10 Best Island Day Trips in Vanuatu

One of the most affordable island day trips in Vanuatu, which also offers something very unique, Hideaway Island off the coast of Efate LINK#D017 (the main island) is as good a place to start as any.

Post a waterproof postcard from 3 m (10 ft) underwater at the world's first underwater post office. That's exactly what awaits you at Hideaway Island, and we're absolutely delighted by this one-of-a-kind experience just off the coast of Mele.

This pristine marine sanctuary sits on a small coral atoll, where crystal-clear waters meet vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. Beyond the famous underwater postal service, you'll discover a peaceful island paradise that's perfect for lounging on white sandy beaches.

Getting there couldn't be simpler or more affordable. Catch a bus from Port Vila, then hop on a very affordable ferry to the island (the ferry runs regularly throughout the day).

Alternatively, Hideaway is on the itinerary of tours with Yumi Tours, Vila Hope Tours and Nonda Extreme Tours.

Just a short ferry ride from the capital, Iririki Island is the most accessible island day trip in Vanuatu.

You'll fall in love with this tiny tropical gem housing Iririki Island Resort & Spa, perfectly visible from Port Vila's waterfront. The island is effortlessly accessible with no complicated planning required!

Simply grab your "Day Guest Pass" when you arrive (it's valid from 8 am to 5 pm) and dive straight into island paradise. The inviting waters are calling your name with free kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear waiting for you. You'll discover incredible marine life in the protected green zone where fishing is banned, keeping everything pristine for snorkellers like yourself.

Don't miss the stunning sunset pool – it's absolutely divine – and we love how easy the return ferry transfers make everything from the Port Vila jetty.

Another effortless island escaped in the Port Vila area, Erakor Island is home to a luxurious private island resort that welcomes day visitors.

Erakor Island Resort offers day visitors an idyllic tropical escape with gorgeous beaches, turquoise waters and lush gardens.

The island welcomes guests with a comprehensive day pass that includes ferry transfers and partial credit towards dining at the Overwater Aqua Restaurant or treatments at the Essence Day Spa.

Adventure enthusiasts can dive into complimentary watersports including swimming, snorkelling over schools of tropical fish, kayaking and paddleboarding around the island. For a truly authentic experience, try your hand at paddling a traditional outrigger canoe with guidance from the local watersports team.

Beyond the aquatic activities, the island boasts acres of tropical gardens perfect for morning walks, secluded tracks for exploration and the historic open-air chapel; reportedly the oldest in the South Pacific. Additional recreational options include beach volleyball, petanque and billiards, ensuring there's something for every preference.

Off the shores of Vanuatu's largest island, Espiritu Santo, Aore Island offers an island getaway away from, well, your island getaway...

You'll experience tropical island tranquillity just 10 minutes by ferry from Luganville.

Both Aore Island Resort and Freshwater Plantation offer complimentary transfers and recreational equipment, including fat wheel bikes, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for exploring the lush terrain and pristine waters.

Cultural enthusiasts will love the daily island classes where you can learn traditional weaving, make fresh coconut milk or discover ancient stories through sand drawing—a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Vanuatu's rich heritage at an unhurried pace.

What's more, both resorts have restaurants so you don't even need to pack lunch!

Getting to the more remote islands off the north coast of Efate takes a little more planning, but tour operators like Nonda Extreme Tours make getting to Moso Island and Pele Island easy.

These full-day escapes offer everything from hidden blue caves and vibrant coral gardens to authentic village encounters and tranquil white sand beaches.

The Moso Island experience begins with a scenic 10-minute boat ride across Havannah Harbour, leading to exceptional snorkelling amongst colourful coral reefs and giant clam shells. The highlight is exploring the mysterious Blue Cave and swimming in its turquoise lagoon, followed by a traditional island-style lunch served on banana leaves right on the beach.

Pele Island offers a more serene experience, where the rhythmic sound of waves on pristine beaches creates deep tranquillity.

Both tours include meaningful cultural exchanges with friendly locals, panoramic photo opportunities of neighbouring islands, and freshly prepared BBQ lunches featuring local flavours.

Another Santo stunner, Dany Island is a pristine private island paradise that serves as Santo's only government-certified marine sanctuary.

This untouched gem offers over 1.2 million m² (4.6 million ft²) of vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, all just metres from palm-fringed white sand beaches.

The island is renowned for its exceptional snorkelling opportunities at perfect depths for crystal-clear visibility, making it suitable for all ages with easy shoreline access. Giant sea turtles call Dany Island home, regularly nesting on the beaches and swimming alongside visitors in the pristine waters.

Your day tour includes convenient transfers from any Santo accommodation or cruise ship, plus a scenic 10-minute boat ride to the island. Once there, you'll have access to snorkelling gear, kayaks and surfboards, with the northern tip boasting Santo's best surf break LINK#TTD115.

A delicious BBQ lunch is served on the island, complete with full facilities including toilets and showers.

For adventurous travellers looking to truly gett off the beaten track for the day, Vanuatu Ecotours offers the opportunity to hike and explore Nguna Island and Pele Island!

We absolutely love this dual-island adventure that perfectly combines hiking, cultural immersion and marine exploration across two pristine Vanuatu islands. You'll start by choosing between the challenging "Volcano Walk" up Mt Marou (472 m) for sweeping views across the Shepherd Islands or the more leisurely "Village Walk" that can be adapted to your fitness level.

After your morning trek on Nguna Island, you'll be whisked away to neighbouring Pele Island for a delicious buffet lunch prepared by local mamas using the freshest ingredients. The afternoon is yours to snorkel the marine conservation area, swim in turquoise lagoons or simply relax on pristine white sand beaches surrounded by jungle-clad hills.

What we find particularly meaningful about this tour is its commitment to supporting local communities who are actively conserving their reef and forest resources. Your adventure becomes both memorable and impactful.

If amazing snorkelling or scuba diving is an essential part of your Vanuatu wishlist, then the mainland won't offer you a better option than Moso Island with Tranquillity Island Resort.

If you're looking for an unforgettable marine adventure, this eco-resort on Moso Island should be at the top of your list. They have a dedicated turtle sanctuary, where baby hatchlings are lovingly cared for until they're ready to take on ocean life.

It's one of the best places to spot hawksbill and green turtles gracefully grazing on seagrass around the pristine house reef, which non-guests can experience by taking a full-day adventure that includes scenic transfers by road and boat, a delicious lunch, guided snorkelling sessions, access to bush walking trails and complimentary kayak use.

Scuba divers, don't miss the chance to add a dive package and explore the numerous sites around Moso Island. New to diving? We recommend trying their "Discover Scuba" session.

The resort's "Island Explorer" day cruise offers another fantastic way to experience these crystal-clear waters. Their dive shop in Port Vila makes booking a breeze with convenient hotel pickups.

Escape to the pristine paradise of Pele Island on this full-day adventure with Port Vila Tours that combines relaxation with underwater exploration.

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 offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of Vanuatu's hidden gems.

To explore the islands that encapsulate the history of one of Vanuatu's most important historical figures, join Atmosphere Tours & Transfers for a trip to Artok and Lelepa Islands.

This captivating full-day tour explores Chief Roi Mata's Domain, the country's only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Set sail from Port Vila to discover the sacred mass burial site on Artok Island (also known as Hat Island), where Chief Roi Mata and over 50 followers were laid to rest around 400 years ago.

The tour includes a guided exploration of Fels Cave on Lelepa Island and ventures into ancient rainforest that has remained untouched for centuries due to cultural prohibitions, allowing for extraordinary biodiversity to thrive with rare and endemic plant and animal species.

This comprehensive experience includes hotel pickup, lunch and all entrance fees.