10 Best Beaches in Vanuatu

We'll get this one out of the way early. Champagne Beach is revered as one of the best beaches in the South Pacific!

The beach features everything you could hope for: a stunning horseshoe-shaped bay with powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue waters.

While it was once busy with cruise ship passengers that used to anchor nearby, this is no longer the case, making it a more peaceful destination where you can consistently appreciate its natural beauty without the crowds.

The beach is open seven days a week from 7 am until 6 pm, offering excellent facilities including changing rooms, showers, toilets and shade areas. Joylitas Restaurant serves up everything from fish and chips to pizza, while there's also a bar on-site, though it typically only opens during public holidays and special occasions.

For those looking to explore the waters, snorkel gear is available for hire, and the swimming areas are safe throughout the bay.

The usual entry fees apply, with different rates for various vehicle types. Camping is also permitted - simply inquire at the entrance for details.

Worth checking out while visiting the nearby Blue Lagoon, Eton Beach offers a white sand shoreline that feels wonderfully secluded compared to its famous neighbour.

This family-friendly beach features fascinating rock pools perfect for exploration, safe swimming conditions in shallow waters, and a charming small river inlet that adds to its natural appeal.

You'll find convenient changing rooms and shaded picnic tables, plus local stalls selling drinking coconuts and fresh fruit to keep you refreshed during your visit.

The colourful marine life beneath the surface makes for excellent snorkelling or rock pool exploring opportunities on this attractive white sand beach, while the usually peaceful atmosphere ensures you'll likely have this slice of paradise mostly to yourself, unless it's a weekend where you could be joined by local kids, which is always entertaining.

Entry fees range from 1,000-2,000 VT depending on the size of your vehicle.

Caroline Bay beckons with its perfect horseshoe shape and sheltered waters that make for incredibly safe swimming conditions.

This remote gem in Southwest Malekula is fringed with lush tropical greenery and offers an authentic experience shared alongside friendly local villagers.

The bay's isolation creates a wonderfully quiet atmosphere that's perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds. Established in 1967 as a second headquarters for the Nagriamel Movement, which played a significant (if not complicated) role in Vanuatu's independence, this secluded location holds fascinating historical significance alongside its natural beauty.

Access is typically arranged through local guesthouses like Malae Guesthouse, adding to the authentic, off-the-beaten-path appeal of this stunning destination.

A day trip to Port Olry is exciting for many reasons, but the picture-perfect sweeping white sands of Port Olry Beach at the end are the true highlight!

The journey is as memorable as the destination itself, following a scenic coconut tree-lined road that builds anticipation for the spectacular beach reveal.

Once there, you'll find Chez Louis' Restaurant perfectly positioned for extended relaxation sessions. You'll want to place your order with plenty of time to spare, then dive into the inviting turquoise waters or chat with friendly locals while you wait. If you're lucky, you might spot a turtle or a dungong while you're out swimming.

Watch traditional dugout canoes glide across the lagoon as local fishermen return with their daily catch.

The peaceful atmosphere is occasionally shared with curious cattle seeking shade under nearby banyan trees, creating charmingly unexpected moments that epitomise the laid-back island lifestyle.

Hidden along the stunning south coast of Efate, Cavalry Beach is a true gem waiting to be discovered during your ring road adventure.

This small but perfectly formed beach captivates visitors with its pristine white sand framed by gorgeous trees that create natural shady patches. The intimate photogenic cove offers an idyllic setting complete with thoughtfully placed picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch break.

What sets Cavalry Beach apart from other coastal destinations is its untouched, authentic charm and the sense of having your own private slice of paradise. The combination of crystal-clear waters, excellent facilities and spectacular natural beauty makes this our personal favourite along Efate's southern coastline.

Perfect white sands are kind of what Sunburn Island is all about, which provides the ultimate beach experience for anyone lucky enough to get there.

The stunning sandcay emerged in the Maskelyne Islands and was officially blessed in a special naming ceremony in July 2016. This floating paradise, formally known as "Niel Fat Sunburn Floating Island", offers visitors an exclusive beach experience with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.

The island serves as the perfect backdrop for romantic picnics, half-day adventures, or full-day excursions complete with delicious buffet meals. For those seeking something truly special, the locals even host intimate wedding ceremonies surrounded by nothing but ocean views.

Access is available through Malog Bungalows and Lavrisi Yacht Club, both located opposite the sandbar, or you can arrange tours directly with Joe Willie on 5267595 or 5269461.

Perhaps more famous for the World War Two equipment that lies under the surface than its white sands, Million Dollar Point also happens to have one of the nicest beaches close to Luganville. But the story is what captivates most to discover this historical site...

In 1945, when French colonial authorities refused to buy surplus American military equipment at six cents on the dollar (thinking they'd get it for free), the Americans responded with remarkable pettiness. For two solid days, they dumped "millions" of dollars' worth of trucks, bulldozers, tractors, jeeps and even Coca-Cola bottles into the sea near Luganville.

Today, Million Dollar Point offers visitors the extraordinary sight of this underwater military graveyard just metres from shore. You can explore through snorkelling from the remains of the concrete wharf (which was blown up with dynamite after offloading the equipment), discovering everything from bulldozers to old wheels scattered across the ocean floor. Scuba diving with local operators reveals even more of the equipment pile beneath the surface.

Located just a five-minute drive from Luganville, the site also offers a pleasant sandy beach with typically calm and clear waters.

Also worth mentioning, Lannoc Beach is a worthwhile jaunt with its own selection of locally-run bungalow accommodations.

In the shadow of the neighbouring Champagne Beach, some prefer this beach as the more peaceful sister.

This beautiful coastal setting off the east coast boasts all white sand with turquoise water and views of Elephant Island.

The series of bungalows along Lonnoc Beach tends to accept day visitors for a small fee, while Lonnoc Eco Beach Bungalows can offer kayaking tours, typically to neighbouring Champagne Beach.

The secluded nature of this beach makes it perfect for those seeking tranquillity away from the crowds, while the gleaming waters provide excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.

Where the Riri River meets the turquoise lagoon, Melon River and Beach offers a little-known yet refreshing swimming experience in Santo.

This picturesque swimming hole, open every day, features cool inviting waters perfect for escaping the tropical heat, surrounded by shady riverside areas complete with convenient picnic benches.

The sandy coastal stretch provides an ideal spot for relaxation, while practical amenities include bathroom and changing facilities.

What makes this location truly special is its fascinating World War 2 history. While you wait for the owners to unlock the chain access, you can admire authentic WW2 plane wings and bomber remnants displayed under a protective shelter.

For history enthusiasts, the friendly owners are happy to show you additional WW2 artefacts, including tanks, bombs and bullets from 1942, all at no extra charge.

Although the volcanic island of Tanna does have the odd blacksand beach, the two arguably most beautiful beaches are just off the coast of Port Resolution.

This magnificent bay, framed by towering cliffs, serves as your gateway to some of east Tanna's most spectacular beaches and snorkelling spots. The charming Ireupuow village provides essential amenities with its basic shop, local market and simple restaurant, making it an ideal base for yachties and visitors from land.

A short walk west of Ireupuow brings you to the cliff-top Port Resolution Nipikimanu Yacht Club where it's possible to grab a meal, and you'll reach the protected marine sanctuary at Yewao Point, where calm waters offer exceptional snorkelling opportunities right up to where the coral reef begins.

Another path north of the village unveils a glorious stretch of white sand leading to premium surf breaks, with deep swells rolling along 2.5 km (1.6 mi) of coastline to Yankaren Para.