Vanuatu Expedition

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
Vanuatu Expedition
8 Days
From AUD $4216 Was AUD $4960
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(8 reviews)

Vanuatu Expedition

Vanuatu Expedition

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
4.4
8 Reviews
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

On this eight-day expedition, encounter raw beauty and culture on the tiny islands of Vanuatu. Leave the resorts of Port Vila behind and fly to rainforest-rich islands where you can meet locals, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy true adventure travel.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (5), Dinner (2)
Accommodation: Resort (5 nights), Bungalows (with shared facilities) (2 nights)

Highlights

  • Meet with the traditional communities of Tanna Island and learn how these Indigenous villages have incorporated WWII iconography into their religious rituals.
  • Hike to the rim of Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. In the evening, watch the smoke and lava create a natural fireworks display
  • Snorkel in the clear waters around Pele Island. Spot colourful fish and see the remarkable coral reef that's protected as part of a marine reserve.
  • Go beyond the resorts and venture off the beaten track to discover the beauty and cultures of Vanuatu. Hike, paddle, swim and snorkel in some of the most beautiful places in the tropics.
  • Walk through the towering rainforest to find a banyan tree that’s said to be the largest in the world, with hundreds of prop roots supporting it.
Vanuatu Expedition

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Guide Language

English

Starts

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Finishes

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Port Vila
Halo! Welcome to Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your accommodation tonight. If you arrive with time to spare before the welcome meeting, maybe head to the heart of the city for Port Vila's produce market and the waterfront promenade, just a short walk away.

Optional Activities:

  • Port Vila - Produce market - Free
  • Port Vila - Handicraft market - Free

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Rentapao River to Port Vila
Today, you'll discover some of Efate’s best spots. A scenic drive will take you to the exclusive kayak base on the Rentapao River. Immerse yourself in Vanuatu’s rainforest and get a glimpse of village life as you paddle. After a French-style lunch at the river’s edge, transfer upstream to the river cascades, a great place to swim, relax and shake off any jet lag. You'll be back at your hotel by mid-afternoon, giving you some time to discover more of Port Vila and choose a place for your optional dinner tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Efate - River Kayaking
  • Efate - Rarru Cascades

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Tanna
It’s an early morning start today for your Air Vanuatu flight to the island of Tanna. After an included local lunch, set out on the first of your Tanna hikes. Hike to one of the world's largest banyan trees, perched high on a ridge overlooking the coast. Your path there will loop back through scattered villages, gardens and rainforests – a great opportunity to meet some of the local people going about their daily lives. Next is a scenic drive across the spine of the island to your bungalow accommodation, located at the foot of the active volcano. This afternoon, drive along a rutted road to the rim of the volcano (the option to walk to the crater carpark is also available for those who would prefer it). You'll feel the ground shaking and hear the volcano rumbling as you approach. Finally, as you arrive at the crater rim in time for sunset, you'll witness the incredible show of Strombolian eruptions that await as it gets dark. Return from the volcano for a late dinner at your bungalow.

Included Activities:

  • Tanna - Rainforest hike
  • Tanna - World's largest banyan tree
  • Tanna - Village & community visits
  • Tanna - Mt Yasur Volcano Crater Hike

Accommodation:

  • Bungalow (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Mt Yasur
This morning, you have the option to visit the volcano a second time, for sunrise. After breakfast, start today with a visit to a John Frum village ('cargo cult village') hidden in the rainforest at the foot of the smouldering volcano. Road conditions permitting, you'll have a short dip in the Sulphur Bay hot springs and visit Port Resolution, named after one of Captain Cook’s ships, to explore this remote village. Enjoy lunch back at the bungalows before returning to the other side of the island to our new accommodation for tonight at Whitegrass. Tonight visit a nakamal (kava bar) for a shell of kava. Watch the sunset with your group, keeping an eye out for the whales that cruise along the coast (from July to September).

Included Activities:

  • Tanna - Sulphur Bay Hot Springs
  • Tanna - Port Resolution village visit
  • Tanna - Kava Bar visit
  • Tanna - John Frum Village visit

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Port Vila
After breakfast, you'll head into the jungle-clad hills to a kastom village. The community here has long rejected modern life and conserves many aspects of a traditional lifestyle. Learn about traditional rites of passage and the local Prince Phillip movement as your leader guides you around the village. As you explore, you’ll gain insight into a community at the cusp of making decisions about the future and how tourism can help conserve long-held practices. Stop for lunch at a local cafe in town, then it's time to say goodbye to Tanna and head to the airport for an afternoon flight back to Port Vila.

Included Activities:

  • Tanna - Kastom Village visit

Optional Activities:

  • Tanna - Mt Yasur Volcano Crater (second visit) - FROM (6500 VUV)

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Pele to Nguna
Today, you’ll travel from Port Vila to Pele Island, a tropical island renowned for its marine conservation area. Take a scenic drive along Efate's west coast to Emua Wharf, stopping at a coffee roastery along the way. Then it’s a short boat ride to Pele Island. When you arrive, sit down for a local lunch on the beach. Take another short boat ride to Taloa Village on neighbouring Nguna Island to visit the historic church and community sites on a village walk. Later this afternoon, go snorkelling in the lagoon (weather permitting) or in the marine conservation area. Expect lots of tropical fish, the occasional turtle (if you’re lucky) and plenty of hard corals and small canyons to explore. Your accommodation for the night is at bungalows on Pele hosted by the village women.

Included Activities:

  • Pele Island - Snorkelling
  • Efate - Coffee roaster visit
  • Nguna Island - Taloa Village walk

Accommodation:

  • Beach Bungalow (shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Port Vila
This afternoon, you'll have the option to take a boat over to Nguna for a challenging volcano walk. Alternatively, you can go for a few easier walks around Pele's villages for a chance to learn about the community’s conservation efforts through the Nguna-Pele Conservation Network. Then it's time to return to Efate for lunch at a locally owned restaurant. Take in the lovely views across the islands, then drive back to Port Vila, this time along the east coast road, with a stop for a swim at one of the beaches or coves around Eton village. There are lots of roadside markets to explore and plenty of photo opportunities. Make one final stop at a distillery, for a delicious tasting of local liqueurs. Arrive back at your Port Vila accommodation in the evening. Celebrate a trip well-travelled with an optional farewell dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Efate - Rum & Gin Distillery Visit

Optional Activities:

  • Nguna Island - Extinct volcano hike - Free

Accommodation:

  • Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Port Vila
Your Vanuatu adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Optional Activities:

  • Port Vila - Port Vila Town Tour (3200 VUV)
  • Port Vila - Discovery Bushwalk (5200 VUV)
  • Port Vila - National Museum (1000 VUV)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $4960

AUD $4,216
(Tour only)
Offer ends 05 Sep, 2026 Per Person Twin Share
15% Off

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

On this eight-day expedition, encounter raw beauty and culture on the tiny islands of Vanuatu. Leave the resorts of Port Vila behind and fly to rainforest-rich islands where you can meet locals, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy true adventure travel.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Sep 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Ruth
Traveled, September 2023

10/14/2023

This was a great trip. It’s quite short so I would recommend booking a few extra days to do your own exploring too.

4.5
Tara
Traveled, September 2023

11/08/2023

Vanuatu is a spectacular destination, with amazing sights, activities and culture. This trip is truly special as we visited places that were personal to our local leaders and explored with a real sense of adventure. The experiences were all so memorable, from village visits, to climbing the volcano, home-cooked meals and island explorations, we did so much in a short time and came away with so many cultural insights. Thank you to the Intrepid team in Vanuatu for such an amazing holiday!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989