Vanuatu: Best Things to Visit and Where to Stay in Efate
- Barbara
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
Vanuatu is one of the most beautiful, but also least visited, countries in the world. With only around 65,000 visitors a year, it never feels too crowded, making it the perfect place to explore, snorkel, and relax on an exotic island.
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu is made up of around 80 islands. We travelled there on a direct flight from Sydney and landed in Port Vila, the capital, which is located on Efate Island. This is where most international flights arrive.
Where to Stay in Vanuatu
I’ll start by recommending the best place to stay on the island: Erakor Island Resort.
This is where we stayed, and honestly, it was the perfect exotic escape. Erakor is a small private island just off the main island of Efate, and it is very easy to reach by boat from the Erakor Island jetty.
If you are staying somewhere else, you can also visit Erakor for the day with a day pass. At the time of our visit, this cost around 2,000 VT for adults and 1,000 VT for children, with 50% redeemable towards food and drinks.
We enjoyed Erakor Island so much that we spent most of the week relaxing there and snorkelling close to shore. It is not the typical giant, plastic-feeling resort. Instead, it is an authentic, and island-style, with a relaxed atmosphere and local staff.
The resort organises different activities, including island nights with typical Melanesian food, a fire show, and a kava ceremony. You can also join boat tours or use the free snorkelling equipment, paddle-boards, and kayaks. There is also a pool and activities for children.
To get to Erakor Island from Efate, there is a 24-hour boat service, and the crossing only takes about 10 minutes. The resort also has a restaurant, Aqua Restaurant, overlooking the water. We loved having dinner there while watching eels and colourful fish swimming underneath us.
The part I loved the most about Erakor was seeing so many starfish, sea slugs, sea cucumbers, and colourful fish so close to the shore.
Another resort with a similar island-resort vibe to Erakor is Iririki Island Resort, we didn't personally visit or stayed here, but it could be another good option if you are looking for a resort-style stay close to Port Vila.
Best Things to Visit in Vanuatu
For two days, we rented a car from World Car Rentals Vanuatu to explore the island and all the best things to visit in Vanuatu. Alternatively, you can join organised tours or book a taxi to get around.
Visit the Only Underwater Post Office in the World
Just off the coast of Hideaway Island Marine Reserve, you will find one of Vanuatu’s most unusual attractions: the only underwater post office in the world.
It is definitely worth spending at least half a day, or even a full day, on Hideaway Island. You can stay at the hotel there, or simply buy a day pass for around 2,000 VT per person. The ferry to the island is included in the ticket.
When deciding where to stay, keep in mind that Hideaway Island is a three-star resort, while Erakor Island and Iririki are four-star resorts.
Once on the island, you can rent snorkelling equipment, go kayaking, or join a glass-bottom boat tour to see colourful fish and coral. As the island is a coral atoll, I really recommend wearing rock shoes because the broken coral on the beach can be painful to walk on. You can buy rock shoes at the entrance, where you can also rent snorkelling equipment and life vests.
There is also a restaurant on the island, where we stopped for some refreshing drinks.
The underwater post office is marked by a buoy with a flag. You can snorkel or dive down to it, as it sits about three metres underwater. Waterproof postcards cost around $8.
So, who are you sending your underwater postcard to?
Pepeyo Cultural Village
If you want to experience and learn more about Vanuatu’s culture and local traditions, you should visit Pepeyo Cultural Village.
It is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm, and no reservation is needed. Entry is around 1,500 VT per person.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
Swing, swim, and float in the Blue Lagoon, a beautiful natural lagoon in the middle of the forest. The water is a bright green-blue colour, and it is a popular place for both tourists and locals.
The lagoon is deep, so make sure you are a confident swimmer or bring a float. There is a small bar and some toilets, but not many other facilities, so make sure you bring a towel.
The Blue Lagoon is about a 45-minute drive from Port Vila. You can drive there, take a bus, book a taxi, or join a local tour. Entry costs around 1,500 VT in cash.
Relax at Eton Beach
Not too far from the Blue Lagoon, you will find Eton Beach, a beautiful white-sand beach. It is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the sea.
There is a small fee to access the beach.
Visit Eden on the River
At Eden on the River, you can walk through the rainforest, cross swing bridges, or fly down the zipline.
Afterwards, you can cool off in the river, swim, or float downstream on inflatable tubes. It is a great place if you want to mix a bit of adventure with nature. Check their website for different packages.
Do a Round-the-Island Road Trip
A round-the-island road trip is one of the best ways to explore Efate. The full coastal loop is around 120 km, and along the way you will pass remote villages, local markets, and hidden beaches.
It is perfect for a full day of exploring. Some beaches you can visit, in addition to the ones already mentioned, are Takara Beach, Havana Harbour Beach, and Tamanu Beach.
Visit Port Vila Market
Make sure to visit the main Port Vila Market for fresh snacks, fruit, and local souvenirs. It is a great place
to experience everyday life in Port Vila and pick up something small to take home.
What to Eat in Vanuatu
While in Vanuatu, make sure to try lap lap, the national dish. It is usually made with banana or taro paste, with meat or vegetables, and then wrapped in banana leaves.
You should also try kava, it is a calming drink and a very local experience.
Vanuatu is the perfect destination if you are looking for somewhere tropical, beautiful, peaceful, and still a little off the beaten path.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your snorkel and come to Vanuatu!
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All recommendations in this article are 100% based on my personal experience and are currently unpaid. I aim to keep my content genuine, but please note that I am open to future collaborations, and any paid partnerships will always be clearly disclosed.
I routinely check my articles. If you spot any outdated information, please contact me so I can update it immediately!
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