Vanuatu. Outer Island Adventures

Why settle for

island,

You could argue that direct access by air is the single most important factor driving visitor numbers In Vanuatu’s case, that means most travellers tend to stay in and around Port Vila on the island of Efate

For travellers on a tight timeframe, jumping on one of Vanuatu’s interisland flights may not be possible or practical

But if time allows, it really should be part of every itinerary

With travel now well and truly open the two main 'smaller' islands of Santo and Tanna, offer visitors to Vanuatu a truly memorable experience

one

when you could see more.

Santo. Step back in time.

Efate is super quiet by New Zealand standards, but by Efate standards, Santo is even quieter!

It really does feel like you're stepping back in time. For a start, Santo locals have a very different outlook on life compared to us Westerners.

Material possessions are of little concern. They’re not being bombarded/influenced by television, newspapers or websites.

Their concept of time is quite different too people aren’t rushing around, worried about deadlines, deals or being late. Instead, they keep life wonderfully simple.

As a visitor to Santo, this special vibe is something to soak up from the moment you land.

Apart from being home to some of Vanuatu’s finest natural attractions, Santo has an interesting history.

During the Second World War, the United States needed a base for supplies and a place to set up hospitals for their wounded troops. They chose Santo.

Over 40,000 troops were permanently stationed on the island, making it America’s second biggest Pacific base, after Hawaii.

When you visit Santo today, it’s hard to imagine all that wartime activity happening on such a beautiful and wonderfully relaxed island.

Having said that, the remnants of the war still play a part in the island’s attraction.

Beachtime with locals @ VTO

Divers can be credited with being some of the very first "tourist" travellers to Santo The lure is obvious sheer cliffs, cave systems and rich ecosystems filled with colourful coral and schools of vibrant fish And of course the abundance of war wrecks

The star of the show in Santo is the largest wreck dive in the world, the SS President Coolidge Originally a luxury liner, she was converted to carry troops

Unfortunately, the captain of the ship took the wrong course into Luganville, hit a friendly mine and sank Fortunately for visiting scuba divers, the ship sank close to shore, still packed with guns, helmets, gas masks and all manner of personal effects Even today, Coke bottles and other items still wash up on the local coastline to this day!

Drive north up the coast from Luganville and you’ll discover some of the most spectacular beaches in Vanuatu if not the entire South Pacific

About 45 minutes drive away is pure perfection, otherwise known as Champagne Beach After travelling through the Pacific for many years now, hand on heart, I can say I’ve never seen any better

Warm, translucent water, powdery white sand and offshore islands in the distance, all surrounded by dark green tropical rainforest It really is magic

Despite this picture postcard set up, the beach remains virtually crowd free The only people you ’ re likely to see are a handful of local families going about life as they always have Most visitors will have the place to themselves, unless a cruise ship happens to be visiting, in which case this gem is best avoided

Santo is also famous for its blue holes, and there are several of them dotted along the eastern coast One of the best is the Matevulu Blue Hole It’s signposted on the main road and the short drive inland just happens to be along one of the old military airstrips

Like Champagne Beach, it’s a wonderfully peaceful place to spend time The freshwater is a little cooler than the sea and the lack of salt makes it considerably less buoyant If you ’ re feeling a little adventurous, there’s a rope swing hanging from a huge tree hold on tight and fly! It’s great fun

Matevulu Lodge

Santo Blue Hole

Champagne Beach

Santo Seafood

the charming village of Port Orly It's yet another picture postcard setting with some of the South Pacific's most unique accommodation options namely the Port Orly Treehouses.

Staying in one of these will take you back to your tree hut days of childhood. They're basic, but it's so fun being perched up in the air And of course, you get to step straight onto the sands of the stunning Port Orly Beach

Port Orly is also home to Chez Louis Restaurant As the name suggests, this rustic beachfront eatery serves French inspired fare, with seafood being the specialty think fresh fish, coconut crab and local lobster! There is also a selection of beach bungalows offering an absolute beachfront stay

Another magic spot to stay on Santo's East Coast is Matevulu Lodge a genuine escape that allows visitors to reconnect with nature the ocean lulling you to sleep at night and the sunrise welcoming you in the morning!

Matevulu Lodge offers bed and breakfast with four beachfront bungalows a few steps from the sand

Hideaway Paradise Bungalows

Chez Louis Restaurant

Port Orly Treehouse

The bungalows come equipped with a mini fridge, kettle and coffee plunger Each bungalow is also spaced out, to ensure privacy for all guests There is also a family room, which is perfect for families and friends travelling together

The location is handy to two restaurants (within a 5 minute drive) Takeaways can also be delivered to the lodge when you don't feel like moving Matevulu Lodge is also within a 30 minute walk from the spectacular Riri and Matevulu Blueholes,

A stone's throw from Matevulu Lodge is the equally serene Turtle Bay Lodge Located on the point of Turtle Bay, the lodge is surrounded by ocean

The resort has undergone considerable upgrades over the last few years and evolved into an independent, chic boutique hotel with friendly staff, a superb restaurant and bar, and a laid back atmosphere that goes hand in hand with holiday on Santo

With kayaks available onsite, guests can paddle to the blue holes or hire an on site quad bike and enjoy a trip to Champagne beach or Port Olry The property even boasts a swimming pool

Aore Island Resort is another one of Vanuatu's hidden gems They've been busy too, creating a new beach bar which is proving to be a huge success!

Sitting right on the sand, the Beach Bar provides casual feet in the sand dining experience Wood fried pizza and BBQ grill are the food specialties Plus they have a daily Happy Hour, which is the perfect time for guests to relax and enjoy the setting sun over the Segond Channel!

Aore Island Resort

Turtle Bay Lodge

Turtle Bay Lodge

Matevulu Lodge Matevulu Lodge

Tanna. Next level adventure.

Fly south from Port Vila to the island of Tanna and you’ll find natural attractions that rival anywhere in the South Pacific.

Visitors making an effort to get to Tanna Island can offer a variety of experiences they'll never forget.

Home to just over 30,000 people, Tanna is a place where you can snorkel over some of the best coral in Vanuatu, ride through the jungle on horseback, visit secret waterfalls and experience a culture that continues to live by its age old traditions.

Tanna’s biggest drawcard is Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible live volcanoes. By four wheel drive vehicle, visitors can get within a 10 minute walk from the edge of the crater.

Ash laden smoke has smothered the surrounding landscape, creating a scene that’s like something from another planet.

Like any volcano, the level of explosive activity varies, but it’s always best to view Mount Yasur at dusk and into the night when the red hot magma creates natural fireworks against the dark sky.

If you think Guy Fawkes is exciting, multiply this spectacular fireworks show by a hundred!

Bigger kids and adults will also love swimming in the spectacular waters of Tanna’s Blue Cave.

A hole in the roof of the cave lets the sunshine through, turning the water into a beautiful iridescent blue. If you have a Go Pro or waterproof phone or camera, make sure it’s packed this is the photo op of a lifetime! There is also more fun outside the caves with jumping platforms for those who love taking a leap.

NOTE: there are a number of places to stay on Tanna. Another popular option is to turn your Tanna experience into a fly in, fly out day trip.

For visitors wanting to stay on Tanna there are some fantastic accommodation options If you have a head for heights (even taller than the treehouses on Santo), the Jungle Oasis has seven bungalows, including its iconic green Tree House.

There's a restaurant and bar that make full use of fresh local produce. Breakfast is included with all stays, plus Jungle Oasis is located near the entrance to Mount Yasur volcano

Jungle Oasis is a short walk from the entrance entry point to Mount Yasur, which makes it easy to get out of bed for the 4am morning volcano tour!

Rockwater Resort is another top spot on Tanna. The architecture of this seaside property is firmly Mediterranean like something you might come across in Italy

The relaxed atmosphere fits perfectly with the tranquil sub tropical forest, fruit tree orchards and vibrant wildlife. There is plenty of space (privacy is guaranteed), plus guests can enjoy first class snorkelling in a safe, private marine park, just 50 metres from the resort.

Rockwater Resort

Rockwater Resort

Tree House at Jungle Oasis

White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa is probably Tanna's most well known property During the border closures, the resort undertook a number of updates and refurbishments keeping the team of 20 staff busy!

The 6 acres of gardens have been kept in tip top condition The swimming pool is sparkling and now boasts new solar pumps to ensure a perfect swim (while overlooking the ocean)

A significant investment was also made in Volcano Island Divers, the resort's in house PADI Scuba Dive operation Equipment was been upgraded and local master divers undertook professional training

Head Chef Charlie has resumed his role, creating fine cuisine using the best locally grown organic produce, and fish from small vessel fishermen from the waters of North Tanna

Not far from White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa, Tanna Evergreen Resort is another fantastic accommodation option for travellers

A resort highlight is its private turtle reef which is directly in front of our resort This is home to world class coral gardens, whales, dugong and dolphins depending on the season

Tanna Evergreen Resort also runs a variety of tours including the Ultimate Volcano Safari Tour, Full day Cultural Tour, Tanna Ocean Experience and Blue Cave Tour The resort's facilities are also impressive they have a lovely restaurant and bar, swimming pool and air conditioners in each room

Regardless of where you stay on Tanna, the effort you make to get there will be duly rewarded with a totally unique, thoroughly enjoyable, always memorable experience

Tanna Evergreen Resort

Tanna Evergreen Resort

White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa

White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa

Mt Yasur @ VTO

Mt Yasur @ VTO Local Tanna Market

A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP.