The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in Vanuatu

Bicycle hire in Vanuatu is not something you’ll find on every street corner, but there are some handy options if you know where to look. Most standard bikes are provided through resorts, while e-bike rental is available around Port Vila for those who want a little extra power in the tropical heat (see the "E-Bike Hire in Vanuatu" section below).

Pushbikes at Vanuatu Resorts

The good news is that several resorts around Efate and Santo provide bicycles for guest use, either complimentary or as a paid hire option. These are best for short, scenic rides rather than long-distance touring, especially where road surfaces can be rough after heavy rain.

Barrier Beach Resort Bike Rentals

Barrier Beach Resort on the east coast of Santo provides mountain bikes as part of its complimentary activities for guests, alongside snorkelling gear, paddle boards and canoes.

The adults-only resort is around 7 km (4 mi) from the blue holes, making bike rental a tempting option for guests who want to explore beyond the beach. Ask the resort team about current road conditions before setting off, as the east coast can be wonderfully scenic but not always wonderfully smooth under tyre.

Paradise Cove Resort Bike Rentals

Over on Efate, Paradise Cove Resort also has bikes and kayaks available for guests. This boutique resort suits both families and couples, so it’s a handy option if you want a casual ride without organising separate transport.

The resort is around 3 km (2 mi) from the Pango area and about 2 km (1 mi) from Honeymoon Beach, putting a few relaxed coastal rides within reach. As always in Vanuatu, take it slow, watch for potholes and give yourself more time than the map suggests (island time applies to roads too).

Eratap Beach Resort Bike Rentals

Eratap Beach Resort provides complimentary bikes for guests, with bike rental included in the resort’s rates along with other activities.

A simple cycling option is to ride up the access road to the nearby village, which is around 3 km (2 mi) away. It’s a lovely way to see village life at a natural pace, but the resort recommends staying on the road due to poor road conditions.

Heavy rains can leave the roads in a terrible state, so this is one to treat as a gentle outing rather than a polished cycling route. In other words, expect a little adventure between the postcard moments.

Le Life Resort Bike Hire

Le Life Resort offers bike hire for a fee per two hours, making it a paid option rather than a complimentary guest activity.

Riding around the huge property is part of the fun here, with dirt trails to follow and various coastal areas where you can stop for snorkelling. Ask at reception for the best places to cycle to, as they’ll know which tracks are in good condition and which ones are better left to the goats.

South Pacific Memories Bike Rentals

South Pacific Memories provides bikes for guest use, and cycling into town is possible from the resort.

This adults-only boutique resort is known for shore diving and its European flair, so the bikes add another easy way to make the most of the local area between dives or lazy coastal downtime. Check with the hosts before heading out, especially if you’re planning to ride into town and back in the heat of the day.

If you’re looking for a little extra power to help with those pedals, e-bike hire in Vanuatu is currently centred around Port Vila on Efate. That said, cycling conditions around town are far from perfect, with potholes, congested traffic and a fairly relaxed approach to road rules (or, as local operators put it, “there’s no rules here”).

Dogs are present too, although they tend to be less of an issue than in some other Pacific islands. Still, this is a ride where confidence on the road helps.

eBikes Vanuatu

eBikes Vanuatu provides e-bike hire from its office on Kumul Highway, Port Vila, next to Asco. Bikes need to be picked up from the office, with booking available online, over the phone or in the shop.

Their e-bikes are promoted as having a range of 70 km (43 mi) and a speed of 30 kph (19 mph), making them a practical option for exploring selected routes outside the busiest parts of Port Vila. Suggested itineraries are available, and bikes are returned before the end of the day.

As with any e-bike hire in the islands, we recommend checking the battery level, brakes and tyres before you set off. Take extra care around potholes, traffic and junctions, and give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.

They also offer scooter hire, which you can learn more about in The Guide to Scooter Hire in Vanuatu.

In Vanuatu, bicycle hire is often free for guests at resorts that provide bikes, while some properties charge around 1,000 VT for two hours.

E-bike hire is more expensive, with eBikes Vanuatu charging 5,500 VT for a half-day rental of four hours, or 7,500 VT for a full-day rental of eight hours.

As a general guide:

• Standard bicycle hire: Free at many resorts to around 1,000 VT for two hours
• E-bike hire: 5,500 VT for four hours
• Full-day e-bike hire: 7,500 VT for eight hours

Please note that standard bike availability is usually limited to resort guests, so check whether bikes are complimentary, paid or reserved for in-house use only before you arrive.

Bringing your own bike to Vanuatu is definitely doable, but the best approach depends on which airlines you’re using and where you plan to ride once you arrive.

Bringing Your Bike on International Flights

Most airlines serving Vanuatu accept bicycles, but you’ll usually need to pack your bike properly in a bike box rather than simply rolling it up to check-in and hoping for the best. Policies vary between airlines, so always check your baggage allowance, size limits and any sports equipment fees before you fly.

As a general rule, airlines typically require bicycles to be packed with:

• Tyres deflated
• Pedals removed
• Handlebars fixed parallel to the frame
• The front wheel removed and secured beside the rear wheel inside the bike box if the bicycle is too long
• The bike box properly sealed, labelled and securely packed

For example, Qantas requires bikes to be packed in a bike box no larger than 140 cm (55 in) long, 30 cm (12 in) wide and 80 cm (32 in) high. Other airlines, such as Solomon Airlines, use similar packing requirements, so this is a good standard to work toward even if you’re flying with a different carrier.

An important note: if you’re travelling with CO2 cartridges for your tyres, you may need dangerous goods approval. Don’t leave this until check-in, unless you enjoy having awkward conversations with airport staff while your holiday slowly cycles away without you.

Our tip? Seal the box securely, label it with your name and phone number, and pack loose accessories in a separate bag inside the bike box.

For more comprehensive information about getting to Vanuatu, check out our Getting Here: How to Get to Vanuatu guide.

Bringing Your Bike on Domestic Flights in Vanuatu

Taking a bike on domestic flights in Vanuatu can be less straightforward. Air Vanuatu operates smaller aircraft on some interisland routes, which means space for large items like boxed bicycles can be limited and may depend on the aircraft, passenger loads and available cargo space.

You’re more likely to have success on routes served by larger aircraft, such as some flights to Santo and Tanna, but acceptance still isn’t guaranteed. Check directly with the airline before booking, confirm the aircraft type where possible and arrive early at the airport with your bike packed to standard airline requirements.

For domestic travel, follow the same packing approach as for international flights: deflate the tyres, remove the pedals, turn the handlebars parallel to the frame and use a sturdy bike box.

For more details on getting around the islands, see Domestic Flights in Vanuatu: Your Guide to Interisland Flights.