15 Best Day Cruises & Island-Hopping Tours in Vanuatu

A full day on the water around Havannah Harbour with Tranquility Island Resort's day cruise (with Port Vila transfers included) reveals some of Efate’s clearest lagoons, hidden reefs and postcard-worthy beaches.

This full-day escape to Hapi Tok Beach takes you aboard the "Island Explorer" and is one of our favourite ways to experience Havannah Harbour. This eight-hour transfer and cruise whisks you away to what many locals consider Vanuatu's most spectacular beach, and we couldn't agree more. Pure white sand stretches before incredibly clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Your adventure kicks off with a convenient morning pickup from Port Vila at 8 am, followed by a scenic 40-minute cruise where you might spot turtles bobbing their heads on the surface (something we've been lucky enough to witness ourselves). The experience includes two guided snorkelling sessions at pristine reef locations, a delicious beach barbecue cooked over driftwood fires, and optional activities like kayaking and bush walks.

Between adventures, you'll find yourself relaxing under swaying tropical trees with refreshing drinks from the onboard bar. We're particularly fond of the morning tea featuring Tanna Coffee and sweet buns, plus the afternoon tea with fresh fruit platters. It's those little touches that make all the difference.

And by operating in the Havannah area, which is the island's rain shadow, it's one of the most reliable weather-wise excursions you can book.

Smooth sailing through Havannah Harbour with Sailing Vanuatu sets the tone for a relaxed day of reef snorkelling, island exploration and time spent on the water.

Your day with Sailing Vanuatu begins with hotel transfers to Gideon's Landing, where you'll board their beautiful yacht for a full-day adventure through the sheltered waters of Havannah Harbour.

The Major Tom day tour delivers exactly what you're after: snorkelling at gorgeous spots teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch served fresh onboard. After refuelling, you'll cruise to Lelepa Island where the experience becomes truly special. Local staff from Lelepa guide you through their village, sharing stories about their community and way of life.

The visit to the mama's markets is a highlight, giving you the chance to browse authentic handicrafts while directly supporting the local community, something the team from Sailing Vanuatu takes genuine pride in.

One final swim and snorkel session caps off the day before sailing back, sunburned (hopefully not) and satisfied. With transfers organised for you and everything included, it's refreshingly straightforward: just book online, show up and enjoy.

Clear waters around Eretoka and Lelepa Islands make this guided snorkelling experience with Roawia Turtle & Snorkeling Tours a great way to encounter turtles, coral gardens and more!

The guides ensure you don't miss any of the incredible marine life, including sea turtles, vibrant fish, giant clams and thriving coral gardens.

Choose from multiple tour options, with the signature turtle tour including transport and lunch, or opt for combination tours that take you to various snorkelling spots around Eretoka (Hat/Artok) and Lelepa Islands. While their base at Mangaliliu is a snorkelling attraction in itself, going the extra mile with Roawia Turtle & Snorkelling Tours is something you won't regret.

Their base features proper changing rooms and gear storage, plus an on-site restaurant serving meals from 8 am to 2:30 pm daily. All guided tours require advance booking and operate during the same hours as the restaurant.

Mavea Island’s quiet beaches and coral-rich waters set the scene for this small-group snorkelling adventure with Tamtu Island Tours.

Escape to the pristine paradise of Mavea Island with local guide Quensta for an authentic island adventure that showcases the best of Santo's East Coast.

This intimate tour combines vibrant coral reefs and secluded white sand beaches where you can truly disconnect from the world.

Travel by traditional banana boat (motorboat) to explore untouched coral gardens and snorkel around a fascinating plane wreck (bring your own gear). The experience includes fresh tropical fruit platters enjoyed on the beach, plus an esky with ice so you can bring your favourite drinks and snacks.

With a maximum of eight guests per trip, you'll enjoy personalised attention from Quensta and his welcoming family on this laid-back tour whilst discovering hidden snorkelling spots that most tourists never see.

A short boat ride from Efate leads to Pele Island’s clear waters, where coral reefs, beach time and village encounters come together on the Pele Island Beach & Snorkeling Tour.

Run by a father and daughter team from the local community, the Pele Island Beach and Snorkelling Tour is a full-day island escape that runs daily from 9 am to 3 pm, departing by boat from Emua Wharf on Efate.

Just a short ride offshore, Pele Island sets an unhurried pace from the moment you arrive. The morning is spent snorkelling the reef around 200 to 300 m offshore (all gear included), feeding fish and bringing the marine life in close.

Around midday, a generous barbecue lunch is served on the beach: beef steak, chicken, sausage, freshly caught fish when available, rice, bread and fruit, with water included throughout the day.

The afternoon brings a guided village walk and afternoon tea, with time to kayak or snorkel from shore before the boat heads back at 3 pm. Return transfers from Port Vila to the wharf are available at an additional cost.

A slow-paced cultural paddle through one of the Maskelynes' most unique ecosystems, this outrigger canoe experience with Lavrisi Yacht Club offers a peaceful mix of nature and local storytelling.

Your host Philip and his family welcome visitors with authentic cultural experiences that showcase the traditional ways of life in the Maskelyne Islands.

This enlightening two-hour journey takes you through mangrove channels with natural tunnels leading to the central "lake" of the mangroves. You'll learn to identify different types of mangroves and discover how they can be used, whilst spotting the diverse creatures living within this plentiful ecosystem.

The tour finale is a visit to The Lost Island, where you'll enjoy refreshments whilst learning about ancestral history on one of the finest beaches in the Maskelyne Islands, a stunning sandbar that's simply unmissable.

Note that the images below are of a motorboat version of the tour (during its trial phase), although the tour is now done at the more fun and natural pace of an outrigger canoe.

Calm waters around Lelepa and Hat Island set the stage for a day of snorkelling, marine encounters and cultural village visits with Naromin Tours & Fishing.

This locally-operated tour takes you on a scenic 30-minute boat ride to stunning locations, including Lelepa Island and Hat Island, where calm waters provide perfect snorkelling conditions.

The highlight is exploring Pasi's Rock for fish feeding and snorkelling, followed by a visit to the giant clam shell conservation farm where endangered species are being restocked.

What makes this experience special is the genuine cultural component. You'll visit a local village and school, gaining a real insight into how locals live during this heartwarming experience.

The tour includes complimentary transfers from your accommodation, all snorkelling gear, refreshments and lunch on full-day packages. With options ranging from five-hour half-day adventures to eight-hour full-day experiences, plus speciality night fishing charters, there's something for every type of traveller seeking to discover Vanuatu's marine wonders.

Join Moso Island Day Tours for a day cruise to remember, between spotting turtles and exploring Moso Island's caves.

Your eight-hour journey begins with a scenic boat ride to hidden caves and dramatic coastal landscapes on the eastern side of Moso Island, where you'll enjoy three separate snorkelling sessions in waters teeming with fish, coral and even a dedicated giant clam site.

Along the way, your guide will slowly follow the coast where sea turtles nest to help you spot them gliding in the water (we lost count after 40 turtles on our last tour - no joke!)

The experience includes a relaxing lunch break on a secluded private beach, where you can feed local drum fish and soak up the island atmosphere.

All snorkelling equipment, refreshments, lunch and transfers are provided, making this an effortless way to discover one of the most captivating destinations from Vanuatu's main island.

Eretoka Fishing & Tour Adventure offers a mix of snorkelling, marine-life encounters and cultural storytelling in one scenic day trip.

One of the most culturally immersive day tours on Efate, the "Eretoka and Lelepa Island Snorkelling Tour" takes you beyond Port Vila and into a full day of reef exploration, living village culture and one of Vanuatu's most significant historical sites.

Departing by boat from Lelepa Landing at (with transfers from Port Vila), you'll head out to Eretoka Island (also known as Hat Island), the sacred burial site of the legendary Chief Roimata, where his story is told by the chiefs of Eretoka themselves.

Three snorkelling spots follow across Eretoka and Lelepa Island, including fish feeding sessions and a reef known for its giant clam shells. All snorkelling gear is provided.

Back on shore, local mamas share their handicrafts and serve seasonal fruit and taro or manioc chips before a village walk that covers canoe building, island food preparation and local storytelling. Lunch, featuring fish, island vegetables, rice and chicken, is included, and you're back in Port Vila.

Join Chief Roi Mata’s Domain Tour for a day of ancient landscapes and cruising island waters that reveal one of Vanuatu’s most important cultural stories.

This immersive experience takes you across three sacred 17th-century locations that tell the remarkable story of the chief who brought lasting peace to Efate and its surrounding islands. Your adventure begins at Roi Mata's mainland village, where you'll explore ancient stone remains once used for mystical rituals and witness a magnificent banyan tree that has stood sentinel for centuries.

From there, board a local boat to explore the mysterious cave on Lelepa Island before reaching the final destination: the mass burial site on Artok Island where Chief Roi Mata and his followers were laid to rest.

The full-day tour includes a delicious lunch featuring authentic Vanuatu dishes like laplap and simboro, while preserving oral traditions that have kept this sacred story alive for over 400 years.

If you're looking for the perfect combination of underwater adventures, lazy beach moments and fascinating cultural insights, you'll absolutely love Port Vila Tours' full-day escape to Pele Island.

This guided tour begins with a scenic boat ride from Efate, taking you to one of Vanuatu's most secluded beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

Spend your day snorkelling amongst colourful marine life in some of the clearest waters you'll ever experience, or simply unwind on the stunning white sand beach. The adventure includes a traditional Vanuatu BBQ lunch served beachside, featuring fresh local ingredients that perfectly complement the tropical setting.

Between swimming, snorkelling and exploring, you'll have the opportunity to stroll through a local village, gaining authentic insights into island life. With all equipment, transport, meals and expert guidance included, this tour with Port Vila Tours offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of Vanuatu's hidden gems.

Max’s Island Tours' private island escape focuses on simplicity, calm waters and complete relaxation, with this small-group experience delivering an easygoing tropical day away from the crowds.

With Max as your charismatic guide, you'll enjoy boat transport to this private island paradise, where unbelievably blue waters and powdery white sand create the perfect tropical escape.

The experience includes fresh local fruits, complimentary snorkelling gear, and plenty of time for swimming and relaxing in the shade of coconut palms. An esky with ice is provided for your own drinks, making it easy to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Limited to just four guests per trip, this tour ensures a personalised and uncrowded experience, though larger groups can be accommodated with two days' notice.

How about visiting Tanna Island with the famously erupting Mt Yasur on a day tour with Air Taxi?

Choose between a day tour departing 7 am and returning 4:30 pm, or an overnight adventure starting at midday and returning the following morning. The experience begins with your scenic flight in a 9-seater Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, offering substantial windows with spectacular aerial views of this remarkable volcanic landscape.

Both tours also include a thrilling 4WD safari across the rugged island and guided tours to the crater's edge. The overnight option lets you witness the volcano's spectacular fireworks display at sunset and after dark, when the molten magma show is at its most breathtaking.

Tours require a minimum of five passengers before departure is confirmed. During low season, bookings are held provisionally until passenger numbers are met, with final confirmation typically provided two days before the scheduled flight. In high season (March onwards), bookings are typically confirmed immediately.

Your overnight adventure includes accommodation at Rockwater Resort or White Grass Resort, continental breakfast and all transfers, including hotel pickups within Port Vila.

Speaking of island island-hopping that go the extra mile (or how about an extra 130 miles?), Unity Airlines can get you over to Pentecost to experience the iconic land diving ceremonies in just one day.

The ancient Melanesian tradition of naghol sees local men and boys as young as seven diving headfirst from wooden towers up to 30 m (100 ft) high with only vines tied to their ankles.

This sacred fertility ceremony has been performed for centuries to ensure successful yam harvests and prove manhood. The spectacular event includes ritual washing, traditional kastom dances, chanting and ground-stomping ceremonies that create an unforgettable cultural experience.

Unity Airlines operates with a strong focus on safety, maintaining an excellent safety record over its 23 years of operation with no accidents.

With a fleet of five aircraft, including Piper PA-31-350 Chieftains and Britten Norman BN2 Islanders, Unity Airlines can accommodate between four and eight passengers depending on weight restrictions. Their multi-engine aircraft provide enhanced safety and comfort for the journey.

With all that in mind, your scenic flight departs Port Vila at 8:30 am, offering aerial views of lush jungles and coral reefs that create patterns in the ocean. Weather permitting, you'll enjoy a volcanic flyover of Lopevi, Marum and Benbow volcanoes before arriving at Lonorore for a traditional village welcome and to watch around six to 10 jumps.

After the incredible cultural experience, you'll be transported back to Port Vila - how easy was that?!

Finally, don't leave Efate without experiencing Lelepa Island with none other than Lelepa Island Tours.

100% locally owned and operated by the people of Lelepa Island itself, this tour is a full-day experience that packs snorkelling through a marine sanctuary, a guided rainforest walk, kayaking, white coral beaches and a visit to Chief Roi Mata's Domain (Vanuatu's only UNESCO World Heritage Site) into one community-led adventure.

Your journey starts with pick-up from your Port Vila accommodation, followed by a drive to Havannah Harbour and a boat crossing to the island.

Once there, you'll snorkel Lelepa's Marine Protected Area, hand-feed reef fish, explore a sunken aircraft wreck at around 3 metres depth and spot giant clams (turtles and dugong are sometimes seen, though not guaranteed). A barbecue lunch with local beef, chicken, tropical fruit and vegetarian options is included, as are snacks and refreshments throughout.

The day ends with time in Lelepa village, farewell songs from the village children and a warm lukim yu before the boat returns you to the mainland.