9 Adventurous Days in Colorful Vanuatu

Arrive in the nation’s capital, Port Vila, after enjoying incredible views during your flight. At just under 50,000 people, this city feels small but is the largest in the archipelago.

After a private transfer, settle into your overwater villa at the Holiday Inn Resort and take the afternoon to enjoy a cocktail by the pool or cool off in the ocean.

For dinner, enjoy the lagoon view at the Verandah Restaurant or go for a more casual bite from the wood-fired pizza oven.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off to explore the capital city. Most people use Port Vila as a jumping-off point for the other islands, but I believe it’s worth checking out. Our first stop was at the central market. Right on the bright blue waterfront, this open-air market is open daily and has a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, local handicrafts and unique souvenirs.

After shopping, enjoy a fresh fish lunch from the vendors at the back of the market. After lunch, opt to admire the exhibits at the National Museum of Vanuatu, or enjoy a rum tasting at 83 Islands Distillery.

After a long day of exploring, try delicious French-Vanuatuan cuisine at the famous restaurant L’Houstalet, washed down with a local Tusker beer.

After breakfast and a short flight, arrive on the small island of Tanna. Don’t let its size fool you — Tanna is full of adventure! After your private transfer, get settled in at the White Grass Ocean Resort.

Take the afternoon to do something fun — the resort offers whale watching tours, sea turtle snorkeling, sea kayaking and biking — just to name a few.

Enjoy dinner on site with options from a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients.

Today we are up bright and early because adventure lies ahead! Explore two of Vanuatu’s natural wonders on a full-day excursion. After breakfast, meet your guide and head to the Blue Cave for a swim by boat, spotting dolphins along the way.

Following the Blue Cave, your guide will provide a homemade lunch. This afternoon is for the adrenaline junkies — head up to the active volcano, Mt. Yasur, and bask in its beauty.

Your tour ends back at the resort, where you will enjoy a final oceanside dinner in Tanna.

After saying goodbye to Tanna, embark on two short flights to the island of Malekula. The second-largest island in Vanuatu, Malekula is rich with culture and is considered the most diverse island, with over 30 languages spoken.

Enjoy your stay at a true eco-lodge, Lakotoro Palm Lodge. Take the afternoon to learn how to cook traditional food onsite, or explore the palm plantation.

For dinner, try local lobster or mud-crab prepared right at the lodge, before a quiet sleep in your bungalow.

Day 6 - Malekula

Following an included breakfast, head out for a day of wildlife exploration organized by the lodge. You will meet with your guide and head out to the reef on a small boat, where the captain will drop anchor. Put on your snorkel and jump in — this is dugong country! Similar to manatees, dugongs are gentle cow-like marine mammals. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll never forget it. The reef is also home to tons of beautiful sea creatures.

After snorkeling, head to the Big Nambas tribal area and get a tour of the village before a cultural dance performance.

Head back to the lodge for another delicious Melanesian dinner.

Day 7 - Espiritu Santo / Aore

After many adventure-filled days, it is time to relax. Take a short flight to the northern island of Espiritu Santo, landing in the city of Luganville. Use the day to explore the town’s bustling markets, handicraft shops and a mini World War II museum.

After that, take a 10-minute boat transfer to the luxurious Aore Island Resort. Settle into your spacious luxury bungalow before enjoying a local dinner and a show put on by the resort.

Day 8 - Aore

Following a fresh included breakfast, soak up your last day however you like! Aore is full of options, from ocean fishing to sea kayaking and everything in between. The resort offers a variety of classes for guests, like weaving and sand drawing. Or simply sunbathe on the sandy white beach.

After a relaxing day, enjoy your final Vanuatuan dinner by the beach.

Day 9 - Depart Vanuatu

After your final island breakfast and saying farewell to Aore, board the boat transfer and head to the Luganville Airport. From here it's a short flight back to Port Vila, where you can connect to your international flight.