Vanuatu’s capital city Port Vila is on the picturesque island of Efate, known for its stunning natural beauty like sparkling turquoise pools, lush green hills and waterfalls.
Boasting a blend of Melanesian culture alongside modern amenities like resorts, shopping, cafes and restaurants, this is where most visitors kick off their Vanuatu itinerary since most cruise ships dock here and it’s also home to the international airport (VLI).
Home to about 60-thousand people, Port Vila is the jumping off point for surrounding islands like Espiritu Santo or heading to Tanna to hike around the Mount Yasur volcano. However, Efate itself has so many unique experiences and adventures to offer (canyon swings! Cascades! An underwater post office!) that one could easily spend a week exploring here.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a fun-filled trip, from where to stay to the best day trips and things to do in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Things to do in Port Vila
See the city centre
Most of the hotels and resorts are right in town or a short drive away, so it’s easy to spend an hour or two checking out the city centre (which is all the time you’ll need–it’s pretty small and there isn’t much to see). A presidential palace perched high on a hill overlooks the action, while the city’s outskirts feel very undeveloped.
The main street is called Lini Highway, which is lined with shops, a few boutiques, banks, restaurants, cafes and other businesses. You can also try the local specialty, kava, at some of the bars here.
The highlight for most people is wandering around the local market, where table after table overflows with fresh produce–I promise you’ve never seen so many bananas in your life! There are also handicraft stalls selling things like woven baskets, textiles and the usual touristy souvenirs.
The Lini Highway is only one lane in each direction so it can get a bit backed up and hectic, so sometimes it’s easier to walk versus trying to get a bus or driver.
Hang out on Iririki Island
This private island is accessed by a five minute boat ride from the centre of town–the dock is located to the right of the Grand Hotel and Casino, and transfers are complimentary all day long. While this is a luxury resort where you can stay overnight, day passes are also available for $20 which can be purchased at the main check-in desk once you disembark their boat.
There are multiple infinity pools, a beach area, excellent restaurants and a spa, as well as activities like a games room, tennis courts, gym and snorkeling.
What to do on Efate Island, Vanuatu
Swim in the Blue Lagoon
One of the highlights of my trip was swimming in the idyllic Blue Lagoon, which is one of the most beloved attractions in Vanuatu–the water is absolutely stunning!
This series of natural swimming holes are found a half hour drive from town, and the perfect place to cool off from the blazing South Pacific sun. There are picnic areas, wooden platforms to lounge on, and even rope swings for launching into the turquoise water.
There are two entrances— the one on the right has more intense swings while the left side of the lagoon is more chill. The lagoon is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, only cash is accepted for admission fees, and the site can be reached by taking the B Bus from Port Vila.
Relax at Eden on the River
A series of suspension bridges wind around the emerald Rentapau River, which is accessed by a set of stairs hidden by the thick jungle. Eden on the River is somewhat of an oasis, where lush foliage envelopes the freshwater pools and cascades.
There’s a cafe on-site, and one of the most popular things to do is tackle the hanging bridges and zipline.
While it’s not as easy to swim in as the Blue Lagoon due to the current and steep drop-offs, Eden on the River is a lovely place to beat the heat for an hour or two–especially if you end up with the entire place to yourself as I did!
Visit Pepeyo Cultural Village
One of the most fascinating things about visiting Vanuatu is getting to see the traditional way of life that’s still prevalent in most of the country outside of the capital city.
One of the easiest ways to learn about Melanesian customs is by heading to the Pepeyo Cultural Village, which is just outside of Port Vila.
About 30 people live here, welcoming guests daily to teach them about fishing, wild game trapping, fishing, how they use spider webs to make fishing lines and uses for medicinal plants.
A highlight is the series of songs and dances performed by warriors, and you’ll even get to watch a fire walker. Tours like this one also include a visit to an elementary school just down the road, where you’ll get to meet the sweet students and see what classrooms are like in Vanuatu.
Send a postcard at the world’s only underwater post office
The world’s only underwater post office is found near Port Vila, making a visit to Hideaway Island one of the best things to do in Vanuatu!
Slip on your snorkel gear, and swim around the small coral atoll surrounded by clear turquoise water, coral reefs and thousands of fish. About three metres down you’ll find the post office (which is actually staffed!) where you can get a special waterproof postcard embossed and mail it home.
Get a thrill at the Vanuatu Jungle Zipline
Up for a thrilling, sky-high experience? Head to the Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, an adventure park about 20 minutes from Port Vila with epic views and attractions guaranteed to get your heart racing.
Here, six ziplines stretch across 1.5 kilometres worth of ravines and canyons, where riders zoom over thick groves of palm trees. Another highlight is the Canyon Swing which is actually scarier than it sounds–in fact, it’s more like a bungee jump! Daredevils stand on a 70-metre-high platform and are harnessed in, then essentially free fall feet-first into the canyon and swing out over the trees.
Not so sure about the adrenaline rush? Opt for a walk along the panoramic Sky Bridge for views of the rainforest, a hidden pool and Mele Bay, or hop in a suspended Chair in the Air to slowly glide along a zipline towards the centre of the canyon.
Sit back, relax and enjoy some cool drinks while looking straight down at the jungle canopy and watch riders hoot and holler as they set off on the Canyon Swing.
Admire the Mele Cascades
If you haven’t got enough of a waterfall fix yet, the Mele Cascades features a stunning series of pools and waterfalls, including a breathtaking 35 metre (100 foot) tall waterfall.
Slippery, bamboo-lined paths and rope trails guide visitors to the top of the falls, and there are also rock slides and terraces cut into the hillside creating natural jacuzzis. The base of the falls has a cafe, picnic area, changing rooms and toilets. To get to the Mele Cascades which are a 15 minute drive from the city, book a tour or hop in one of the ‘B’ buses/minivans in Port Vila and tell them you’d like to go to the Cascades.
Globe Guide tip: The Mele Cascades can get overrun with hundreds of visitors when cruise ships are in town, so try to visit on a day when none are docked in Port Vila.
Port Vila, Vanuatu tours
While some visitors rent a car or try to navigate the public transit system (which mostly consists of hopping into random mini-buses and hoping someone will pick you up again later), the best bet is to book a private driver or guided excursion.
Some of the most popular Port Vila tours are:
Book with Viator
Book with GetYourGuide
I personally did this full day tour from Port Vila, and would recommend it as you get to visit the cultural village, a school, the Blue Lagoon, Eden on the River and enjoy lunch at the very cool Banana Beach Bar restaurant. It’s also a great option for those who only have one day in Port Vila, since it’s a good overview of Efate’s highlights. Click here to book
Port Vila resorts: Where to stay
I unintentionally ended up staying at a number of different resorts during my time in Port Vila, thanks to an unexpectedly longer stay due to flight cancellations by Air Vanuatu. On the plus side, I’m now very qualified about which ones to recommend!
Ramada Resort by Wyndham: This is my top pick for accommodation in Port Vila, thanks to the large, modern, clean rooms. Ranging from studios to two bedroom apartments, every single one has a kitchen and lounge area, and some have back patios overlooking a lagoon.
Despite being just a few minutes from the city centre, the Ramada feels completely remote and has a lovely pool area and tranquil waterfront. There’s also an on-site restaurant and gym. Click here to book
Holiday Inn: This is another fabulous option for Port Vila accommodation, especially as it’s home to a handful of overwater villas for a unique stay.
This sprawling resort is also close to town, situated on a lagoon with multiple pools and restaurants which makes it great for families and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Room configurations include twin rooms, family suites and family villas with room for four people to sleep. While they’re a bit dated, there are lovely views. Click here to book
Grand Hotel and Casino: A bit more budget friendly then most, the best part of this property is the location right in the centre of town which makes it a cinch for tour pickups, shopping and enjoying the local restaurants.
Every room has a private patio with a views of the waterfront, and there’s also a great pool area complete with cushy loungers. The staff are lovely, and you can also store your larger bags here if you’re heading off to the islands for a few days.
I wasn’t wowed by the food here, and since there’s a casino attached the hallways smelled smokey. Rooms are large but dated and there can be some street noise–most importantly, the AC works well! Click here to book
Iririki Island Resort: Iririki caters to everyone from honeymooners to large family gatherings, and rooms include overwater farés, waterfront villas and penthouse suites. As mentioned, it has amenities like infinity pools, a spa, beach and tennis courts, with enough on-site activities that you’d never actually have to leave the island.
I personally found it a bit taxing to walk around to all of the different areas, but the resort does have complimentary shuttle services for guests who prefer to get around in a golf cart. Click here to book
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