5 Best Scenic Flights in Vanuatu

Experience the raw power of the Mt Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu's most iconic landmark and one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, with Air Taxi Vanuatu.

This legendary volcanic giant on Tanna Island LINK#D071 has been continuously erupting for centuries, hurling molten lava bombs and ash clouds hundreds of metres into the air every few minutes.

Choose between a day tour or an overnight adventure, both including return flights from Port Vila, thrilling 4WD safaris 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.

Needless to say, the benefit of visiting Tanna with Air Taxi is the arrival at Tanna, with your pilot looping around Mt Yasur to give you the best perspective of the volcano before landing at Lenakel Airport.

Your adventure includes accommodation at Rockwater Resort (or White Grass Resort), continental breakfast and all transfers.

Another chance to experience Mt Yasur, Unity Airlines offers the unique opportunity to do a scenic flight and tour of Mt Yasur and Tanna at the optimum time to witness the lava. This unique adventure combines scenic flights, 4WD safari experiences and the rare opportunity to witness nature's raw power up close.

The ancient Melanesian tradition of nangol 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.

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?!

Another stellar tour from Unity Airlines, witness the world's original bungee jump with this extraordinary Pentecost Land Diving Tour, available only between April and June.

The ancient Melanesian tradition of nangol 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.

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?!

That's right, Air Taxi also offers a way to witness the breathtaking Naghol land diving ceremony, from April to June, with a scenic flight to this spectacular harvest ritual on the lush mountainous Pentecost Island.

Your scenic flight from Port Vila takes you over stunning Cook's Reef, past Lopevi Volcano's emerald slopes, and over Ambrym Island's twin smoking volcanic vents of Benbow and Marum (weather permitting). The high-wing aircraft ensures optimal viewing of these incredible sights during the 2 hr return journey.

Upon landing at south Pentecost Airport, you'll be transferred 20 minutes to the diving site where participants display increasing daring, jumping from progressively higher platforms. The death-defying spectacle culminates with leaps from the tower's very top, accompanied by enchanting kastom singing and dancing.

Finally, design your ultimate aerial adventure with private charter flights across Vanuatu's stunning archipelago. Both operators, Unity Airlines and Air Taxi Vanuatu, offer bespoke scenic flights tailored to your exact specifications.

Unity Airlines operates modern multi-engine aircraft, including their new Piper Chieftain, featuring air-conditioned comfort and enhanced safety for over-water flights. Their charter options include inter-island transfers, aerial photography missions and fully customised itineraries, with IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) capability ensuring flights can operate in all weather conditions and at night.

Air Taxi Vanuatu brings 20 years of local flying experience to the table, operating a fleet of twin-engine aircraft specifically selected for reliability and ruggedness. Their aircraft are maintained to the highest standards and designed to access Vanuatu's remote "bush" airstrips, opening up the entire archipelago for exploration.

So, if you're seeking an intimate scenic flight for two or even planning a multi-day island-hopping adventure, these charter operators provide the freedom and flexibility to experience Vanuatu's breathtaking beauty from an entirely new perspective.