20 Best Nature & Wildlife Tours in Vanuatu

Vanuatu Ecotours offers the "Discovery Bush Walk", a guided experience that combines nature and culture through a relaxed walk across Efate’s diverse landscapes.

This 2 hr 30 mins, 4 km (2.5 mi) bushwalk takes you into the heart of not just the forest, but the communities that call this incredible island paradise home. The experience is designed to suit everyone, with different route options available, including a longer route for the fit and a shorter route suitable for kids and older participants.

You'll wander through traditional villages at a natural pace that allows your guide to share insights into the everyday lives of Ni-Vanuatu people, across beaches where you can learn about tabu areas, and through lush landscapes. The adventure includes a short rock climb past limestone caves and banyan trees to reach hilltop plantations, giving your expertly trained guides plenty of prompts to share fascinating insights throughout.

With usually two guides leading each group, this bushwalk provides personalised attention and local expertise. You'll want to come prepared with sunscreen, insect repellent, dry bags (you never know when the weather will turn), and proper hiking/walking shoes to make the most of this authentic Vanuatu experience.

The tour offers more than just bushwalking, combining cultural immersion with natural exploration in a uniquely Vanuatu setting.

Yumi Tours offers a full-day experience visiting Avi Bay, Pepeyo Cultural Village, Eden on the River and the Blue Lagoon, combining wildlife encounters with cultural and natural highlights.

Your 5-6-hour day kicks off at Avi Bay, where you'll get up close with an amazing turtle conservation project. Here, you'll meet endangered green and hawksbill turtles alongside native iguanas (it's absolutely fascinating to watch these gentle creatures in their natural habitat).

Next up is the famous Blue Lagoon. And trust us, the crystal-clear waters are every bit as stunning as you've heard. You can snorkel amongst tropical fish in this pristine natural pool, something we've experienced ourselves and can't recommend enough.

The adventure continues at Eden on the River, a hidden gem that we have a real soft spot for. The cascading waterfalls and breathtaking scenery create the perfect backdrop for swimming and photography.

The cultural highlight is your visit to Pepeyo Cultural Village, where you'll gain genuine insights into traditional Vanuatuan life and customs. A delicious lunch is included, and the tour wraps up with duty-free shopping opportunities before you head back to your accommodation or cruise ship.

Malog Bungalows offers the "Dugong & Snorkelling Tour", a relaxed boat excursion focused on spotting rare marine life and exploring coral reefs around Espiritu Santo.

These gentle marine mammals, often called "sea cows," are best spotted during low tide when they swim closer to the reef and mangrove areas to feed.

The tour operates by boat, allowing your expert local guides to search multiple locations until dugongs are found. You'll be casually guided by one of the Malog Bungalows family members, who will encourage you to take a gentle swimming approach to encourage the dugongs to come to you. With 20 litres (5 gal) of fuel reserved specifically for this purpose, you're virtually guaranteed an encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

If you want to snorkel over coral, you could also be taken to some stunning sites with drop-off rock formations and beautiful reefs with thriving coral.

All snorkelling gear is provided, with regularly updated equipment and adjustable fins to accommodate different foot sizes. You can generally swim for as little or as long as you want, as the waters are in protected island areas, making for usually easy swimming conditions. Small refreshments like coconut and banana keep your energy up during snorkelling sessions.

This guided hiking adventure with Mt Marou Adventure Tours on Mt Marou offers an incredible journey through diverse landscapes, from lush jungle terrain to traditional vanilla plantations nestled in small villages.

Knowledgeable local guides share fascinating insights about the mysterious rock formations at the trail's beginning, traditional medicinal uses of native flora, and a few more surprises along the way.

The carefully planned route features strategically placed benches and coconut trees for shade as you traverse the mountain's open slopes.

The final ascent through tall grass rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of Pele and Nguna Island, the Shepherd Islands, and dramatic volcanic craters.

The entire experience takes approximately 1 hr 30 mins, 45 minutes ascending from the road's end and 45 minutes descending (with extra care required on the sometimes slippery terrain).

Roawia Turtle & Snorkelling Tours offers guided marine experiences focusing on close encounters with Vanuatu’s diverse reef life.

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.

The Millennium Cave Tour is one of Espiritu Santo’s most challenging full-day adventures.

This tour isn't for the faint-hearted, but those ready for a proper adventure will experience one of Santo's most comprehensive land excursions. The full-day expedition combines cultural immersion, cave exploration, canyoning and refreshing river swimming across a variety of cave, canyon and jungle locations.

Your day begins with a detailed briefing at the tour office before the scenic 1 hr 30 mins drive to the remote Nambel village, before embarking on your first mini-adventure to Funaspef village. Upon arrival, you'll receive essential equipment, including life jackets, with the opportunity to store any unnecessary items safely at the village. The adventure then unfolds across several distinct phases, starting with a 1 hr 30 mins trek through dense tropical forest to reach the cave entrance.

Before entering the massive 300-m/985-ft-long cave system, you'll participate in a traditional face painting ceremony. Inside the cathedral-like cavern, which soars up to 25 m (80 ft) high and spans 10 m (30 ft) wide in places, you'll navigate past ancient rock formations while swallows and bats flutter overhead. Underground waterfalls create an otherworldly atmosphere as you spend 30 minutes traversing this remarkable subterranean landscape.

After emerging and enjoying lunch (BYO), the adventure continues with an exciting canyoning section featuring metal safety fixtures to help you navigate the rocky terrain. The expedition culminates with an exhilarating swimming segment using life jackets to float downstream through multiple pristine pools, following the natural current through a stunning canyon.

The adventure concludes with hot drinks and tropical fruit at Funaspef village before making the return journey to your accommodation.

Lavanua Tours & Transfers offers the "Half Day Blue Lagoon and Cascades Tour", a guided experience combining waterfalls, swimming spots and light adventure around Efate.

This exhilarating half-day adventure begins at Fung Kuei Duty Free for some shopping before heading to the tranquil Eden on the River, where cascading waterfalls create a serene retreat amidst lush tropical surroundings.

The highlight awaits at the famous Blue Lagoon, where crystal-clear waters invite you to dive in and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush. What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to swing from a rope hanging off a tree and plunge into the refreshing blue waters below—transforming a simple swim into an unforgettable adventure.

With knowledgeable guides ensuring top-notch safety and a seamless experience, this 4 hrs 30 mins tour includes lunch and all admission fees, making it perfect for both cruise passengers and hotel guests seeking diverse attractions and unmatched thrills.

The Vanuatu Jungle Zipline offers a high-adrenaline rainforest experience above Mele Bay.

The complex at what's known as The Summit features six lines totalling 1.3 km (0.8 mi) that send you soaring through the rainforest canopy, platform to platform across dramatic canyons and ravines. Lines range from 20 m (65 ft) to the longest at 300 m (984 ft), offering an escalating thrill as you progress through the course.

For the truly fearless, the "Vanuatu Canyon Swing" launches you from 70 m (230 ft) above ground at speeds reaching 120 kph (75 mph) with pristine Mele Bay stretching below like a gleaming jewel.

The crown jewel is the "Vanuatu Skybridge", the longest suspension bridge in the Southern Hemisphere at 120 m (394 ft) long, offering unparalleled 360-degree views down the canyon to Mele Bay and the stunning azure reef below.

And for those in your group who prefer their feet to remain on the ground, the Summit Gardens provides a peaceful contrast with meandering pathways, tropical flowers, fish ponds and picnic areas, included free with all activity tickets.

Refreshments are available to purchase on-site at their fully solar-powered operation. You can refill your waterbottles from the rainwater tanks, and they have a recycling program in place. Nice!

Ratua Island Resort offers a unique horseback riding experience on a private island in Espiritu Santo, combining scenic trails with an unforgettable lagoon adventure.

Set on a private island, this experience takes you along scenic trails through coconut plantations and across pristine white-sand beaches, showcasing the natural beauty of Espiritu Santo. The pace is relaxed, allowing you to fully take in the surroundings as you ride beneath swaying palms and along the shoreline.

The highlight comes at the end of the journey, where you’ll guide your horse into a calm, turquoise lagoon for a rare and unforgettable swim.

Riding bareback through the water creates a unique connection between rider and horse, making it a standout experience unlike any other in Vanuatu.

Local tourism operators Malakai and Rachel from Pui Lodge offer a flexible tour experience centred around the famous Blue Holes and Champagne Beach.

What makes this tour special is its customisable structure, allowing you to choose between visiting one, two, or three different blue holes before heading to the pristine shores of Champagne Beach (we recommend visiting multiple, as they are all spectacular and all have their own unique charms - see the 15 Best Blue Holes, Hot Springs & Swimming Spots in Vanuatu.

The highlight comes at Champagne Beach, where your passionate chef guide prepares a unique barbecue meal right on the beach, an experience unlike any other sightseeing tour in Santo!

The tour price reflects the considerable journey to Champagne Beach and back, though entrance fees (1,000-2,000 VT) to each location are payable separately. Tours are weather-dependent, as rain conditions can affect accessibility and safety at various locations.

Snorkelling and scuba diving day excursions around Moso Island combine accessible reef discoveries with guided underwater experiences near Port Vila, offered by Tranquility Island Resort.

Their full-day trip includes bus pickup from Port Vila (30-45 minutes), followed by boat transfer to either the resort itself for snorkelling around the pristine house reef, or to the spectacular Hapi Tok Beach on the back of the island when weather permits. You'll enjoy two guided snorkelling sessions of 20-25 minutes each, with a delicious barbecue lunch served on the beach between sessions.

All snorkelling gear is provided, including masks, snorkels and fins, plus refreshments are served on board during your return journey.

Scuba divers can add dive packages to explore 15 dive sites around Moso Island, Lelepa Island and Hat Island, including the turtle-rich house reef, colourful Owens Reef, where you might spot sharks, and the impressive cave at Hat Island that can accommodate 20 people.

New to diving? Try their "Discover Scuba" session, with different pricing depending on whether you bring your own gear or use theirs. Better yet, stay at the resort to facilitate easy-going PADI courses.

Enjoy the local perspective provided by Tropical Island Tours, a 100% locally owned operator whose connections run deep; the owner's wife hails from Pele Island, offering genuine insights into island culture and traditions.

Beyond the volcanic exploration, you'll experience the stunning Nemarou Lagoon area, including the pristine Mangge sand bank, the extinct Limilo Volcano, and the beautiful lagoon itself.

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup between 8:30 am and 9 am, with personalised service that truly embodies their slogan: "Giving you the real island time mood."

"Tenstick Island Snorkelling Tour" by George Fred is a guided cultural and marine experience exploring a protected island sanctuary off Malekula.

Your guided tour reveals the island's intriguing past, including how ten sticks of tobacco were once paid by the French military for the island. And learn about the remarkable story of French military forces redirecting their fire from a village to this small island after intervention from a missionary.

Today, the area is a marine sanctuary, so dive into the sheltered bay waters to observe giant clams in stunning shades of blue and green, resting four to five metres below the surface.

The experience includes island exploration and cultural insights shared by local guides, with the added opportunity for men to climb the island's mountain whilst learning traditional stories passed down through generations.

Contact George Fred for community tour arrangements, who can be contacted through local bungalow accommodations, such as South West Bay Beachfront Bungalows.

The Manbush Trail Tour is a multi-day jungle trekking experience across the rugged interior of Malekula LINK#D035, offering a challenging journey through remote rainforest and traditional village landscapes.

Starting from Red Graon near Unua on the east coast, you'll journey deep into dense jungle, crossing rivers and summiting Mt Lembale at 800 m (2,625 ft) above sea level.

This strenuous five-day trek takes you through rarely visited parts of the island, where you'll encounter remote hill tribes and experience authentic manbush living first-hand. Sleep in traditional village guesthouses and handmade bush shelters during overnight rainforest camping, feast on local delicacies, and witness ancient cultural practices in remote villages.

The adventure includes challenging river crossings, scenic mountain views, and, on clear nights, possible viewing of the nearby Ambrym volcano. Your trek covers substantial distances - including a demanding 15 km (9.3 mi), 8-hour hike on the first day and a 20 km (12 mi) stretch through pristine rainforest on day four.

The trail concludes at Southwest Bay, where you can relax at the beautiful South West Beachfront Bungalows and unwind after your epic adventure. Experienced guides and porters accompany you throughout the journey, with all meals and accommodation included.

The Manbush Trail can be arranged through the Vanuatu Travel Information Centre or Miss Raela Ravun, who can be contacted directly for bookings and arrangements.

Nonda Extreme Tours offers the "Moso Island Day Trip and Pele Island Full Day Tour", combining snorkelling, island scenery and cultural encounters in one immersive experience.

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.

Exploring exclusive reef sites around Port Vila through guided marine adventures, you'll discover vibrant coral and abundant sea life with easy boat access with Vanuatu Watersports Port Vila.

The team takes you to their exclusive bay called Paradise Cove or Wota Rua, meaning "two waters" in the local language. This location, unlike anywhere else near Port Vila, is accessed via a 15-minute boat ride around the harbour corner, where Vanuatu Watersports has exclusive access rights, meaning you'll have this underwater paradise virtually to yourself.

The experience is extraordinary: you'll moor directly above their coral restoration site, where all their growing coral formations are visible right below the boat. Swim through fascinating coral bommies and encounter incredible marine life, possibly dugongs, dolphins, titan trigger fish, and massive parrot fish alongside countless tropical species. While you won't usually spot turtles at Paradise Cove itself, keep your eyes peeled during the journey, as they're frequently seen enroute.

Iririki Island Snorkel offers a different adventure with a quick boat ride to the back of Iririki Island for 1 hr 30 mins of snorkelling at the island's best snorkelling spot.

Both experiences prioritise marine conservation. Paradise Cove's sheltered location means fins aren't essential (though available on board), which helps protect the delicate reef systems from accidental damage. All snorkelling equipment is provided including masks, snorkels, pool noodles and life jackets, with minimum age restrictions of five years and basic swimming ability required.

The "Mt Hope Waterfall Tour" by Santo Heritage Tours is a scenic river-floating adventure on Espiritu Santo that combines gentle exploration with rainforest and waterfall scenery.

This full-day river adventure offers the perfect combination of relaxation and exploration as you float down the river to reach the stunning Mt Hope Waterfall. Unlike the more strenuous Millennium Cave Tour, this gentler alternative provides similar river-floating thrills without the physical demands.

The journey begins with a scenic two-hour 4WD drive in the back of a ute with a funky, traditionally thatched roof that offers fascinating glimpses into how locals really live, passing through rural communities and a historic WW2 base where US Army Bunkers remain, before reaching the river entry point. Once kitted out with life jackets (and a lovely hibiscus flower), you'll float downstream through sections of gentle current, the river snaking its way toward the magnificent waterfall destination.

The highlight is reaching the spectacular waterfall, where sheets of water cascade down limestone slopes flat enough to climb and enjoy some tropical fruit and local snacks at the top. After conquering the falls, an easy and sometimes slippery walk through the dense rainforest completes the adventure, allowing you to experience Santo's lush tropical wilderness up close.

Santo Heritage Lodge also operates the popular Santo Highlight Tour, cultural village experiences, and various other blue hole excursions, as well as a family-run lodge.

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.

The "Mangrove Outrigger Tour" offered by Lavrisi Yacht Club is a traditional canoe experience exploring mangrove ecosystems and remote coastal scenery.

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.

Tuffuntari Waterfall & Tours' "Full Day Tour" provides a guided experience for waterfall swimming in South Santo.

This full-day adventure combines natural beauty with profound historical significance at Tangoa Island, the birthplace of Christian missionary work in Vanuatu, led by your knowledgeable local guide, Reynald. The experience begins with a refreshing swim at the stunning Tuffuntari Waterfall before travelling to a local village for an authentic lunch prepared by community members.

Following the meal, guests embark on a scenic outrigger canoe journey across a short channel to reach Tangoa Island, where Vanuatu's missionary history comes alive. This historically significant island served as the educational hub where local people from the surrounding Panama region gathered to learn Christian principles and cultural guidance from early missionaries.

The tour provides fascinating insights into how these educated ancestors later returned to their home islands throughout the archipelago, spreading the knowledge and teachings they had received.

The combination of waterfall swimming, village culture, traditional canoe transport and historical exploration creates an engaging full-day experience that showcases both Vanuatu's natural wonders and cultural heritage.