Essential Vanuatu: Port-Vila, Tanna, Espiritu Santo
Duration : 10 days
Route : Port-Vila (2 nights) → Tanna (3 nights, Yasur volcano) → Port-Vila → Espiritu Santo (4 nights) → return Port-Vila (1 night)
Custom travel to Vanuatu
Vanuatu is one of the most extraordinary and least visited archipelagos in the South Pacific — 83 Melanesian islands populated by 320,000 inhabitants speaking 138 different languages (the world country with the highest linguistic density per inhabitant). The Yasur volcano on Tanna is one of the world's most accessible volcanoes — you can approach the active crater to 200 m, observe Strombolian eruptions (every 5-10 min) at dusk. The Naghol (traditional vine jump) at Pentecost is the ancestor of bungee jumping — men jump from a 30-m tower with vines attached to ankles, in April-June. Espiritu Santo houses the SS President Coolidge wreck (luxury liner sunk in 1942, one of the world's best wreck dives) and Champagne Beach. Port-Vila, lively tropical capital. Authentic destination for adventurous travelers.
Highlights
- Yasur volcano (Tanna): eruptions accessible at 200 m
- Pentecost: traditional Naghol land jump (April-June)
- Espiritu Santo: SS President Coolidge wreck diving
- Champagne Beach: iconic white sand beach
- Port-Vila: tropical capital and market
- Melanesian culture: 138 languages, living traditions
Sample itineraries
Pentecost and Naghol (seasonal)
Duration : 12 days
Route : Port-Vila (2 nights) → Tanna (3 nights, Yasur) → Pentecost (1 day, Naghol, charter) → Espiritu Santo (4 nights) → return Port-Vila (1 night)
Espiritu Santo diving: SS President Coolidge
Duration : 10 days
Route : Port-Vila (1 night) → Espiritu Santo (8 nights, diving 5-6 days) → return Port-Vila (1 night)
When to go
Dry season (May-October, austral winter): ideal climate. Wet season (November-April): rain and possible cyclones. For Naghol: April-June only. For Yasur: year-round (check activity level — level 3+ closes access).
- Dry season (May – October) — Tanna, Espiritu Santo, Pentecost (April-June)
- Wet season (November – April) — Off-season
- Naghol (April – June) — Pentecost traditional jump
- Cyclones (January – March) — Off-season
Practical information
Very safe. No visa for French citizens < 30 days. Modest dress in villages. Right-hand drive. Avoid tap water (bottled water). Tipping not mandatory. French is official (colonial heritage), spoken by 30% of population.
Frequently asked questions
When?
May-October (dry season). April-June for Naghol at Pentecost.
How long?
10 days for Port-Vila + Tanna + Espiritu Santo. 12 days to add Pentecost (April-June).
Budget?
€3,200-€4,500 per person for 10 days in comfort. Exclusive Naghol: €7,800-€9,500. Flights: €1,600-€2,400.
Visa?
No for French citizens < 30 days.
Is Yasur dangerous?
Permanently monitored (5 activity levels). Level 1-2: access authorized 200 m. Level 3+: access closed. Always follow local guides.
How to see Naghol?
April-June only, charter flight from Port-Vila (1 h). Sacred ceremony — respectful observation, mandatory village contribution.
SS Coolidge level?
Advanced+ with 30-dive minimum. 21-50 m depth depending on zone. Medium visibility (15-20 m).
Family?
From age 12 for Yasur (ash walking, altitude cold). Port-Vila and Espiritu Santo accessible from age 8.
Is French spoken?
Yes — colonial heritage (Vanuatu was Franco-British condominium until 1980). 30% of population speaks French.
Tips?
Not mandatory.