10 unique things to do in Port Vila, Vanuatu

On the island of Efate, the sultry capital of Vanuatu is the gateway to a wonderland of cultural (and active) adventures.

Photo: Mlenny

Breathe in the untouched beauty.

Browse local wares

From hand-dyed sarongs and wood carvings to women baskets and shell jewellery, Haos Blong Handikraft market offers a dizzying array of Vanuatu-made souvenirs. The real reason to come here, however, is for the good vibes – there’s always laughter and singing, and an elaborate story behind every item you pick up. 

Bliss out at Blue Lagoon

This dreamy swimming hole on Efate’s east coast is the reason why postcards were invented. The tidal lagoon is more turquoise than blue, and offers plenty of options when it comes time to cool off - jetties to somersault from and rope swings for Tarzan moments among them. Pack a picnic, strap on your snorkel and plan to spend a day splashing about. 

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IG-worthy waters. Photo: Britt Gaiser

Sip the afternoon away

If the setting at The Beach Bar doesn’t woo you, then the cocktails surely will. Gaze over a perfect crescent of plan tree-lined sand while sipping drinks that were made for the tropics, like the signature Nambawan (Kahlua, Baileys, Malibu, fresh coconut cream) and the Mele Breeze (vodka and seasonal tropical fruits). Things heat up on Friday nights with fire dancing on the beach.

Feel the force of the falls

A breezy 15 minute commute from Port Vila, Mele Cascades transports you to another world. Enveloped by jungle, the multi-tiered waterfall casts a mist over this pocket of paradise, with hiking trails leading to the top of the cascades for panoramic vistas, as well as to the base where you can de-robe and cool off in a swimming hole. 

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Definitely chase these waterfalls. Photo: Choochart Choochaikupt

Get a dose of culture 

Did you know that Vanuatu is considered the most linguistically diverse county in the world, or that the islands were settled more than 3000 years ago? These are just a few of the facts you’ll pick up at the National Museum, packed with traditional artefacts – slit drums, outrigger canoes, ceremonial headdresses – and relics that tell of the archipelago’s bountiful natural history. 

Sail away 

Dedicated to marine protection via community involvement, Okeanos Vanuatu offers spirit-lifting sunset cruises around Port Vila harbour on a traditional vaka double-hulled sailing canoe – run on wind, solar and coconut-oil power.

The fossil-fuel free vessel gliding across Vanuatu's waters. Photo: Okeanos Vanuatu

Meet the makers

In the hills of Port Vila, Activ unites the country’s most exciting grassroots organisations. Visit to meet artisans producing virgin coconut oil, honey and chocolate, the latter handcrafted from cacao grown on neighbouring islands. And yes, there are plenty of samples to be had. 

Enjoy a stylish splurge

Family-owned, The Havannah resort overlooks one of Efate’s prettiest stretches of sand – reason alone to check in. Among the many other perks include thatched-roof villas with private pools, ocean-to-plate dining, seaside spa treatments and snorkelling expeditions to deserted sand cays. 

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A breathtaking beachfront wake up is on the cards here. Photo: The Havannah Vanuatu

Send a special postcard

Just offshore from Port Vila’s Mele Beach lies an attraction that is deep – in every sense of the word. Enveloped by a marine sanctuary, Vanuatu’s Underwater Post Office sits three metres below the surface of the sea. Wetsuit-clad employees guarantee your postcard will be delivered to your indicated address, whether local or international. 

Coastal watch 

WIth more than 2,500km of coastline, Vanuatu’s islands are a key stop for yachties navigating the South Pacific. Many of them dock in Port Vila’s marina to refuel. Join them for a spot of superyacht-spotting at Le cafe du Village, where you can order a Tusker beer and coconut crab and watch the world go by. 

Originally published as 10 unique things to do in Port Vila, Vanuatu