10 Things to Do in Vanuatu on a Rainy Day

When those tropical downpours decide to make an appearance, we can't recommend the Vanuatu Cultural Centre (known locally as Kaljoral Senta) enough; it's honestly the perfect rainy-day escape in Port Vila.

Housed in a stunning traditional building right across from the parliament, the museum beautifully displays its collection of traditional artefacts, including tamtam (slit drums), outrigger canoes, ceremonial headdresses, shell jewellery and examples of Lapita and Wusi pottery.

The museum features several fascinating displays that bring Vanuatu's history to life. Look out for the striking painting depicting Vanuatu's first animals, and the powerful blackbirding display documenting the tragic period when people from Queensland kidnapped Ni-Vanuatu people. The sacred headdresses from Malekula LINK#D035 are particularly impressive – these ceremonial pieces were traditionally worn when electing or promoting leaders.

The guided tours are definitely worth considering, with knowledgeable staff available to help visitors understand the cultural significance of the displays. When cruise ships arrive, the museum also hosts extended presentations in its dedicated area, such as sand drawing demonstrations that used to be as communication between communities.

Located right in the entrance hall, the museum shop is a treasure trove with an excellent selection of exclusive gifts, carved souvenirs, locally designed t-shirts, posters and books. All proceeds support the museum's ongoing collection development.

The Vanuatu Cultural Centre is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with Saturday hours from 9 am to 12 pm.

Over on Santo, your ultimate all-weather attraction awaits at The South Pacific WWII Museum.

Your visit kicks off with the museum's significant location in Unity Park, where tranquil coconut plantations were once transformed into the largest military base in the South Pacific during World War Two. Between 1942 and 1945, around half a million personnel passed through Espiritu Santo on their way to and from the front lines.

This small museum preserves its legacy, showcasing the world's largest collection of SS President Coolidge artefacts, including the ship's bell and main whistle. The extensive displays feature authentic memorabilia recovered from Santo: uniforms, hats from various military branches, weapons, gas masks, eating utensils, and instructional pamphlets from the war era. A door from the USS Strong shipwreck adds to the maritime history, while detailed dioramas recreate the seaplane bases and bomber airfields that once dominated the landscape.

Wall displays share stories of significant military figures and local wartime history, including tales of the infamous Dancing Bear Club that operated on Luganville's Main Street. The collection also includes a "Culture Corner" with indigenous Lapita pottery, connecting the island's ancient heritage with its pivotal role in Pacific military history.

When the clouds settle over Port Vila or Santo, there is no better way to lean into the relaxation of island life than visiting one of the city’s world-class sanctuaries.

Spas like Volcanic Earth Spa and the Oasis Spa at Warwick Le Lagon offer a relaxing escape from the humidity. These centres specialise in treatments that utilise Vanuatu's unique natural resources, such as cold-pressed "Tamanu oil" and mineral-rich volcanic ash, which are prized for their healing and rejuvenating properties.

Most spas also offer a signature "Hot Rock Massage", using smooth, heated volcanic stones, which is particularly soothing on a cooler, rainy afternoon, helping to melt away tension while you listen to the rain drumming on the roof.

For more inspiration on where to find your moment of zen, explore the 10 Best Spas in Vanuatu.

Location: Refer to the link above for exact locations.

Price Range: $$

If you don’t mind a bit of a drive and a little mud, a rainy day is actually the perfect time to visit the Nasinu Hot Springs (also known as Takara Hot Springs) on the northeast coast of Efate.

This hidden gem combines wellness with natural beauty along the northern coast of Efate.

The springs feature four pools at varying temperatures, fed by volcanic water from natural sources in the hills above. The therapeutic experience follows a traditional sequence: start with a rejuvenating mud treatment, rinse off, then progress through the progressively warmer pools as your body acclimates.

According to locals, the mineral-rich volcanic waters work wonders for skin conditions, joint pain, and back problems. Stories abound of remarkable healing, including visitors with chronic skin conditions finding relief after just a couple of visits.

There is a changing room on-site, and the springs stay open daily, with flexible hours accommodating both early morning and evening bathers.

When those tropical downpours hit Port Vila, we've discovered there's no better time to explore the town's fantastic covered markets and shops. You'll love having the perfect excuse to browse for treasures while staying completely dry!

Our absolute favourite is the Port Vila Central Market. This vibrant hub offers plenty of shelter, so you can meander from stall to stall without worrying about the weather. Think hand-woven bilum bags, stunning baskets crafted from pandanus leaves, and those absolutely gorgeous colourful island dresses that we have a real soft spot for.

For a slightly more refined shopping experience, we love Haos Blong Handicraft Market or Mahitahi Handicraft Market House. You'll discover everything from beautifully polished coconut shell jewellery to those legendary woodcarvings.

Exploring these markets isn't just about finding the perfect souvenir; it’s an opportunity to chat with the makers and learn the stories behind the traditional patterns and materials used in their craft.

Keen to discover more authentic island treasures? Our 10 Best Shops to Buy Souvenirs in Vanuatu guide is packed with insider tips you won't want to miss.

Location: Port Vila Central Market - Kumul Highway, Port Vila, Efate. Haos Blong Handicraft Market - Port Vila Waterfront, Feiawa Park, Port Vila, Efate. Mahitahi Handicraft Market House - Port Vila Waterfront, Port Vila, Efate.

Price Range: Free

A visit to the Aelan Chocolate Factory in Port Vila is a delicious way to stay dry.

This intimate bean-to-bar chocolate factory shows you exactly how handcrafted artisan chocolates come to life, using cocoa beans grown in Vanuatu's incredibly rich volcanic soil.

The 30-minute tour takes you through boardwalks amongst tropical gardens to different stations of the chocolate factory contained in shipping containers, covering every single step of chocolate production, from raw beans right through to those gorgeous finished bars.

During your visit, you'll discover the fascinating differences between island cacao varieties on the different islands of Vanuatu.

And yes, there is a generous tasting session at its conclusion, featuring their award-winning chocolates with local ingredients like coconut, chilli pepper, nangai, ginger, turmeric, kava, cocoa nibs, coffee and sea salt.

Tours run throughout the day from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30 am to 12 pm Saturday, and you can either book online in advance or simply walk in.

Don't even think about leaving without browsing their shop/café area – it's packed with not only their incredible chocolate bars but also local handicrafts, tamanu oil, kava and cocoa nibs. The café also serves coffee and showcases their chocolate creations in an intimate space celebrating Vanuatu's flavours.

Take the opportunity to experience the craft spirits scene at 83 Islands Distillery in Port Vila.

Join their immersive one-hour "Distillery Experience" tour that takes you through the complete rum-making journey, from crushing freshly harvested sugarcane to the final distillation process.

Working with 50 local farmers across the islands, 83 Islands Distillery showcases traditional fermentation and distillation techniques, with most bottling and labelling still done by hand. You'll witness the distillation process in action, explore ageing barrels where samples are drawn using traditional drilling methods, and learn about the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Needless to say, the tour concludes as expected with tastings of their signature rums!

For those preferring just the tasting experience, the "Cellar Door Tasting" option is available, where tasting trays can easily be shared between guests. Choose from two distinct tasting journeys: the Rum Tasting featuring six 15 ml samples tracing the evolution from unaged cane spirits to aged rums with complex notes of spice, fruit and smoke, or the Liqueur & Flavoured Rum Tasting showcasing local ingredients like citrus from Efate, cacao from Malekula, and coffee from Tanna.

Tours accommodate up to 20 people and operate Monday to Friday, with weekend availability for cruise ship passengers. French tours are also available, subject to availability.

Head to Eden On The River in Rentapao for a hands-on journey into the heart of Ni-Vanuatu cuisine. This immersive workshop focuses on "Aelan" slow-cooking traditions, providing a warm environment where you'll learn authentic local delicacies while tropical rain falls outside.

During the session, you'll get hands-on preparing simboros, a beloved local delicacy, guided by knowledgeable staff who make the process accessible and fun.

Afterwards, explore vibrant undercover kitchen gardens to discover the "stars" of the island diet, including manioc, island cabbage and coconuts.

You'll even learn the art of making coconut milk from scratch, a rhythmic skill fundamental to Melanesian cooking.

The experience culminates in a shared meal where you'll enjoy your culinary creations alongside fresh tropical fruit.

To learn more about the unique ingredients and traditional food you'll encounter, check out our Traditional Ni-Vanuatu Food: 20 Foods to Try in Vanuatu LINK#TTD044.

Location: Rentapao, Efate.

Price: Free

While it may seem counterintuitive to jump into the water when it's raining, snorkelling is largely unaffected by tropical downpours. Once submerged, raindrops create a hypnotic soundtrack to your underwater exploration, and the fish remain just as active.

Hideaway Island Resort in Mele Bay is perfect for this adventure, featuring shore-accessible reefs and the world's only underwater post office.

Alternatively, the sheltered waters around Iririki Island Resort in Port Vila harbour also offer calm conditions for spotting vibrant coral while clouds pass overhead.

On Espiritu Santo, freshwater blue holes like Nanda Blue Hole or Matevulu Blue Hole provide crystal-clear snorkelling regardless of the weather. These underground spring-fed pools remain deep sapphire blue, and floating in the still water while watching rain ripples is incredibly tranquil.

To discover the most breathtaking underwater spots across the islands, dive into our The Best Snorkelling in Vanuatu: Top 15 Places to Snorkel.

Location: Refer to the link above for exact locations.

Price Range: $

Retreating to a quiet corner with a good book is the ultimate rainy-day luxury.

Many resorts offer excellent indoor facilities for book lovers. Make use of your resort's library, book exchange or entertainment room to find your next great read. Poppy's on the Lagoon in Port Vila offers a charming and well-stocked library that serves as a perfect indoor sanctuary. Guests and visitors alike can browse through a diverse collection of paperbacks, travel guides and local literature, providing a peaceful escape from the humid weather outside.

For those seeking more entertainment options, luxury resorts like Ratua Private Island Resort in Santo feature full games rooms with pool tables, board games and other activities to keep you entertained during inclement weather.

At Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Vila, the sports bar is popular for catching live international games, while Eratap Beach Resort features a stylish lounge perfect for board games or quiet reading.

To discover the best accommodations for your next tropical getaway, check out 50 Best Resorts & Hotels in Vanuatu.

Location: Poppy's on the Lagoon - Erakor Lagoon, Port Vila, Efate. Just off Captain Cook Avenue. Ratua Private Island Resort - Ratua Island, just off the coast of Aore Island, Espiritu Santo. Ramada - First Lagoon, Port Vila, Efate. Signposted off the Kumul Highway. Eratap Beach Resort - Eratap, southern coast of Efate.

Price Range: Free