Welcome to Vanuatu

Located on the eastern end of the Melanesian archipelago, Vanuatu, once known as the New Hebrides, is a land of rich lush tropical rainforests, beautiful blue lagoons, waterfalls and myriad hidden bays and beaches that range from snow white to volcanic black. Not forgetting the warm waters of aqua and dark blues with a fascinating underwater world of colourful tropical fish that live amongst magnificent underwater wrecks and coral reef formations.

If you are looking for a rejuvenating holiday where you can relax on white sandy beaches, swim among colourful reef fish, dive on world-famous wrecks, and generally relax, then the islands that comprise the tiny nation of Vanuatu are for you. You can also visit a local market for delicious tropical produce and then head out to dine one of many restaurants that provide a wide range of local seafood and cuisine. The 83 islands that make up Vanuatu offer dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and flourishing traditional cultures.

With a long indigenous past and a more recent French and English colonial history, Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. There are small communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Islands people living in harmony with the indigenous Ni-Vanuatu.

The Capital Port Vila

The capital Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is a charming, low-key city with duty-free shops, and a range of hotels, resorts and restaurants. The more remote islands of Vanuatu are a contrast, with traditional villages and low-key towns and villages offering only basic services. Port Vila is a well developed tourist destination that boasts one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. Vila offers excellent restaurants, specialty shopping, and a colourful market. It is a gentle, peaceful place where the locals and visitors alike can simply take the time to enjoy just how blessed it has been by nature.

The rural areas of Vanuatu require a more adventurous spirit. Yet it is here that over 80% of the Ni-Vanuatu people live in small villages, maintaining the Melanesian culture, with obvious concessions to modern living, as it has been for thousands of years. From the dominant island of Espiritu Santo in the north with the accessible wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge, to Tanna with its active volcano in the south, Vanuatu provides experiences for the traveller found in only a few places in the world.

Rod Ritchie