The Complete Travel Guide to Vanuatu

What is the best way to get to Vanuatu? Vanuatu can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yachts. The most popular way to get to Vanuatu is by international flight, so let’s start with that.

Flying to Vanuatu

Direct international flights to Vanuatu come from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. If you’re coming from further afield, the most useful connections can be made in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji.

See our guide, Which Airlines Fly Directly to Vanuatu? for more advice.

Most international arrivals land at Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila on Efate Island. Find out more about the airport and what to expect in Airports in Vanuatu: Where Can You Fly to in Vanuatu?

Cruises to Vanuatu

Vanuatu is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises from New Zealand, Australia and the US, as well as round-the-world cruises from Europe. There are several ports of call in Vanuatu, including Port Vila (Efate), Luganville (Espiritu Santo) and Mystery Island (Aneityum).

Find out about which cruise liners have Vanuatu on their itinerary, as well as what to do at each port of call in the 10 Best Cruises that Go to Vanuatu.

Sailing to Vanuatu

Vanuatu is ideally situated in the South Pacific, making it a popular stop for yachts travelling between Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other Pacific islands. The yachting season is generally between May and October, when the weather is drier and seas are calmer.

Yachts arriving from overseas need to inform Customs of their arrival at least 24 hours before their ETA and clear in at an official port of entry, such as Port Vila, Luganville, Lenakel or Sola. Yachts must also fly the yellow Q flag and report to Customs before being granted an Inter-Island Cruising Permit.

Learn about the sailing formalities and ports of entry in our Sailing Guide to Vanuatu: Tips for Yachting in Vanuatu.

A Note About Visas

Many visitors can enter Vanuatu visa-free for stays up to 120 days, including citizens from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and many other countries. You’ll need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and proof of onward travel.

Learn more about this process in our guide, Vanuatu Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu?

An Extra Note on Customs Declarations

Vanuatu has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Vanuatu has to declare any “risk goods” they have packed in their luggage, including food, plant products, animal products, used outdoor gear, used camping equipment, alcohol or tobacco above the duty-free allowance, goods worth more than 50,000 VT and cash or negotiable bearer instruments worth more than 1 million VT.

Not all declarable items are prohibited, but they still need to be declared so a Customs or Biosecurity Officer can check them. In other words, declare it first and avoid turning your arrival into a very awkward episode of “what’s in your bag?”

Be sure to read up on Arriving in Vanuatu: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on How to Get to Vanuatu for even more tips on making your way to the islands.

Vanuatu is a tropical country and experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, as well as high humidity. It has two distinct seasons: a dry season, which is cooler and drier, and a wet season, which is hotter, wetter and more humid.

Learn more about the climate in our guide, Vanuatu Weather, Seasons & Climate + Vanuatu Weather by Month.

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Vanuatu, not only for the warm daytime temperatures of around 26-28°C (78.8-82.4°F) but also the lower (but not exactly low, this is still the tropics) rainfall compared to the rest of the year.

The dry season is also the time for hiking, chasing waterfalls, clearer snorkelling conditions, whale watching from July to October and experiencing cultural events such as the Naghol land-diving ceremonies between April and June.

Wet Season (November to April)

The wet season is hotter and more humid, with daytime temperatures around 29-30°C (84.2-86°F) and higher rainfall. This is also the South Pacific’s cyclone season, which means there’s a risk of cyclones (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in A Guide to Cyclone Safety in Vanuatu).

The wet season can also be a good time for cheaper accommodation, fewer tourists and having some of Vanuatu’s natural attractions a little more to yourself. Just note that some resorts close for maintenance for a couple of weeks during the quieter months, especially around February.

The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu

For those who have the privilege of choosing any month to travel, the shoulder season months are some of the best months to visit Vanuatu. To narrow it down further, September, October and November offer warm temperatures, fewer crowds and less rainfall than the wetter months at the start of the year.

Still can’t decide when the best time is to travel to the islands? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu, which dives much deeper into the subject.

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Vanuatu is having a tropical wardrobe with a few modest items for visiting villages. Vanuatu enjoys warm weather year-round, with daytime highs around 28-30°C (82-86°F), so light, breathable clothing is the way to go.

A packing list for Vanuatu might look a little something like this:

• 4 Singlets/T-Shirts
• 2 Blouses/Shirts for sun protection and visiting villages
• 2 Shorts/Skirts which are not too short, as Vanuatu is still a relatively conservative country
• 1 Dress/Skirt below the knee for church. We recommend light fabrics such as the sustainable bamboo dresses and skirts by Moso Morrow
• 1 Sarong for women to wear around the waist in traditional villages. These are available to purchase in Vanuatu.
• 1 or 2 Light sleepwear if you're against sleeping in your undies
• 1 Light Cardigan/Pashmina/Poncho for windy or rainy days
• 1 Sports Shorts/Leggings for hiking and active activities
• 1 Sports T-Shirt/Singlet for hiking and active activities
• 1 Outfit to Travel Between Vanuatu and Home
• 3 Bras including strapless, sports and comfortable bras
• 6 Underwear
• 4 Socks
• 1 Bikini for resort beaches and pools
• 1 One-Piece for swimming tours and public beaches
• 2 Boardshorts
• 2 Rash Vests (we like sustainable Sharkskin rashies)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Light Shirt to cover arms and back
• Light Rain Jacket
• Flip-Flops/Sandals
• Walking Shoes/Sneakers
• Reef shoes/Water shoes.

When visiting remote villages in Vanuatu, women should be mindful that pants and shorts aren’t welcome in some traditional settings, so a sarong is a handy little lifesaver. Learn more about local customs in Ni-Vanuatu Etiquette: Vanuatu Customs & Traditions.

And that’s just the clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out What to Pack for Vanuatu: Vanuatu Packing List.

Health Products

With high UV levels, tropical heat and mosquitoes, certain health products are essential to take to Vanuatu. Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF lip balm, insect repellent, seasickness pills and a basic first aid kit are all worth packing.

A few handy first aid items include paracetamol, antihistamine pills or cream, oral rehydration sachets, plasters, antiseptic cream or spray, aloe vera soothing cream and any prescription medication you need. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Vanuatu.

Currency

The currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu vatu (VT). Credit and debit cards are useful at major hotels, resorts, some restaurants, supermarkets, car rental companies and phone network outlets, especially around Port Vila and Luganville.

That said, cash is essential for markets, roadside stalls, buses, taxis and trucks, boat transfers, local tour guides, natural attraction entry fees, domestic departure tax and many outer-island bungalows. ATMs are mainly found around Port Vila, Port Vila Airport and Luganville, with far fewer options on the outer islands, so withdraw before travelling further afield.

Get more money tips in What is the Best Way to Pay in Vanuatu?

Travel Documents and Paperwork

For Vanuatu, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after your intended departure date, flight booking information, return travel ticket or booking information and a completed Passenger Arrival Form.

You may also need a visa if you’re from a non-exempt country, plus travel insurance paperwork, your driver’s licence if hiring a vehicle, a medical prescription if applicable, marine clearance forms if arriving by yacht, a drone permit if bringing a drone and scuba diving certification if you plan to dive.

See What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Vanuatu? for the full checklist.

Luggage

If you’re sticking to Port Vila, Espiritu Santo and larger resorts, a wheeled suitcase usually works just fine. However, if you’re heading to outer islands like Tanna, Malekula or Pentecost, pack as lightly as possible.

Domestic flights in Vanuatu can have strict baggage limits, often around 10 kg (22 lbs) for checked luggage and 5 kg (11 lbs) for carry-on. In other words, this is not the trip for packing three “just in case” outfits for every possible mood.

Vanuatu is not a “tick it off in one weekend” kind of destination. With 83 islands, each with their own landscapes, culture, activities and rhythm, Vanuatu rewards travellers who stay as long as possible.

We’d recommend at least five days in Vanuatu if you want to visit Port Vila and add one outer-island highlight, such as Tanna. However, 10 to 14 days is far more satisfying, especially if you want to include Efate, Tanna, Santo and perhaps Malekula.

With all that in mind, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes… (And don’t worry, we’ll get onto the destinations in the next few sections).

3 Days / A Long Weekend in Vanuatu

Over three days or a long weekend, you have enough time to base yourself around Port Vila and explore Efate, either along the south coast to the Blue Lagoon and/or up to Havannah to explore the islands of Pele, Nguna, Moso and more. Check out Vanuatu Itinerary: 3 Days (Port Vila & Efate) for a suggested trip idea.

5 Days in Vanuatu

Five days gives you just enough time to combine Port Vila with Tanna, including one of Vanuatu’s big-ticket experiences. See Vanuatu Itinerary: 5 Days (Port Vila & Tanna) for a recommended holiday plan.

7 Days / 1 Week in Vanuatu

Seven days allows for a compact island-hopping trip between Santo, Tanna and Port Vila. Get inspiration from Vanuatu Itinerary: 7 Days / 1 Week (Santo, Tanna & Port Vila).

10 Days in Vanuatu

10 days is a much more comfortable amount of time to experience Port Vila, Tanna and Santo without making every travel day feel like a race. Check out Vanuatu Itinerary: 10 Days (Port Vila, Tanna & Santo).

14 Days / 2 Weeks in Vanuatu

Two weeks is when Vanuatu really starts to open up. A 14-day trip can cover Port Vila, Tanna, Malekula and Santo, giving you a much better taste of the country’s beaches, volcanoes, blue holes, kastom villages and outer-island life. See Vanuatu Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Weeks (Port Vila, Tanna, Malekula & Santo).

How Long Can You Stay in Vanuatu?

Visitors from visa-exempt countries are generally granted a visitor visa on arrival for a stay of less than 120 days, provided they meet the entry requirements. So, technically, you could stay a lot longer than two weeks, and with 83 islands to explore, that’s not the worst idea we’ve ever heard.

For more details, see Vanuatu Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Vanuatu?

Deciding which islands to visit in Vanuatu is half the fun and half the “oh no, we need more holiday days” moment. With 83 islands, each with its own landscapes, culture and pace, Vanuatu is best explored slowly.

Most first-time travellers focus on Efate, Espiritu Santo, Tanna and Malekula, as these are among the main and most accessible islands. Here’s how they compare.

Port Vila and Efate

Choose Port Vila and Efate for the easiest start to a Vanuatu trip. This is the place for simple logistics, the widest accommodation choice, restaurants, markets, organised tours and a good mix of relaxing and active holiday days.

It’s especially handy for first-time visitors, families, short stays, cruise passengers and travellers who want convenience without missing out on island scenery, swimming spots, cultural experiences and day trips. See The Complete Travel Guide to Port Vila & Efate.

Espiritu Santo

Choose Santo if you want a more nature-heavy holiday with beaches, blue holes, diving, snorkelling, caves, waterfalls, WW2 history and bigger adventure days. Compared with Port Vila, it feels less like a capital-base holiday and more like a spacious island escape.

Santo suits couples, divers, beach lovers, adventurous travellers and anyone who wants quieter stays with plenty to explore. It still has accommodation and food options, but the focus is more on setting, scenery and outdoor experiences than city-style convenience. See The Complete Travel Guide to Espiritu Santo.

Tanna

Choose Tanna for raw adventure, volcanic landscapes and some of Vanuatu’s strongest traditional island experiences. It’s often the outer island visitors add after Efate, especially when they want their trip to feel more dramatic and culturally immersive.

Tanna is best for travellers who are happy with simpler logistics, local-guided experiences and a less polished style of travel. It’s not the island for endless restaurants or resort-hopping, but it is the island for travellers who want a real “we are definitely not at home anymore” moment. See The Complete Travel Guide to Tanna LINK#D071.

Malekula

Choose Malekula if you want one of Vanuatu’s more remote, cultural and adventurous accessible islands. This is the place for traditional village life, jungle trekking, local-guided exploration and travel far from the main tourist trail.

Malekula suits curious travellers, culture-seekers, hikers and those who don’t mind swapping convenience for authenticity. Expect slower travel, simpler stays and experiences that feel more personal than packaged. See The Complete Travel Guide to Malekula.

What About the Other Outer Islands?

Beyond the main islands, Vanuatu has many more outer islands and provinces to explore, from remote cultural strongholds to beaches, volcanoes and places where tourism is still refreshingly low-key.

For a broader look at where to go, see The Best Islands & Provinces to Visit in Vanuatu and 10 Less-Travelled Islands in Vanuatu. And if you’re tossing up between the two most common first-time choices, compare them in Which is Better, Port Vila or Santo?

Getting around Vanuatu is part of the adventure, whether you’re flying between islands, hiring a car on the main islands or bumping along in a local truck on the outer islands.

Because Vanuatu is spread across 83 islands, transport is best planned around how much time you have, how much flexibility you want and how much island-style unpredictability you’re willing to embrace.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are the quickest and most practical way to travel between Vanuatu’s main islands.

Flights from Port Vila to Santo take around 45-55 minutes, while flights to Tanna are usually around 40-45 minutes. Just note that baggage allowances can be limited on domestic and outer-island routes, so this is another excellent reason not to pack your entire wardrobe “just in case”.

Learn more in our guide, Domestic Flights in Vanuatu: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.

Ferries

Ferries are the cheaper way to travel between some of Vanuatu’s islands, particularly between Efate, Santo and Malekula, with interisland ferry services operating around two to three times a week across several ferry companies.

There are also ferry services heading south from Port Vila to islands such as Tanna, Erromango, Epi, Emae and Ambrym, as well as from Santo to Ambae, Malekula and the Banks Islands. Ferries are useful if you have time, patience and a flexible itinerary.

Find out more in Vanuatu Ferry Guide: How to Use the Ferry for Interisland Travel in Vanuatu.

Car Rental

Car rental is one of the most popular ways to get around Efate and Santo at your own pace. There is a decent choice of rental companies in Port Vila and a smaller selection in Luganville.

On outer islands, roads can be rough, so vehicles are often 4WD pick-up trucks or utes rather than the compact little holiday cars you might be picturing. We also recommend brushing up on the local road rules before getting behind the wheel.

Start with the 10 Best Car Rentals in Vanuatu and How to Drive in Vanuatu + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know.

Taxis and Trucks

Taxis are readily available in Port Vila and Luganville. They can be identified by “T” plates and usually operate on flat fares, so ask the price before agreeing to the ride. Your accommodation can usually help call one if needed.

On less-developed islands like Tanna and Malekula, taxis are replaced by “trucks”, usually with “CT” plates. They can be found around local marketplaces, hailed from the roadside or chartered for longer trips, although chartering costs more than joining a truck already doing the rounds.

See Taxis & Trucks in Vanuatu: Taxi Fares, How to Use & More to learn more.

Banana Boats

For shorter island-hopping, smaller boats, often called banana boats, connect larger islands with their offshore neighbours. They can be used for routes such as Malekula to nearby islands or from Efate to islands like Nguna and Pele.

These boats tend to run on demand, and in some areas, there are usually boats waiting at the wharf. Resort boat services on Efate and Santo are also commonly used by guests and day trippers.

Learn more in How to Catch a Boat Transfer in Vanuatu: The Complete Guide.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are the stress-free way to get around, especially if you don’t want to organise transport yourself or you want the added insight of a local guide.

Tours are widely available around Port Vila, Santo and Tanna, and often include accommodation pick-up, transport between sights and sometimes boat transfers. In other words, you can focus on the views while someone else worries about the potholes.

Compare options in the 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Vanuatu.

For more transport options, check out Vanuatu Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around Vanuatu.

Vanuatu has holiday accommodation across the spectrum, from familiar-feeling hotels and resorts to locally run island bungalows, guesthouses and self-contained holiday homes.

As with many South Pacific destinations, facilities vary widely. Before booking, check whether your stay includes air conditioning or fan cooling, WiFi, ensuite bathrooms, breakfast, self-catering facilities, transfers and meals, especially once you head beyond Efate and Santo.

Take a look at accommodation styles across the country in Where to Stay in Vanuatu: The Best Accommodations.

Hotels

Hotels are mostly found around Port Vila and Luganville, making them useful if you want to stay close to restaurants, markets, tours, transport and the waterfront.

Expect private rooms, usually with an ensuite, and facilities that can include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, WiFi, breakfast and sometimes extras like self-contained apartments, laundry services or casino-style entertainment. Hotels are a good choice for short stays, business trips, late arrivals, early departures or travellers who want everything to feel straightforward.

Compare hotel-style stays in the 40 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

Resorts

Resorts are a big part of the Vanuatu holiday scene, especially around Efate and Santo, and a little on Tanna. They offer more of the classic holiday experience, with a mix of rooms, bungalows, villas or self-contained apartments. Facilities often include a restaurant, bar, pool, gardens, lagoon or beach access and activity options, while some resorts add extras like kids’ clubs, spas, water activities, entertainment or tours.

This is the accommodation style to choose if you want meals, relaxation and holiday facilities close at hand. In other words, less “where do we organise dinner?” and more “how close can we sit to the pool without falling in?”

Check out a mix of hotels and resorts in the 40 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

Island Bungalows

Island bungalows are one of Vanuatu’s more characterful accommodation styles, especially on outer islands, offshore islands and village-based stays. They can range from very simple traditionally constructed bungalows with shared facilities to more comfortable beachfront rooms with an ensuite, meals, tours and boat transfers arranged by the hosts.

Expect a more personal, local style of hospitality, often with communal dining, home-cooked meals or help arranging nearby activities. Facilities may be simpler than hotels and resorts, but that is often the point. This is where Vanuatu starts feeling less like a holiday package and more like an actual island stay.

Compare local stays in the 50 Best Bungalows & Guesthouses in Vanuatu.

Holiday Homes and Villas

Holiday homes and villas are the best option for travellers who want space, privacy and self-catering freedom. They are especially useful for families, groups, longer stays and travellers with dietary requirements, with many offering kitchens, living areas, laundry facilities, outdoor dining spaces, WiFi and sometimes pools, barbecue areas, kayaks or paddleboards.

That said, not every “villa” is a completely private standalone retreat. Some villas are more like holiday homes in small complexes or shared properties, so you could still be sharing the grounds, pool area or coastal setting with neighbours or other holidaymakers. Check the listing carefully if full privacy is important.

Compare self-contained stays in the 20 Best Holiday Homes & Villas in Vanuatu.

Other Accommodations in Vanuatu

Other accommodation in Vanuatu includes motels, guesthouses, backpacker-style stays, treehouses and budget bungalows. These can be handy for keeping costs down, staying closer to local communities or travelling beyond the main resort areas.

Learn more about the full range of stays in Where to Stay in Vanuatu: The Best Accommodations.

© VanuatuPocketGuide.com

What is the Best Accommodation in Vanuatu?

If you're not a fan of decision fatigue, here are a couple of our favourite stays to help you out.

Erakor Island Resort (Port Vila and Efate)

Make a whole private island your playground at Erakor Island Resort, just off Efate. With 43 rooms, the resort covers romantic stays, family holidays and lagoonfront lounging, from intimate “honeymoon villas” with private plunge pools to spacious “family beach houses”, “lagoon villas” and loft-style family rooms.

Expect water views, beach access, complimentary kayaks, snorkelling gear, cultural activities and evening entertainment, including a Melanesian feast night. Historical walks also reveal the island’s missionary past, while village visits add meaningful cultural context.

Discover why Erakor Island is perfect for travellers looking for a comprehensive stay, and reserve your stay through Booking.com!

Turtle Bay Lodge (Espiritu Santo)

For a Santo stay with just about everything in one place, Turtle Bay Lodge is hard to beat. This 14-room boutique waterfront resort has stylish rooms, family options, a restaurant overlooking the bay, kayaks, SUP boards, quad bike rental and a PADI-registered dive centre with its own on-site dive shop.

Divers can join courses or boat dives, while non-divers can paddle the bay, kayak to nearby blue holes or simply make the most of the peaceful east coast setting. WiFi, solar power and filtered rainwater add practical comfort.

Learn more about Turtle Bay and book your stay through Booking.com.

South West Bay Beach Front Bungalows (Malekula)

For a more local island stay, South West Bay Beach Front Bungalows puts you right on the waterfront in Malekula. Run by Chief Raobong, the property has two spacious traditional bungalows and one contemporary guest room, with shared bathroom facilities and access to charging in the central area.

The reef is right out front, with snorkelling supported by community coral planting, while lagoon tours, village experiences and nearby island visits can be arranged. Meals showcase local produce, seafood and simple island hospitality. It’s also a welcome endpoint after the Manbush Trail.

Vanuatu is the sort of destination where your “things to do” list can get wildly out of hand. One day you’re snorkelling off a tiny island, the next you’re standing near an active volcano, paddling to a blue hole, browsing a market or learning about kastom traditions.

To make things easier, we’ll split the activities into water and land experiences, because Vanuatu is very good at both.

Water Activities in Vanuatu

With clear lagoons, offshore islands, coral reefs, beaches, blue holes and deep-water dive sites, Vanuatu is a playground for water lovers.

Some of the top water activities in Vanuatu include:

• Snorkelling – Explore coral reefs, resort lagoons, offshore islands and sheltered coastal spots
• Scuba Diving – Dive reefs, underwater sites and the famous SS President Coolidge on Santo
• Blue Holes – Swim in unbelievably clear freshwater pools, especially on Santo
• Kayaking and Outrigger Tours – Paddle through bays, lagoons, rivers, mangroves and island waters
• Fishing – Join fishing charters or local-style fishing experiences where available
• Surfing – Find waves around selected reef and coastal breaks
• Boat Trips and Island-Hopping – Cruise to offshore islands, beaches, snorkelling spots and picnic locations
• Beach Days – Slow down on white-sand beaches, resort beaches and quiet island shores

Land Activities in Vanuatu

Back on dry land, Vanuatu is just as varied. This is where you’ll find volcanoes, jungle walks, cultural experiences, markets, museums, waterfalls, caves and scenic island tours.

Some of the top land activities in Vanuatu include:

• Volcano Experiences – Visit dramatic volcanic landscapes, including Mt Yasur, Mt Benbow and Mt Marum
• Culture and Village Experiences – Learn about kastom traditions, weaving, sand drawing, fire walking, local food and village life
• Walking and Hiking – Take on coastal walks, jungle trails, waterfall walks and guided multi-day treks
• Waterfalls and Caves – Swim under cascades, explore caves and join adventure tours through rainforest and limestone landscapes
• Markets – Browse fresh produce, island snacks, handicrafts and everyday local life
• Museums and Historical Sites – Learn about Vanuatu’s culture, missionary history, World War Two sites and island stories
• Sightseeing Tours – Explore island highlights with a local guide, especially around Efate, Santo, Tanna and Malekula
• Food and Drink – Try local produce, cacao, kava, market food, cooking classes and casual island dining

Again, start making your bucket list with 101 Best Things to Do in Vanuatu LINK#TTD066. Or, if you already know where you’re heading, check out 35 Best Things to Do in Port Vila & Efate, 30 Best Things to Do on Espiritu Santo, 20 Best Things to Do on Tanna and 20 Best Things to Do on Malekula.

Food in Vanuatu changes a lot depending on where you are. In Efate and Santo, you’ll find the most developed dining scenes, with cafés, beach bars, resort restaurants, waterfront meals, market food and casual eats. On the outer islands, food is more often arranged through accommodation hosts, village stores, markets and local meals prepared with what’s fresh and available.

Everything you need to know about food in Vanuatu can be found in The Food Guide to Vanuatu: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Restaurants and Cafés

Restaurants and cafés come with the widest choice in Port Vila and around Efate, serving local-food-focused dishes, French-influenced dining, Asian-fusion meals, burgers, seafood, resort menus, beach-bar meals and café favourites. Santo has a smaller but still useful dining scene, with cafés and hotel restaurants in Luganville, beachfront stops along the coast, resort restaurants, market meals and food woven into cultural experiences.

On islands like Malekula, Tanna and the smaller outer islands, don’t expect a big restaurant scene. Meals are more commonly arranged through bungalows, guesthouses and local hosts, which is all part of the adventure (and sometimes the best part of the trip).

Find more dining options in the 20 Best Restaurants in Vanuatu.

Self-Catering

Self-catering is totally viable in Vanuatu, especially if you base yourself in Port Vila, around Efate or in Luganville. Port Vila has the widest choice of supermarkets, markets and accommodations with kitchen facilities, while Luganville has practical grocery options and a market for fresh produce.

On the outer islands, self-catering becomes much more basic. Expect village stores, limited supplies, local markets, shared kitchens at some bungalows and whatever arrives with the next boat delivery. In other words, plan ahead before you decide that gluten-free sourdough and oat milk are essential survival items.

As self-catering is such a big topic to cover, we have a separate guide in A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Vanuatu.

Special Diets

Special diets are easiest to manage in Port Vila, around Efate and in Santo’s main centres, where there are more restaurants, supermarkets and accommodation options with kitchens. Some restaurants and resort dining venues also offer stronger dietary options than you’ll usually find on the outer islands.

Further afield, the best approach is to contact your accommodation before arrival, explain your dietary requirements clearly and bring any specialist products you rely on. Fresh produce, root crops, rice, pasta, eggs, canned tuna, peanut butter and basic pantry staples are much easier to find than specialist allergy foods or vegan substitutes.

Check out Vanuatu for Vegans & Vegetarians + Best Restaurants and The Gluten-Free Guide to Vanuatu for more advice.

What Food to Try

And what are the foods worth trying in Vanuatu? Traditional Ni-Vanuatu food is closely connected to village gardens, root crops, coconut, seafood, fire cooking and meals shared through markets, bungalow stays and cultural experiences.

Look out for laplap, often considered Vanuatu’s national dish, as well as tuluk, simboro, fresh fish, coconut-based dishes and local produce from the markets. You also can’t really leave Vanuatu without trying kava at a nakamal, although maybe start with a small shell unless you enjoy learning lessons the wobbly way.

Look out for the items listed in Traditional Ni-Vanuatu Food: 10 Foods to Try in Vanuatu, as well as 20 Best Foodie Experiences in Vanuatu.

Food and Water Safety

For food and water safety, the same practical travel advice applies: choose freshly cooked food, be sensible with market and roadside snacks, wash or peel produce if needed and ask your accommodation about drinking water before filling your bottle from the tap. Learn more about food and water safety in the Vanuatu Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Vanuatu?

For all things “food” in Vanuatu, including markets to visit, foodie tours, restaurant recommendations and self-catering advice, head to The Food Guide to Vanuatu: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for everyone is an impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in our article, Vanuatu Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Vanuatu Cost?

The Cost of Accommodation

• Dorm bed/night - 2,000-4,000 VT
• Island bungalow/night - 3,500-10,000 VT
• Motel/budget accommodation ensuite room/night - 3,500-12,500 VT
• Mid-range resort ensuite room/night - 12,500-45,000 VT
• Luxury resort or villa/night - 40,000-230,000 VT
• Holiday home/night - 20,000-350,000 VT

The Cost of Food

• Main breakfast meal – 650-2,000 VT
• Main lunch meal – 1,200-3,200 VT
• Main dinner meal – 1,800-8,000 VT
• Small coffee – 280-500 VT
• Bottle of beer – 450-850 VT
• Bottle of wine – 2,500-12,000 VT
• Cocktail – 1,200-1,800 VT
• Mocktail or smoothie – 500-850 VT
• Soft drink – 200-450 VT

The Cost of Activities

• Natural attraction access - 500-2,000 VT
• Guided hike or cave tour - 9,500-20,000 VT
• Guided sightseeing tour - 4,500-15,800 VT
• Culture tour or cultural village experience - 3,500-10,000 VT
• Waterfall tour - 10,000 VT
• Sightseeing tour - 6,000-12,000 VT
• Snorkelling tour - 5,000-12,000 VT
• Kayak tour - 5,500-12,000 VT
• Scuba dive/single dive - 10,000-13,000 VT
• Fishing charter/half day - 50,000-70,000 VT

Road Transport Prices

• Car rental/day - 9,000-19,500 VT
• Bus/one-way trip - 200-500 VT
• Airport taxi transfer - 1,500-12,000 VT
• Outer island truck transport/person - 200-300 VT

Water and Air Transport Prices

• Domestic flight/Port Vila to Tanna - 17,600 VT
• Domestic flight/Port Vila to Santo - 19,320 VT
• Domestic flight/Port Vila to Malekula - 10,900-12,970 VT
• Ferry/Port Vila to Santo - 10,000 VT
• Ferry/Port Vila to Malekula - 8,000-8,500 VT

Spending Money for Vanuatu

Here are a few averages for a daily budget for Vanuatu. These include accommodation, food, local transport and take into account that you might participate in one paid activity each day. Each price is per person per day:

• Budget daily budget: 9,500 VT
• Mid-range daily budget: 34,000 VT
• Luxury daily budget: 121,000 VT

This does not include international flights, one-off interisland flights, ferries or any “we’ve come this far, let’s do it” extras.