Travel to Vanuatu: cheap flights to Port Vila
A Y-shaped chain of about 83 volcanic islands, a volcano you can walk up to and a liner wreck you can dive: Vanuatu is the South Pacific for adventurers. A former Anglo-French condominium, it speaks Bislama, English and French. Here is how to plan the trip and track flights.
Vanuatu in numbers
Capital
Port Vila
Population
~300,000
Area
~12,000 km²
Currency
Vatu
Languages
Bislama, English, French
UNESCO sites
1
Independence
1980
Continent
Oceania
Airports covered
2
Why visit Vanuatu
A volcanic archipelago where custom is still alive
A volcano you can approach
Mount Yasur on Tanna is a 361 m cone that has been continuously active for at least 800 years. It is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world, and Captain Cook noted it when he anchored at Port Resolution.
Roi Mata and sand drawings
Chief Roi Mata's Domain, three early 17th century sites on Efate, Lelepa and Artok, became Vanuatu's first UNESCO World Heritage property in 2008. Ritual sand drawings were recognised as intangible heritage in 2003.
Wrecks and reefs
Espiritu Santo is a very popular dive destination because of its wrecks and reefs, notably the SS President Coolidge, a converted luxury liner that hit a sea mine during the Second World War.
Three official languages, deep diversity
Bislama is the everyday language, English and French are official, and the country has extraordinary linguistic hyperdiversity.
Islands and landmarks
Port Vila, Tanna, Espiritu Santo and beyond
Port Vila and Efate, the gateway
Port Vila is the capital and biggest city, on the south coast of Efate, with the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and National Museum and a market hall. Around it, you can sail, dive or head to the Lolima waterfalls, about 10 km north-west near Mele.
Tanna and Mount Yasur
Tanna covers 561 km2 and has about 20,000 inhabitants, with Isangel its main town on the west coast. Cook landed at Port Resolution, named after his ship, but a taboo stopped him climbing the volcano. Day trips leave from Port Vila.
Espiritu Santo, the diving island
Espiritu Santo, known as Santo, is the largest island at 3,955.5 km2 and holds the nation's highest peak, Mount Tabwemasana (1,879 m). Luganville hosted a US air base built from 1942, and the Loru and Vatthe conservation areas protect birds, bats, plants and a stretch of fringing reef.
Ambrym, Ambae and the northern islands
Ambrym has the Marum and Benbow volcanoes, and its caldera emptied in December 2018, raising the east coast by more than two metres. Ambae and Lopevi are also volcanic. These islands are reached by domestic flights and call for flexible plans.
Food and culture
Taro, kava and seafood
Taro, yam and breadfruit are the staples of Vanuatu cooking. Kava is both the ceremonial drink and the country's leading cash crop. On Santo you will also find coconut crab, island cabbage and local nuts such as natapoa.
The Malvatu Mauri, the national Council of Chiefs, advises the government on all matters concerning ni-Vanuatu culture and language.
Getting around
Domestic flights, boats and rough roads
Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) sits in Port Vila, and Santo-Pekoa (SON) is about 5 km east of the centre of Luganville. Domestic flights link the main islands and the country has 22 ports, five open to international traffic.
Build flexibility into your plans, because weather and cyclones can change schedules. To combine with other archipelagos, look at New Caledonia, about 540 km to the south-west, plus Australia, New Zealand or Tonga. Fiji, Samoa and French Polynesia are other Pacific stops.
Before you go
A drier season from June to October
| Area | Climate | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Port Vila & Efate | Maritime trade-wind tropical climate; July highs of 27 C and February highs of 31.2 C | June to October |
| Tanna | Pleasant climate according to sources; active volcano | June to October |
| Espiritu Santo | Humid tropical climate, reefs and wrecks | June to October |
| Northern islands | Active volcanoes (Ambrym, Ambae) and seismic activity | June to October |
The hottest and wettest months run from December to April, the cyclone season. Cyclone Pam, category 5, struck in March 2015 and Cyclone Harold in 2020. The relatively dry season runs from June to October. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so check with the authorities before you go.
Flying to Vanuatu
The Vanuatu airports covered by SniperAir
Bauerfield International
In Port Vila on Efate: the main airport, a few kilometres north of the capital.
Espiritu Santo
At Luganville on Espiritu Santo, about 5 km east of the centre; it began as a US wartime airfield.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Vanuatu
Which airport should I fly into for Vanuatu?
Bauerfield (VLI) in Port Vila on Efate is the main international airport. For Espiritu Santo, Santo-Pekoa (SON) near Luganville is served by domestic flights.
When is the best time to visit?
June to October, the relatively dry season. December to April is hotter, wetter and the cyclone season.
Is Vanuatu expensive?
Prices vary with the island and the type of stay, and small domestic flights can weigh on the budget. Compare options with partners before booking.
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
It depends on your nationality: check entry rules with the authorities before you go and keep a valid passport.
How long should I stay in Vanuatu?
Plan 7 to 10 days to combine Port Vila, Tanna and Santo. Add a few days for the northern islands.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Vanuatu drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert with your departure airport and Port Vila or Luganville as destination. We watch prices and notify you when an opportunity matches. See how it works.
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