9 Best Kayak & Outrigger Canoe Tours in Vanuatu

Paddling around the renowned blue hole provides an extraordinary opportunity to glide through brilliant turquoise waters surrounded by verdant jungle landscape.

Here, crystal-clear waters plunge around 18 m (59 ft) deep; so deep that the water turns an opaque blue, and only in the shallows can you see the bottom.

Upon arrival, you'll find a rustic welcome centre where a custodian usually takes entry fees, though there's an honesty box system in place with entry fees of around 1,000 VT (bring cash). Basic facilities include toilets, changing rooms and lounging areas. The star attraction is an enormous banyan tree on the water's edge, complete with rope swings and a metal ladder for easy access to the highest launching points.

The blue hole also features a thrilling waterslide that requires a bucket of water for the smoothest ride down. For those wanting to stay on the water, kayak hire is available to paddle around the blue hole itself (though not down the river). If you have your snorkels, it's possible to see fish glide through shafts of sunlight piercing the deep blue depths.

It's possible to kayak through pristine jungle waterways from Turtle Bay Lodge and other nearby resorts, watching the water transform from ocean blue to the ethereal turquoise that gives this blue hole its fame. Otherwise, the normal way to access is by road along the historical Turtle Bay Airstrip.

Another outstanding blue hole where you can enjoy outrigger canoeing, this time along the magical Riri River.

The Riri River’s unbelievably crystal-clear waters transition from emerald green to brilliant azure blue as you paddle deeper into the jungle.

The adventure begins with a peaceful 20-minute outrigger canoe ride through mangrove-lined waterways that feel like a portal to another world. For 1,500 VT per person (which includes entry fee to the blue hole), you can canoe for a very reasonable fee, accommodating up to five people per outrigger canoe. Guides wait by the bridge, and this is, in our humble opinion, the recommended way to get there, as this is what makes the Riri Blue Hole so special.

Upon arrival, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush jungle with platforms for easy access, plus facilities including bathrooms and changing areas thoughtfully provided by locals. The blue hole itself features a swing rope for those seeking a bit of adventure, though the overall atmosphere encourages languid soaks, a little snorkelling if you have the gear, and a moment to embrace the beauty of this hidden grove.

If you’re keen to explore Port Vila’s coastline at your own pace, this guided kayak experience offers both a quick paddle and a more challenging full-day adventure.

Their half-day sea kayak trip is perfect if you're short on time but still want to get out on the water.

You'll be paddling double kayaks from Mission Kayaks. If you've got an odd number in your group, don't worry. The guide will hop in the back of a double kayak instead, which actually makes things safer and easier to manage.

The adventure kicks off from Fatamaru Bay, taking you through the harbour for a lovely loop around the back of Iririki Island. This shorter option includes a refreshing stop at a small sandy beach where you can take a dip if the tropical heat gets to you.

If you're up for a proper adventure, their full-day kayak experience is where things get exciting. You'll be paddling for about 6 hours and cover approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) in total, which will definitely leave you feeling like you've had a proper workout (but in the best possible way).

Starting from the same Fatamaru Bay spot, this extended route takes you along the point and across to Faro Island, around the back of the island, then up to Wota Rua (Paradise Cove). Lunch is included in the price, and you'll get about an hour to snorkel at the breathtaking Paradise Cove before heading back.

Pack your biggest hat, slather on the sunscreen and bring plenty of water; this is a full-sun experience.

Still waters, winding mangrove channels and a slow, rhythmic paddle set the tone for this lagoon journey through one of Vanuatu’s most scenic estuaries.

This peaceful waterway meanders through a lush estuary dotted with towering mangroves, while distant mountains create a dramatic backdrop to your scenic adventure.

The traditional outrigger canoe offers the perfect pace to soak in the tranquil atmosphere as you glide along the slowly flowing river. For those seeking a bit more excitement (or who are feeling lazy), banana boat tours provide a faster-paced alternative to explore this captivating landscape.

According to our very own travel manager, Robin, the natural rhythm of paddling through these calm waters creates an almost meditative experience that's hard to find elsewhere in Vanuatu.

Arrange with canoe guides at the lagoon entrance or through your accommodation host.

Trade the coastline for a peaceful inland adventure as this kayaking experience takes you deep into Efate’s lush river landscapes.

Paddle gently down the freshwater Rentapao River, surrounded by tropical vegetation and glimpses of local village life.

The full-day kayaking experience includes a visit to Rarru Cascades, offering a perfect combination of paddling and experiencing one of Efate's best water-based attractions nearby. But even the half-day (1 hr 30 mins) tour provides opportunities to immerse yourself in the river's gentle tropical environment while enjoying the serenity of being on the water.

At the end of your paddle, cool off with a refreshing river swim and enjoy some playful fun on the Tarzan rope swing. After working up an appetite, you'll relax riverside with a fresh tropical fruit platter before heading back to your accommodation.

Come prepared with reef shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and your own drink bottles for the adventure. With knowledgeable local guides prioritising safety through proper briefings and equipment, these kayaking tours offer a refreshing way to experience a side of Efate that few travellers get to experience.

Multi-day paddling adventures rarely get more immersive than this, with remote islands, cultural encounters and coastal exploration all wrapped into one guided outrigger journey.

Embark on an exceptional four-day, three-night outrigger canoe adventure around Maskelyne Island with Malog Bungalows. This comprehensive circumnavigation tour includes all transport, meals, accommodation, activities and a dedicated local guide who paddles alongside you throughout the journey.

Explore pristine beaches, soak up stunning coastal views and make memorable stops at remote island villages and beachside campsites. The experience features epic snorkelling opportunities and authentic cultural exchanges, including kava drinking sessions with locals.

A highlight is the stop at Vulai Island, where you'll enjoy breathtaking hikes along secluded beaches and to scenic viewpoints whilst spotting local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for dugongs during the paddling portions of the journey.

Motorboat support is provided throughout, ensuring you can take breaks from paddling whenever needed without any pressure to paddle 100% of the time.

A full day of paddling, swimming and sightseeing makes this 3-in-1 experience a great way to explore Port Vila’s rivers, waterfalls and lagoon in one seamless adventure.

Immerse yourself in the pristine waterways around Port Vila with this comprehensive three-in-one aquatic adventure that combines kayaking, waterfall exploration, and lagoon swimming. Your full-day (six-hour) journey begins with a peaceful paddle down crystal-clear rivers, where you'll navigate through lush tropical surroundings whilst soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

The adventure continues at the spectacular Rarru River Waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip beneath cascading waters before heading to the enchanting Blue Lagoon for more swimming and relaxation. The tour thoughtfully includes a stop in town for duty-free shopping, allowing you to pick up souvenirs and essentials.

All kayaking equipment is provided, along with transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, entry fees, bottled water, morning refreshments, and a hearty lunch to fuel your aquatic escapades.

Extended island adventures like this offer a rare mix of outdoor challenge, remote camping and deep cultural immersion across the Maskelyne Islands.

This challenging yet rewarding journey features two nights of camping on different islands, with well-trained local guides ensuring your safety throughout. You'll feast on traditional laplap at the first campsite, followed by the likes of fresh lobster, crabs and reef fish with coconut milk at the second location.

The experience includes snorkelling amongst vibrant coral reefs, hiking to panoramic viewpoints on rocky Vulai Island, and the rare opportunity to encounter dugongs in their natural habitat.

Evenings come alive with traditional custom stories around the campfire, whilst campsites offer modern conveniences like stored rainwater, lighting and (surprisingly) good mobile network coverage if you get with Digicel.

A quiet mangrove paddle combined with cultural storytelling makes this Maskelyne Islands experience a truly atmospheric journey through one of Vanuatu’s most peaceful ecosystems.

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