12 Best Sightseeing Tours in Vanuatu

Vanuatu Ecotours might be famous for its guided hikes and off-the-beaten-track adventures, but they also offer a very affordable and insightful sightseeing tours!

This homegrown tour operator has been showing visitors the real Vanuatu since 2006 and they're still going strong.

Their day trips around Efate are pretty unique: think river kayaking through crystal-clear waterways, bushwalking through jungle that feels like something from a nature documentary, and full-day escapes to Nguna Island.

But here's where they really shine: their 3-6-day outer island adventures. These all-inclusive packages take you to places most tourists never see, from the remote Maskelynes archipelago in south Malekula to Nguna and Pele islands off Efate's north coast.

You'll witness the legendary land-diving ceremonies of south Pentecost (absolutely mind-blowing), join John Frum Day celebrations on Tanna, and trek Ambrym's twin volcanoes. These experiences reveal the true beating heart of Vanuatu's natural beauty and culture.

What we love most is their commitment to sustainable tourism and genuine community partnerships. You're not just visiting; you're connecting with real island life through custom itineraries that work for groups and charters alike.

Experience the raw beauty of Vanuatu with Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours, a proudly local-owned company that's become one of the top-rated tour operators across both Tanna and Port Vila.

Founded by Charlie, a dedicated teacher from Lautapunga Village, this community-focused operation offers genuine cultural immersion alongside spectacular volcanic adventures.

Their diverse offerings include afternoon and sunrise Mount Yasur volcano tours, the fascinating "Blue Cave & Yakel Tribe Tour", and comprehensive hiking experiences around Mount Yasur and Tanna Island. Multi-day packages (one to three nights) provide seamless transfers, accommodation at Chez Nous Bungalow, all meals, and visits to Mt Yasur, Blue Cave, and the traditional Yakel Tribe Village.

The smorgboard of experiences means you'll get to experience Mt Yasur as part of full-day excursions or afternoon or sunrise tours, while more active travellers will dig the "Hiking around Mount Yasur and Tanna Island" experience.

When it comes to day tours in Vanuatu, Atmosphere Tours & Transfers is a reliable go-to with fantastic sightseeing tours across both the main island of Efate and the largest island, Espiritu Santo!

Atmosphere Tours & Transfers offers an impressive range of full-day and half-day tours perfectly tailored for cruise passengers and resort guests exploring Vanuatu. Their diverse itineraries span from the stunning Blue Lagoon and Eden on the River to cultural immersions at Pepeyo Cultural Village and duty-free shopping experiences.

Adventure seekers can explore the pristine white sand beaches of Pele Island and remote villages in northern Efate, whilst history enthusiasts will be captivated by the UNESCO World Heritage tour to Chief Roi Mata's burial site, where over 50 individuals accompanied the legendary chief to the afterlife.

From foodie adventures at 83 Islands Distillery and Aelan Chocolate Factory to nightlife tours through kava bars and the vibrant suburb of Freswota, there's something for every traveller. The company also arranges unique seasonal experiences to Pentecost for the famous land diving ceremonies (April-June) and Espiritu Santo adventures featuring the Blue Hole, Champagne Beach and Million Dollar Point, with convenient airfare packages to Tanna Volcano.

A reliable tour company with a sightseeing offering curated to indulge all the senses, as well as the option for fully customisable tours, Bountiful Tours & Transfers is a no-brainer.

They are a locally owned operation that truly knows how to showcase Efate Island's best bits. Their experienced drivers and fun-loving guides create memorable adventures, whether you're after their signature "Explore, Discover and Indulge" Blue Lagoon and Rarru Cascades tour or the "Taste of the Tropics" that combines must-see attractions with sampling unique food items made in Vanuatu.

What really sets them apart is their incredible flexibility and accessibility. You'll find fully customisable private minivan tours alongside wheelchair-accessible vehicles with onboard ramps (something we don't see nearly enough of). We're also big fans of their unique "Tropical Trio" concept, where you pick three attractions for a four-hour adventure, creating your perfect half-day out.

The "Taste, See and Swim" experience is another winner, combining Tanna Coffee, Hideaway Island and Blue Lagoon in one sensory-rich journey that hits all the right notes.

Yumi Tours offers the most comprehensive collection of tours and tour packages on Efate, making them your one-stop shop for exploration in Port Vila.

Most tours include an obligatory trip to the stunning Blue Lagoon and Eden on the River, seamlessly combined with transport and thrilling activities like quad biking, off-road buggying, chocolate factory visits and horse riding adventures.

Their signature full-day tour combines cultural immersion at Pepeyo Cultural Village, relaxation at Survivor Beach and rejuvenation at the natural Nasinu Hot Springs. For those seeking a more personalised experience, fully customisable private SUV and ute tours are also available, allowing you to craft the perfect itinerary.

With decades of local expertise and established partnerships across the island, Yumi Tours ensures seamless logistics and insider access to both popular attractions and hidden gems that independent travellers often miss.

The international tour company that specialises in small-group adventures in the remotest corners of the world, of course, Intrepid Travel offers a multi-day guided tour of Vanuatu!

Begin your eight-day adventure in Port Vila before kayaking the pristine Rentapao River and exploring the thundering Rarru Cascades on Efate.

Fly to Tanna Island to witness the world's largest banyan tree, experience the fascinating cargo cult culture of John Frum village, and trek to the rim of the active Mt Yasur volcano for an unforgettable encounter with molten lava. Soak in the therapeutic Sulphur Bay Hot Springs and explore traditional villages before returning to Efate.

Journey to Pele Island for spectacular snorkelling amongst pristine coral reefs, with optional hiking on Nguna Island. Back on Efate, discover local coffee roasters, rum and gin distilleries, and swim in the famous Blue Lagoon.

With a focus on food and culture, Port Vila Tours has a unique offering for sightseeing in Port Vila and Efate.

They may be a relatively new name in Vanuatu's tourism scene, but the team behind the brand brings over 15 years of expertise in hospitality, weddings, events and guided tours. Their speciality lies in small-group experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail, well, in most cases.

Although they offer the usual island sightseeing on the "Efate Highlights Tour" and "Vanuatu Highlights and Duty Free Shopping", Port Vila Tours truly shines with their culturally immersive offerings.

The "Guided Food Experience" takes you on a culinary journey through local flavours, while the "Mele Village Guided Walking Tour" provides an authentic glimpse into village life. For those seeking deeper cultural connection, the full-day "Kastom and Culture Tour" offers complete immersion into traditional Ni-Vanuatu culture.

They also organise excursions to Pele Island with BBQ lunch included, combining scenic island-hopping with delicious local cuisine.

One of the best tour companies for cruisers, especially considering all options are around 6 hours, Vila Hope Tours & Transfers is a locally run tour company with a great selection of sightseeing tours.

They offer three exceptional full-day adventures that showcase Port Vila's most spectacular natural attractions. Their signature six-hour tour combine multiple must-see destinations, including the mesmerising Blue Lagoon with its turquoise waters and rope swing, the fascinating Turtle Sanctuary where you can observe magnificent sea turtles in their protected habitat, and the refreshing Rarru Waterfalls perfect for cooling off beneath cascading waters.

What sets these tours apart is their comprehensive nature and exceptional value. The Hideaway Island Marine Reserve experience includes access to vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish and the world-famous underwater post office, where you can send waterproof postcards—a truly unique souvenir opportunity.

For adventure seekers, the three-in-one kayaking tour offers peaceful paddling through crystal-clear rivers surrounded by lush tropical scenery, followed by waterfall exploration and lagoon swimming. All tours include air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup, delicious buffet barbecue lunches featuring local fruits and traditional flavours, plus all entry fees, bottled water and snacks.

Offering a generous menu of sightseeing tours, Lavanua Tours & Transfers are a good option to hire for multiple days.

What we love most about these tours is that they typically focus on just three attractions per trip, so you never feel rushed. They offer eight diverse packages that showcase Vanuatu's most spectacular natural attractions with seamless convenience.

Take this comprehensive six-hour adventure, for example. It perfectly balances turtle watching at Avi Bay, cascading waterfalls at Eden on the River and the adrenaline-pumping rope swing at the famous Blue Lagoon.

If you're seeking a shorter adventure, the five-hour tour combines snorkelling at Banana Bay Beach Club with tranquil cascades before culminating at Crystal Blue Lagoon. The half-day option focuses on the highlights, featuring 4 hrs 30 mins of waterfalls and rope-swinging thrills.

All tours include air-conditioned transport, professional guides ensuring top-notch safety, delicious BBQ buffet lunches and convenient duty-free shopping at Fung Kuei. Additional packages explore culture villages, the chocolate factory, Hideaway Island and private excursions for groups of four or more.

Explore the wider island of Efate with Nonda Extreme Tours.

They specialise in getting outside of Port Vila (and even off the island entirely)! Choose from four exceptional tours: the comprehensive "Around Efate Island Tour" (8-9 hours), or escape to either Moso Island or Pele Island to discover what makes South Pacific island hopping so magical. There's also the shorter excursion to Hideaway Island.

The "Around Efate Island Tour" combines natural wonders with cultural immersion, starting at the Pepeyo Cultural & Educational Tour where traditional village life unfolds in lush tropical settings. Journey continues to the enchanting Rarru Cascades along the Rentapao River, just 15 minutes from town, before reaching the famous Blue Lagoon with its turquoise waters and adventurous rope swings.

Experience therapeutic Takara Hot Springs and healing mud baths at Nasinu, enjoy scenic lunch at Top Rock with stunning views of neighbouring islands, and conclude with coffee tasting at Tanna Coffee factory.

Moso Island offers exceptional snorkelling, mysterious Blue Cave exploration, and beachside dining on banana leaves, whilst Pele Island provides serene tranquillity with pristine beaches and rhythmic wave sounds.

If swimming in some of Vanuatu's most gorgeous tropical waters is your jam, make sure to book a tour with Manusale Tours.

Their signature "Tropical Splash Tour" is the perfect introduction to Efate's most stunning natural attractions. This locally owned company has been operating since 2010, and from what we've experienced, they provide safe and reliable customised service that whisks you away to three breathtaking destinations in one unforgettable day.

You'll first visit Eton Beach, where you'll find pristine white sand meeting turquoise waters that can't help but invite you for a swim. The journey then continues to Rarru Cascades, a wonderfully serene waterfall surrounded by lush tropical greenery, where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear pools after a scenic hike through dense vegetation.

The grand finale is the magnificent Blue Lagoon, a tranquil oasis surrounded by tropical forests that offers excellent opportunities for underwater exploration, kayaking and peaceful relaxation by the water's edge.

This comprehensive sightseeing tour with Evergreen Vanuatu offers first-time visitors a perfect introduction to Port Vila, covering all the essential landmarks and hidden gems across the township and its suburbs.

Your journey begins with hotel pickup and takes you past key historical sites including Parliament House, the Cultural Centre (museum), colonial-era British and French jailhouses, local schools and the hospital.

Beyond the standard tourist trail, you'll discover where locals socialise, dine and shop, with insider knowledge about the best restaurants, cafés, money exchange services and banks. The tour showcases Port Vila's most picturesque spots whilst revealing fascinating stories about the colonial years under French and British rule.

Your guide will point out everything from quick eats to extraordinary dining experiences, popular local bars, and the finest duty-free shopping for perfumes, sunglasses, bags and electronics. You'll also drive past vibrant arts and crafts markets and vegetable stalls, giving you the lay of the land for independent exploration later.