfate
The international gateway. Markets, accommodation and tour operators are all here.
- EfateThe main island, with a ring roadCentre
A sealed road circles the island. Waterfalls and beaches follow one another.
- TannaVolcano and traditional villagesSouth
Mount Yasur, and the traditional life known as kastom. Reached by light aircraft.
- Espiritu SantoThe largest islandNorth
Wrecks, blue holes and white sand together. It held a US base during the war.
- PentecostThe land-diving islandNorth centre
It takes visitors only in the ceremony season. Facilities are minimal.
- AmbrymA volcanic island with lava lakesCentre
Black sand and two active volcanoes. Access closes with volcanic activity.
When to go
Southern tropics, split into dry and wet.
- Dry seasonMay to OctoberEverywhere
Cooler and less humid, and the best time to travel. Underwater visibility is also good.
- Wet seasonNovember to AprilEverywhere
Hot, humid and wet. Prices fall, but boat services are often cancelled.
- CyclonesNovember to AprilEverywhere
Counted among the most cyclone-exposed countries on earth. Insurance and schedule slack are essential.
- Land-diving seasonApril to JunePentecost
The ceremony is tied to the yam harvest, so it runs only then. Dates shift, so confirm ahead.
- Volcanic alert levelsThey change oftenTanna and Ambrym
A raised level closes crater access. Check the geohazards bulletin before you go.
Before you go
Moving between islands is expensive and changes often.
- EntryVisa-free for short tourist staysEverywhere
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. A return ticket and accommodation may be checked.
- Getting thereVia Australia, New Zealand or FijiFlights
No direct service from Korea means several connections. Leave generous transfer time.
- Domestic flightsFrequently cancelled or changedBetween islands
Small aircraft slip with weather and maintenance. Leave buffer days before your flight home.
- MoneyVatu; cash outside the capitalEverywhere
Cards work in Port Vila but the islands are cash only. Withdraw before you fly out.
- KastomRules for visiting villagesTraditional villages
Photography and access need permission, and some places charge. Go through a guide.
- HealthMalaria and dengueNorthern islands
Malaria risk exists on the northern islands. Discuss prophylaxis with a doctor and use repellent.
- Emergency numbersPolice 112, ambulance 115Everywhere
Medical facilities are very limited and serious cases are evacuated to Australia or New Zealand. Confirm your insurance covers evacuation.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.