8 Most Beautiful Sunrise & Sunset Spots in Vanuatu

Best For: Sunrise and Sunset!

I know, we were shocked by this too! Million Dollar Point's position on the southeast corner of Santo means that when you turn up for early-morning snorkelling, you get a stellar sunrise.

Then, when you come back, perhaps to do a night dive on the SS President Coolidge, you also get an epic sunset. But more about Million Dollar Point...

In 1945, when French colonial authorities refused to buy surplus American military equipment at six cents on the dollar (thinking they'd get it for free), the Americans responded with remarkable pettiness. For two solid days, they dumped "millions" of dollars' worth of trucks, bulldozers, tractors, jeeps and even Coca-Cola bottles into the sea near Luganville.

Today, Million Dollar Point offers visitors the extraordinary sight of this underwater military graveyard just metres from shore. You can explore through snorkelling from the remains of the concrete wharf (which was blown up with dynamite after offloading the equipment), discovering everything from bulldozers to old wheels scattered across the ocean floor. Scuba diving with local operators reveals even more of the equipment pile beneath the surface.

Located just a five-minute drive from Luganville, the site also offers a pleasant sandy beach with typically calm and clear waters.

Best For: Sunset.

Just off the north coast of Efate, Pele Island is a small island escape with a big sunset advantage. The main local bungalow strip and beaches face west, which means you’re perfectly positioned to watch the sun dip over the water without having to move far from your door, beach towel or evening cup of tea.

In fact, sunset is so much part of the Pele Island experience that one of the local stays is called Enoch’s Sunset Bungalows. Hard to argue with a name like that. The island’s slower pace, sandy beachfronts and open views back across the water make it a beautiful spot to end the day, especially if you’re staying overnight rather than rushing back to the mainland.

While Pele can be visited on a day trip, spending the night gives you the best chance to enjoy the sunset properly, when the boats have quietened down and the island settles into evening mode. For more places to stay like this, check out 50 Best Bungalows in Vanuatu.

Location: Pele Island, off the northern coast of Efate. Accessible from Emua Wharf, where boats wait for passengers, or boat transfers can be pre-arranged.

Price Range: $

Best for: Sunset.

Speaking of the north coast of Efate, Havannah is another dreamy sunset spot, with much of the coastline facing north-west across sheltered water. That means many coastal stays in the area lap up the late-afternoon glow, turning dinner, drinks or a quiet beach stroll into a front-row sunset session.

For luxury stays, The Havannah and Trees and Fishes Retreat make the most of the waterfront setting, while both featuring their own sunset cruises, while Havannah Eco Lodge offers a more local budget-friendly option. Wherever you stay, the appeal is much the same: calm harbour views, soft evening light and the kind of sunset that makes everyone suddenly very quiet for a few minutes.

Havannah is also a lovely place to slow down after a day of exploring Port Vila and northern Efate. Grab a waterfront seat, watch the colours shift over the harbour and enjoy one of the easiest evening wins on the island.

For more accommodation ideas in this part of the island, browse Where to Stay in Port Vila & Efate.

Location: North-west coast of Efate, around Havannah Harbour.

Price Range: $$

Best For: Sunset

A private island is bound to have a worthy sunrise and sunset spot, and that's certainly the case on Erakor Island. The island, home to Erakor Island Resort & Spa, even has a beach known as "Sunrise Beach", but more about the resort...

Choose from an impressive range of accommodation options, from intimate honeymoon villas with private plunge pools to spacious family beach houses and two-bedroom family accommodations. With 43 rooms total, including lagoon villas, deluxe options and amazing family loft-style rooms, there's something for every type of traveller.

Each property offers stunning water views and beach access, with the island providing a perfect combination of relaxation and cultural immersion. The resort has a fascinating missionary history dating back to the 1800s, with historical graves and sites scattered around the island that tell the story of its transformation from a local village to a missionary society.

Complimentary watersports include single and double kayaking, kids' kayaks and snorkelling gear for exploring vibrant coral reefs in the deeper waters surrounding the island. Cultural activities like traditional weaving, coconut harvesting, oil making and sand drawing offer authentic Melanesian experiences, while daily historical walks share the island's rich missionary heritage. The resort also organises visits to nearby real villages for genuine cultural exchanges rather than touristy experiences.

Evening entertainment centres around a weekly Melanesian Feast Night featuring traditional stringband music, cultural dance displays, kava tasting, island food and an exciting fire dance show. Daily beach volleyball matches at 3 pm pit guests against staff for friendly competition, while the island's scenic walking track can be completed in about an hour, offering peaceful exploration through this expansive private island.

Best For: Sunrise

This might be a cheap shot, picking the resort with "Sunrise" in the name, especially considering just about any resort along the east coast of Santo shared the same morning spectacle, but there is something magical about watching the sun rise behind the resort's private islet.

This adults-only, all-inclusive boutique resort and private island offers uniquely designed hexagonal villas crafted with locally sourced materials, each featuring air-conditioning, fly screens and peaceful ocean or garden views. As a barefoot escape, guests are encouraged to remove their shoes upon arrival, helping maintain the pristine environment while embracing the relaxed island atmosphere.

Choose from intimate garden rooms within the main lodge featuring private ensuites and direct outdoor access, spacious oceanfront villas with stunning views, or cross a private walkway to the exclusive private island villas, each with their own sundeck overlooking the crystal-clear waters. The property doubles as a wildlife sanctuary, where conservation efforts are restoring native species to the area.

The all-inclusive package includes chef-prepared à la carte breakfasts, seasonal lunches, and intimate three-course dinners showcasing fresh Vanuatu flavours, with attentive staff catering to every need. Daily guided tours via the resort's private bus take guests to Santo's highlights, including Champagne Beach, Santo's famous Blue Holes and cultural sites, while complimentary snorkelling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards provide endless water activities.

Relax in the natural freshwater pool system that uses chemical-free filtration, enjoy in-room massage services, or retreat to the dedicated massage pavilion on the private island for ultimate tranquillity. Communication is seamless with walkie-talkies in each villa, while WiFi is available in common areas for those who wish to stay connected.

Best For: Sunset.

For an experience that laps up the sunset like there's no tomorrow, jump on board the sunset cruise with Sailing Vanuatu!

This isn't just any boat trip; this is a complete evening experience paired with dinner at Wahoo Seafood & Grill, creating an enchanting sunset-to-dinner adventure that'll leave you utterly captivated.

Cruise the harbour with 360° views of Moso Island, Lelepa Island, Hat Island and Mt Nguna whilst enjoying complimentary welcome drinks, snacks and a free photographer package to capture every magical moment.

The vessel features a dance floor, forward sun deck, large saloon and aft daybed, all complemented by a surround sound system for the perfect atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and marine life that often accompany the yacht during these golden-hour cruises before heading ashore for dinner and pre-dinner drinks at the popular waterfront eatery.

Best For: Sunrise.

A stunning stretch of white sand facing east, Port Olry is the end of the road on the east coast of Santo and features a number of bungalow accommodations to make the most of the spectacle.

The journey is as memorable as the destination itself, following a scenic coconut tree-lined road that builds anticipation for the spectacular beach reveal.

Once there, you'll find Chez Louis' Restaurant perfectly positioned for extended relaxation sessions. You'll want to place your order with plenty of time to spare, then dive into the inviting turquoise waters or chat with friendly locals while you wait. If you're lucky, you might spot a turtle or a dungong while you're out swimming.

Watch traditional dugout canoes glide across the lagoon as local fishermen return with their daily catch.

The peaceful atmosphere is occasionally shared with curious cattle seeking shade under nearby banyan trees, creating charmingly unexpected moments that epitomise the laid-back island lifestyle.

Best For: Sunset.

For sunset with a true edge-of-the-map feel, Southwest Bay on Malekula is hard to beat. This remote coastal pocket is reached by a long boat ride or one of the small, irregular flights from Port Vila, so getting there is part of the adventure.

Once you arrive, the reward is a wonderfully quiet bay where the evening light settles over sheltered water, beaches and anchored boats. Watch the sunset from the beach at South West Bay Beach Front Bungalows, from your boat moored in the bay, or from one of the quaint local stays such as Malae Guesthouse.

Southwest Bay is not the place for a quick roadside photo stop. It’s for travellers who want to slow right down, stay a while and let the sunset do its thing without crowds, noise or anyone asking whether you’ve booked the next tour.

Location: Southwest Bay, southwest coast of Malekula.