Vanuatu Expedition

8 Days | Snorkel coral reefs and hike an active volcano in Vanuatu

4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Expeditions
From
ZAR  43,134
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On this eight-day expedition, encounter raw beauty and culture on the tiny islands of Vanuatu. Leave the resorts of Port Vila behind and fly to rainforest-rich islands where you can meet locals, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy true adventure travel. Meet communities where kastom – traditional culture and law – still rules, including the legendary John Frum villages. Snorkel among the gorgeous coral reef that's protected by law. Trek through towering greenery and learn about how it is to live among active volcanoes and tropical wilderness. Embrace a side of Vanuatu that few tourists seek, but one that those who do will never forget.

Trip overview

Map of Vanuatu Expedition including Vanuatu
Start
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Finish
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Theme
Expeditions
Destinations
Vanuatu
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
TESV
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Meet with the traditional communities of Tanna and learn how these Indigenous villages have incorporated WWII iconography into their religious rituals.
  • Hike to the rim of Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and in the evening, watch the smoke and lava billowing create a natural fireworks display (from a safe distance, of course).
  • Snorkel in the clear waters around Pele and see the remarkable coral reef that's protected as part of a marine reserve.
  • Go beyond the walled-off resorts and discover the beauty and cultures of Vanuatu. Hike, paddle, swim and snorkel in some of the most beautiful places in the tropics.
  • Walk through the towering rainforest to find a banyan tree that is said to be the largest in the world, with hundreds of prop roots that support it.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Your accommodation on Tanna and Pele is in traditional bamboo bungalows. These have standard beds with mosquito nets and bathroom facilities, but showers are cold water only and in places there is no running water. Electricity intermittent or solar only. Your meals on these islands will be home-cooked with love by the village mamas using fresh, organic produce from the gardens and the sea.
  • Part of travelling with Intrepid is respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. In Vanuatu, female travellers can be respectful by wearing clothing that covers from shoulder to knee when outside the hotel pool area. An old t-shirt and a pair of board shorts are a good alternative to bikinis for island snorkelling adventures! 

Itinerary

Map of Vanuatu Expedition including Vanuatu

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Bungalows (3 nights)

Activities
  • Efate - River Kayaking
  • Efate - Rarru Cascades
  • Tanna - Rainforest hike
  • Tanna - World's largest banyan tree
  • Tanna - Kava Bar visit
  • Tanna - Village & community visits
  • Tanna - Mt Yasur volcano crater hike
  • Tanna - Sulphur Bay Hot Springs
  • Tanna - Port Resolution village visit
  • Pele - Snorkelling
  • Efate - Coffee roaster visit
  • Efate - Run & gin distillery visit
  • Nguna - Village walk
Add on activities
  • Port Vila - Produce market - Free
  • Port Vila - Handicraft market - Free
  • Nguna Island - Extinct volcano hike - Free
  • Port Vila - Port Vila Town Tour - VUV3000
  • Port Vila - Discovery Bushwalk - VUV4750
  • Port Vila - National Museum - VUV1000

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. The Group Meeting is at 5 pm on Day 1.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 to 6 where you will be in shared accommodation, includes accommodation in Port Vila only, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. You must provide us with a copy of your passport no later than 30 days before your departure in order for us to book the domestic flights included on this trip. We are unable to book your flights without a passport copy.
4. Due to frequent flight delays, we highly recommend allowing additional days in Port Vila before and after your tour and considering flying Virgin or Fiji Airways.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Ruth · Traveled September 2023
This was a great trip. It’s quite short so I would recommend booking a few extra days to do your own exploring too.
Review submitted 14 Oct 2023

Tara · Traveled September 2023
Vanuatu is a spectacular destination, with amazing sights, activities and culture. This trip is truly special as we visited places that were personal to our local leaders and explored with a real sense of adventure. The experiences were all so memorable, from village visits, to climbing the volcano, home-cooked meals and island explorations, we did so much in a short time and came away with so many cultural insights. Thank you to the Intrepid team in Vanuatu for such an amazing holiday!
Review submitted 08 Nov 2023

Ammy · Traveled September 2023
Review submitted 09 Nov 2023

Nadia · Traveled September 2023
What a fantastic trip! Allan and all of the local guides were fantastic and so generous in sharing their knowledge and passion for Vanuatu. Activities were great and every village made us feel welcome. Accommodation was basic but comfortable - be aware that some places haven’t got running water and only provide buckets for showing. Also ensure you have a small bag to pack for 1-2 nights on the islands, as luggage space on planes/boats is limited! Highly recommend this tour!
Review submitted 22 Sep 2023

Douglas · Traveled June 2023
The local guide made a good itinerary fantastic. Story time with Alan was one of the days highlights. Accomodation and meals are basic but acceptable. More time on Tanna island would be great.
Review submitted 26 Jun 2023
Vanuatu Expedition
From
ZAR  43,134