Sightseeing in Vanuatu: Top 7 Sights in Vanuatu

The main island, Efate LINK#D017, has plenty of gentle waterfalls to explore with dreamlike swimming holes. Everyone has their favourite, but ours is the Mele Cascades.

Crystal-clear water flows over rocks sculpted smooth by layers of calcium deposits, creating mesmerising aqua pools deep in the jungle.

A winding path through tropical gardens leads you alongside the stream, with helpful ropes and poles, beautifully encrusted with calcium deposits, guiding you to the spectacular main waterfall.

At the base of this powerful cascade, watch rainbows sparkle in the mist whilst native swallows dart through the spray catching insects. The real treasure lies in the natural swimming pools below: warm, refreshing water teeming with friendly fish that nibble your toes and dance around you as you swim.

Despite the facilities being slightly rundown, this experience offers incredible value and surprisingly few crowds, making it feel like your own private paradise in the heart of Vanuatu's jungle.

Note that there are two entrance fees for this attraction: one for the bottom pools and another for the top.

Like something from a fairytale, it's hard to believe that natural swimming spots like Matevulu Blue Hole exist!

Here, crystal-clear waters plunge 18 m (59 ft) deep yet remain so transparent you can see the bottom.

The journey itself is part of the magic, where you can kayak through pristine jungle waterways from nearby resorts, watching the water transform from ocean blue to the ethereal turquoise that gives this blue hole its fame.

Upon arrival, you'll find a rustic welcome centre with an honesty box entry fee of around VT$1,000 (bring cash), plus basic facilities including restrooms and lounging areas. The star attraction is an enormous banyan tree on the water's edge, complete with rope swings and a metal staircase for easy access to the highest launching points.

The blue hole also features a thrilling water slide that requires a bucket of water for the smoothest ride down. Snorkelling reveals an underwater wonderland where tropical fish glide through shafts of sunlight piercing the deep blue depths, creating an almost otherworldly diving experience.

Vanuatu's most famous sight and possibly the main reason travellers venture to Tanna, Mt Yasur is one of the world's most accessible, highly active volcanoes.

Known as the "Lighthouse of the Pacific" for its nearly continuous Strombolian eruptions, which have been observed, at least in Western history, since Captain Cook in 1774. It reaches 361 m (1,184 ft) high with a 400 m (1,312 ft) wide crater.

Mt Yasur offers one of the world's most accessible active volcano experiences. Visitors can reach the crater rim through several options: an easy-to-moderate hike from the southern gate entrance, a longer hike from Lamakara (John Frum Cargo Cult) Village on its northern flanks, or guided 4WD tours that take you (almost) to the top. For the more adventurous, ashboarding down the side of the volcano is also possible.

Needless to say, there's nothing like the feeling of the raw power of the earth beneath your feet as you approach the crater rim.

This experience is best done before sunrise or before sunset, when you'll witness the mesmerising red glow of lava against the dark sky.

Vanuatu was at the centre of the South Pacific theatre of World War Two and one of the most tangible remnants of this sits at a scattering of US WW2 vehicles and supplies now known as "Million Dollar Point" off the coast of Santo.

This isn't just a beach; it's an underwater museum born from one of World War Two's most spiteful decisions.

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, scuba diving or even reef walking at low tide, discovering everything from bulldozers to bottles scattered across the ocean floor and rocky coastline.

Vanuatu is one of the South Pacific's premier diving destinations, and an example of its awesomeness lies some 20-70 m (66-230 ft) below the surface off the coast of Santo, the SS President Coolidge.

This 200 m (656 ft)-long luxury liner turned warship offers an extraordinary underwater adventure, with depths ranging from 20 to 70 m, making it accessible to certified divers of all skill levels.

The shipwreck houses remarkable artefacts, including military jeeps, cannons, medical supplies and the famous Lady Statue at 40 m depth. If you descend 70 m, you can get your photo taken with the ship's name.

Marine life thrives throughout the artificial reef, with reef fish, barracuda, sea turtles and a resident moray eel, Nessie, calling this historic vessel home.

When most think "South Pacific Paradise", they think of beaches and Vanuatu has plenty! The one that blows us away every time we visit is the perfect white sands of Port Olry Beach in Santo.

The journey to Port Olry 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 waters or chat with friendly locals while you wait.

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.

One of the world's most extraordinary cultural sights, Naghol land diving on Pentecost, is an experience not to be missed!

This ancient ritual is the original inspiration for modern bungee jumping, and honestly, it makes our modern version look tame by comparison!

Local men perform this breathtaking ceremony as a rite of passage and blessing for the yam harvest. They plunge from towering wooden structures with nothing but vines tied to their ankles; talk about trusting in tradition.

The spectacle is only available during the April LINK#TT081 to June LINK#TT087 season, and according to locals, you'll need to book well in advance as spots fill up incredibly quickly. These heart-stopping shows typically begin around 10 am and last one to two hours.

It's possible to take tours that depart on Saturdays and include return flights from Port Vila or Luganville to Lonorore Airport, transfers to the ceremony site and often cultural village visits.

Alterntively, you can visit Pentecost independently by taking flights or ferries and staying in one of the island's basic but charming guesthouses or bungalows. Note that transport schedules are limited to Pentecost, so this requires some planning.