5 Days in Vanuatu: Volcanic Coasts & Blue Lagoons
Vanuatu is the Pacific's best-kept secret: fewer tourists than Fiji, far cheaper than French Polynesia, and brimming with active volcanoes, tribal villages, and coral-fringed anchorages. Base yourself in Port Vila and sail to remote islands where time moves at island pace.
What to expect
- Hike to Yasur volcano's lava lake on Tanna Island (day-trip by air).
- Swim in sapphire-blue Mele Bay's calm waters 20 minutes from town.
- Visit Erakor Island to explore a traditional nakamal (meeting house) and swim.
- Snorkel pristine coral gardens with tropical fish and giant clams.
- Sleep in a rustic beach bungalow accessible only by boat or footpath.
Day by day
Land at Bauerfield International; collect bags and taxi to Eratap Beach Hotel (5 km south).
Walk Eratap's black-sand beach at low tide; wade in the shallows looking for shells.
Dinner of grilled red snapper at the hotel; watch fishing boats return at dusk.
Boat from Port Vila (20 min) to Mele Bay; snorkel the bay's coral gardens and tropical fish.
Visit Emau Island village; buy woven mats and chat with locals over coconut.
Return to hotel. Sunset swim at Eratap and dinner of fish soup and cassava.
Fly Port Vila to Tanna (50 min); transfer to Yasur volcano base camp.
Hike to the crater rim; watch molten lava bubble and explode under the afternoon sun.
Return to Port Vila by evening flight. Dinner at a local French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant.
Boat trip to Erakor Island (25 min from Port Vila); explore the traditional nakamal.
Swim in the island's crystal-clear lagoon; snorkel off the beach for giant clams and parrotfish.
Return to Eratap. Optional kava ceremony at the hotel (Vanuatu's traditional drink).
Early taxi to Bauerfield International.
Depart Vanuatu.
In transit.
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