{"id":58269,"date":"2022-11-14T10:20:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-13T23:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=58269"},"modified":"2025-03-22T01:19:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T14:19:27","slug":"the-5-best-things-to-do-in-vanuatu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/the-5-best-things-to-do-in-vanuatu\/","title":{"rendered":"The 5 best things to do in Vanuatu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

That\u2019s not relaxing on the beach or swimming in turquoise waters because\u2026duh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t need to write thousands of words on how awesome Vanuatu<\/a> is for you to want to travel there \u2013 one glance at the island country\u2019s turquoise waters, friendly people, and lush tropical rainforests is enough to have you on a plane asap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what do you do when you actually arrive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re so glad you asked that question because not only does Vanuatu have extraordinary landscapes for you to marvel at, but it also has plenty of fascinating things to do from learning about indigenous communities to exploring the islands\u2019 natural scenery (anyone down for a kayak trip?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you plan out your trip (and so you don\u2019t have to spend time searching on Google), we\u2019ve put together a shortlist of the best things to do in Vanuatu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.      Learn about the Indigenous communities of Tanna<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nestled in the jungle-clad hills on Tanna Island lies a \u2018kastom\u2019 village \u2013 a cargo cult indigenous community that\u2019s rejected modern life in favour of a more traditional lifestyle. Join your village hosts for a feast of traditional foods made fresh from their gardens such as coconut fish curry and laplap (a baked pudding consisting of yam, taro, banana, and coconut milk) and settle in for an afternoon of storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JOIN OUR VANUATU ADVENTURE FOR LOCAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.      Hike to the rim of Mount Yasur<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not every day that you get an opportunity to climb up the side of an active volcano but in Vanuatu, Mt Yasur has been providing the ultimate challenge for avid hikers for decades. Affectionately nicknamed the \u2018Old Man\u2019 due to its age (it\u2019s been erupting since before early settlers discovered Vanuatu), this dominant feature on Tanna Island\u2019s skyline is truly a sight to behold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lace up your boots and make your way along the rutted rim of this volcano, stopping to feel the shaking ground beneath your feet and listening out for the iconic rumble that signals the best fireworks show of your life is about to start. Arrive at the crater\u2019s rim and watch as the volcano bubbles and smokes its way through an eruption you\u2019re going to remember forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.      Kayak down the Rentapao River<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you thought swimming and snorkelling were the only ways you could experience Vanuatu\u2019s marine landscapes, then let us introduce you to kayaking down the Rentapao River. Giving you an insight into this country\u2019s diverse rainforest ecosystems, as well as a glimpse of village life, paddling down the Rentapao River in a kayak is one of the more peaceful yet exhilarating activities you can participate in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make your way past cascading waterfalls, navigate rock pools full of fascinating crustaceans, and \u2018accidentally\u2019 fall into the river to take a dip in the fresh, cool water. Try and find a better way to spend an afternoon. We\u2019ll wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.      Snorkel the waters around Nguna<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While there might be plenty to discover on land in Vanuatu, this country\u2019s marine world is just as spectacular and just as easy to explore. Fasten your snorkel and slip into the water in the conservation area of the Nguna Islands and let your fascination grow as you encounter lots of brightly coloured tropical fish, the occasional turtle (if you\u2019re lucky), and a whole reef system full of vibrant corals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.      Witness naghol, the land diving festival of Vanuatu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Have you ticked off the world\u2019s best bungee jumping spots but never stopped to consider where the adrenaline-pumping activity actually<\/em> originated from? If the answer is yes, then your trip to Vanuatu during the country\u2019s Naghol (land diving) Festival on Pentecost Island will undoubtedly open your eyes to the customs and story behind one of the world\u2019s most exhilarating pastimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practiced as part of a coming-of-age ritual for young men and as a blessing for upcoming harvests, this festival sees jumpers launch themselves off platforms 20-30 metres high. Occurring on Saturdays between April and June every year, witnessing this festival is an experience like no other \u2013 one that will surely stay with you long after the crowds have gone, and the last man has jumped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

WATCH THIS FESTIVAL ON OUR VANUATU EXPEDITION SMALL GROUP TOUR<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From peaceful to exhilarating, Vanuatu offers a little something for everyone. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16234,"featured_media":58292,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[455,1313,14],"tags":[3068,3073],"class_list":["post-58269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-guides","category-news","tag-south-pacific","tag-vanuatu"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe 5 best things to do in Vanuatu | The Good Times by Intrepid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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