Sightseeing in Vanuatu: Top 10 Sights in Vanuatu

Starting with the most iconic natural attraction on the main island of Efate LINK#D017, Blue Lagoon is your ultimate swimming hole!

This well-developed natural swimming spot offers excellent facilities for a memorable adventure, complete with picnic tables, changing rooms and toilets nestled in beautiful gardens. The lagoon itself is a unique mix of fresh and salt water, fed by a natural spring located one kilometre back in the bush.

What many don't realise is that three local businesses share access to this beautiful location - Blue Lagoon, Eton Natural Pool and Waikatom - all operating daily from 7 am to 4:30 pm. The first two are the most developed, with decking areas and rope swings to maximise the fun. While there's no lifeguard on duty, security staff are present to ensure visitor safety and help with the rope swing.

The atmosphere remains consistently welcoming throughout the week, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the refreshing waters. An entrance fee applies, with children under five entering free.

Rather than limited food options, visitors can enjoy an extensive selection at the on-site snack shop and restaurant, offering everything from light snacks and sandwiches to full meals, plus cold drinks and beverages.

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.

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

Here, crystal-clear waters plunge around 18 m (59 ft) deep; so deep that the water turns an opaque blue, and only in the shallows can you see the bottom.

Upon arrival, you'll find a rustic welcome centre where a custodian usually takes entry fees, though there's an honesty box system in place with entry fees of around 1,000 VT (bring cash). Basic facilities include toilets, changing rooms and lounging areas. The star attraction is an enormous banyan tree on the water's edge, complete with rope swings and a metal ladder for easy access to the highest launching points.

The blue hole also features a thrilling waterslide that requires a bucket of water for the smoothest ride down. For those wanting to stay on the water, kayak hire is available to paddle around the blue hole itself (though not down the river). If you have your snorkels, it's possible to see fish glide through shafts of sunlight piercing the deep blue depths.

It's possible to kayak through pristine jungle waterways from Turtle Bay Lodge and other nearby resorts, watching the water transform from ocean blue to the ethereal turquoise that gives this blue hole its fame. Otherwise, the normal way to access is by road along the historical Turtle Bay Airstrip.

Vanuatu is full of beautiful cascade walks and waterfalls, but none are quite as impressive as the Losinwei Cascades on the island of Malekula LINK#D035.

This gorgeous half-day hike whisks you into the misty heart of central Malekula, where your local guide will lead you through forest trails that feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Your guide typically shares knowledge of the trees and plants along the way, explaining their traditional uses as you navigate the narrow, sometimes slippery paths.

The journey itself is part of the magic; you'll cross multiple rivers where the cool water provides refreshing relief and never rises above your waist, with rocks that offer good grip underfoot. Along the route, you'll encounter many beautiful tiered cascades that build anticipation for the main event.

The star of the show is Losinwei Waterfall, where swimming is required to reach the base of the cascading waters. Feeling adventurous? You can even go behind the thundering curtain of water or climb on top of the waterfall for a truly unique perspective.

The trek takes around 1 hr 15 mins - 1 hr 30 mins each way, allowing plenty of time to soak in this natural paradise before retracing your steps through the same enchanting forest trails.

Unlike some of Malekula's more demanding hikes LINK#TTD130, this walk proves that you don't need to be an extreme trekker to experience the island's incredible natural beauty. While not particularly strenuous, the careful pace required to navigate the terrain makes it an engaging adventure that rewards you with one of Malekula's most spectacular waterfalls.

Guides can be arranged through Dram-Dram Bungalows, who are easily spotted with a "Lawsinwe Kastom Forest Conservation" sign along the main road.

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.

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.

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.

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 18 to 45 m (59-148 ft), making different areas accessible to divers from Open Water to Deep certification levels.

The shipwreck houses remarkable wartime artefacts across its various compartments, including military jeeps, 30-foot cannons, medical supplies like morphine and codeine vials, the famous Lady Statue, and unique finds such as a barber's chair, doctor's equipment, and the ship's post office with original pigeonholes still intact. Advanced divers can explore penetration sites like the engine room with its massive machinery, gauges and levers, or navigate the A-B-C deck swim-through spanning multiple levels.

Marine life thrives throughout the artificial reef, with schools of flashlight fish creating magical displays during night dives as they flash like stars in the darkness. The wreck also hosts reef fish, barracuda, sea turtles, and during night missions, bioluminescent plankton illuminate the water around divers when torches are switched off.

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 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.

A nasara is a historical ceremonial site, hundreds of which are spread across the islands of Vanuatu. None is quite as well-preserved and as accessible as the nasara, which includes the tombs of chiefs and a cannibal site, at Walarano. Nawori Sea View Bungalows on Malekula can take you there...

This unique historical journey requires just a one-hour walk from the bungalow to reach the culturally significant site, making it easily accessible for most visitors.

The tour explores the historical practice of cannibalism in the region and visits the namaki stones, whose particular formation is unique to central and north Malekula. You'll learn about the cultural context behind cannibalism, including how it was used as a form of sentencing, and discover the significance of the stone ceremonies that required extensive preparation involving pigs and yams over two to three years.

You'll see cooking areas where human bones remain, dug-out forts where warriors would once hide to protect their village, and the tour culminates at the chiefs' burial site, where skulls and conch shells mark the resting place of Malekula's leaders of the past.

This experience can be combined as part of the Wala Island Tours full-day experience or enjoyed as a separate tour that's conveniently accessible from the bungalows. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent for this outdoor cultural adventure.

Rope swings, waterfalls, lush tropical forest: what's not to love about Rarru Cascades?

Here you can enjoy the raw beauty of nature as you follow jungle pathways on a short 5-10 minute walk to the main waterfall, passing multiple swimming areas with small cascades along the way. The well-designed site features multiple deck areas perfect for swimming and relaxing, with thoughtful touches like designated spots to hang your bags safely away from ants.

Adventure seekers will love the rope swing and jumping opportunities from the wide and approximately 3 m (10 ft) main waterfall, where a safety attendant is stationed throughout the day to show you where to jump.

From the entrance with a small shop to the main waterfall, multiple swimming holes and cascading pools provide plenty of variety for all comfort levels.

The site offers excellent picnic areas surrounded by lush jungle, making it an ideal spot to spend half a day taking in the natural beauty and capturing memorable photos.

This locally-run attraction showcases the community's thoughtful approach to sharing their natural treasure while preserving its pristine environment.