6 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 can get busy with cruise ship passengers (hence some overhyped reviews), the beach truly shines during quieter moments when you can appreciate its natural beauty.

The beach offers excellent facilities, including toilets, shade areas, and the Champagne Bar, where you can enjoy food and drinks at reasonable prices. The usual entry fees apply, although there is a greater charge for cars. We recommend parking further back and walking to avoid vehicle fees if travelling light.

On cruise days, temporary souvenir shops pop up, adding to the bustling atmosphere, but don't let this deter you from experiencing one of Vanuatu's most picturesque coastal spots.

Also worth mentioning, Lannoc Beach is a worthwhile jaunt with its own selection of locally-run bungalow accommodations LINK#A001.

In the shadow of the neighbouring Champagne Beach, some prefer Lonnoc 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.

Lonnoc Beach Bungalows accepts day visitors for a small fee and 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.

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.

Havannah Beach has earned the nickname "Survivor Beach" after hosting parts of the hit TV show "Survivor: Vanuatu," mainly by the crew rather than the "survivors" themselves, but we digress.

The main appeal of this secluded stretch of pristine coastline on Efate feels wonderfully untouched by time and commercialisation. There are no entry fees, snack stands or changing rooms, making it refreshingly authentic compared to more developed beaches.

What you will find is a charming bar and seating area where you can sit back, relax and admire the stunning coastal views. The snorkelling here offers decent underwater exploration with rocky outcrops and marine life to discover.

Most visitors arrive as part of guided full-day island tours, but you can easily self-drive or arrange private transport. We'd recommend bringing reef shoes for comfortable walking on the rocky areas.

Worth checking out while visiting the nearby Blue Lagoon, Eton Beach offers a pristine 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.

The colourful marine life beneath the surface makes for excellent snorkelling or rock pool exploring opportunities, 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.

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 to Port Olry 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 waters or chat with friendly locals while you wait.

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.