Tropical warm breeze, clear turquoise water, lush green vegetation. Vanuatu is not just a stopover but a South Pacific haven. So, what are Vanuatu’s best places to visit for a unique experience? Let’s have a look.
The Blue Lagoon
Just 30 minutes outside of Port Vila is a tranquil pit stop called The Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is a popular watering hole for tourists and locals. Need to cool down after a busy day of touring or want to chill out and relax? A dip in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon is the perfect answer.
You can dive straight in from the diving platform or climb high into the trees to launch. Or challenge yourself and use the Tarzan swing rope.
The lagoon water is cold on entry. Once you’re in, the thermal water underneath where fresh water meets sea warms you up quickly. Like putting on a nice pair of warm socks. Float in aqua bliss, gazing at up at the blue skies above, letting your everyday stresses just melt away.
If you’re an avid traveller who enjoys documenting your travels on social media, get your camera ready!
Click here to check Vanuatu day tour prices with Viator
Rarru Cascades
Rarru Cascades on the Rentapao River is another place to visit just 20 minutes outside of Port Vila. To get to the waterfall, it’s a 10 minute walk through the rainforest.
Magnificent fauna and flora greet you at every turn. Because of the high rainfall Vanuatu receives annually, the lush rainforest is a permanent feature no matter when you visit.
At the cascades, there is a swimming hole with a swim rope and a picturesque picnic area. Sit and relax and people watch by the cool cascades or have a swim.
AVI Turtles
If you’re an animal lover, you must not miss the AVI Turtles turtle sanctuary initiative/project. The location is in AVI Bay, about 30 minutes outside of Port Vila.
If you dream of swimming with turtles, you’ll get the opportunity here. There is a fenced beach enclosure where the largest turtles come right up to you. Seeing turtles at such close range is a real treat. If you don’t want to interact with the turtles, you can just watch these magnificent animals move gracefully through the water.
There is also an enclosed pond to visit near the main ocean enclosure with baby turtles. Its like a turtle nursery.
You can also interact with iguanas who are quite ok with you holding them. I held one, and he was very chilled but kept his eye on me the whole time. I think he decided I could be trusted, as he eventually fell asleep with his little claws attached to my arm.
Iririki Island
If you want to experience island life close to Port Vila, then Iririki Island in Mele Bay is the perfect location.
Just take a quick two minutes ferry from Port Vila town to Iririki Island. Ferries run every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day for guests staying on the island. Tourists can also visit the island, but you’ll need to pay for any activities you do.
Book your accommodation on Iririki Island here with Booking.com
Need to know
Best time to visit Vanuatu – April to October.
Weather – Sub tropical climate year round – 21 to 28 degrees centigrade.
Language – Bislama, English and French.
Currency – Vatu (cash is king in markets) and credit cards accepted in retail stores.
Tours
If you want to go on the tour I went on, book Port Vila Full Day Tour – Experience the Real Vanuatu, click here to book it with Viator
Port Vila is an under rated South Pacific island that is full of charm. It’s a beautiful, serene destination you should definitely feature on your bucket list of must see places.
Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a nature lover, an animal lover or just want to chill out, Port Vila Vanuatu has something for you. Like most South Pacific islands, they work on ‘island time’. Just go with the flow and don’t expect anything in a hurry! As they say in Vanuatu, “Welkam!” (welcome).
Suggested post: The best tours to go on in Rarotonga
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Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
