The archipelago of Vanuatu is comprised of more than 80 islands in the warm, blue waters of the South Pacific. A remote and peaceful island country, its lush green forests give way to secluded beaches, and coral reefs shelter harbors from ocean swell. Things to do in Vanuatu include swimming in the tiered pools of the Mele Cascades, shopping the colorful produce markets of Port Vila, and taking a canoe tour in search of playful dugongs. For those searching for adventure, thrillseekers can hike to the caldera of Mount Yasur to peer into it or dive into the ocean to explore famous shipwrecks.
Vanuatu’s weather is divided into a dry season and a wet season. The dry season occurs in the southern hemisphere's winter months (April to September), when the humidity drops, but the water stays warm, making it ideal for those coming to dive and snorkel. If you’re hoping to skip the influx of visitors, April and September tend to be quieter, with most visitors arriving in June, July, and December.
Of Vanuatu’s roughly 80 islands, 65 are inhabited, although most visitors tend to stay on the main island of Efate, home to the capital city of Port Vila. Ferries operate between Efate and the other main islands, but they run infrequently, so plan your route ahead of time if you wish to island hop. Buses and taxis are easy to find on the main islands, and most resorts and hotels will offer transportation options as well.
A 20-minute drive from Port Vila, the Mele Cascades is nature’s answer to a water park, with dozens of pools linked together by the waterfall and polished stone forming natural waterslides. Spend hours diving and playing in the larger pools before retreating to the “massage” pools, where you can hang out under a ledge and let the water pummel your shoulders.
