Are you ready to explore Vanuatu’s largest town? The republic’s main hub has a myriad of wonders to offer from the lush environment, relaxing tours, wild adventure, cultural immersions, unique wildlife, and friendly locals! Whether you’re in for a relaxing getaway or a fun-packed itinerary, there is an array of activities in Port Vila such as diving, hiking, horseback riding and even flying on a small plane. It’s time to live an all-around island experience with the capital city. Last but not least, don’t miss out on the island – whether it’s barbecue by the beach or fine dining seafood. For accommodation, there are plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals that provide a comfy stay. If you are planning a trip soon, scroll down for a list of the top things to do in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
1. Drop by the National Museum of Vanuatu
Posted by National Museum Of Vanuatu on Wednesday, 22 June 2016
What brings life to a place must stem from its roots. It’s only fitting to begin your Vanuatu adventure in its national museum! The National Museum of Vanuatu is one of the best attractions in Port Vila and features several artifacts that could take you back in time as far as over 3000 years. It may look small compared to the usual museum size, but the archeological items and featured knowledge let you experience various indigenous practices such as sand drawing, pottery, and traditional music. The museum is housed by the great Vanuatu Cultural Centre, an organization that protects and preserves the Vanuatu culture through different aspects.
National Museum of Vanuatu
Address: Vanuatu Cultural Centre POB 184, Port-Vila, Vanuatu
Website: National Museum of Vanuatu
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 8 USD
2. Walk through Vanuatu’s lush nature and rural side (from USD 55.0)
A person can never truly know a place by staying in the comfort of the tourist spots. Immerse in the wild and get to know the basics of Vanuatu! You can opt for either a relaxed or challenging tour. You get to explore jungle trails, beaches, and plantations, and after the hike, you’ll find yourself more aware of the beautiful banyan trees. Many tourists have been to Vanuatu, but only a few may tell this unique story that shows the place’s lush side and the daily lives of its locals.
Discovery Bush Walk from Port Vila
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
3. Walk into The Reef Vanuatu Zoological & Wildlife Sanctuary
Come and meet one of our friendly lories, Vanuatu lories are decreasing in numbers because they are in competition for nesting sites of introduced birds. Open 9 - 4 daily.
Posted by The Reef Vanuatu Zoological on Wednesday, 5 July 2017
Here’s one of the must-visit spots if you’re bringing the whole family. Get kids to have photos with geckos or iguanas. Spend an exciting snorkeling session with starfish and corals. Learn new information about the turtle conservation program and how you can offer help. One of the best parts of the tour is their friendly staff brimming with passion for their work in protecting the animals and their knowledge about the local fauna. With these, make sure that you save up an hour or two of your day for ‘The Reef’ Vanuatu Zoological and Wildlife Sanctuary!
The Reef Vanuatu Zoological & Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Narpow Point, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu
Website: The Reef Vanuatu Zoological & Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Experience a majestic horseback ride at Club Hippique Adventure Park
Posted by Club Hippique on Saturday, 6 September 2014
Are you in the mood to explore panoramic hills, blue water lagoon, and rain forests? Get to explore all of these while riding on a horse at Club Hippique Adventure Park. The club offers various ride choices to suit you: a full- or half-day beach ride in white sand, a two-hour ride through lush rain forests, a cool ride and picnic to waterfall pools, and a majestic sunset ride! It’s a bonus that you’ll get to see a seemingly endless coconut plantation! These tours offer satisfying trips to all guests from seasoned horse riders to excited beginners.
Club Hippique Adventure Park
Address: Club Hippique Road, 2nd Lagoon, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Website: Club Hippique Adventure Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 7:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 97 USD onwards
5. Indulge in volcanic signature spa at Port Vila Day Spa (from USD 179.0)
Getting tired from extraneous activities in Port Vila such as horseback rides or long hikes? Get some time off from a busy itinerary with a time of self-love at Port Vila Day Spa. Indulge yourself in detoxifying volcanic ash scrub, mud wrap, mini facial, and a full-body deep tissue massage. The three-hour luxurious package wraps up with a tub of coconut cream! Don’t forget to help yourself with the tropical refreshments.
Port Vila 3-Hour Volcanic Spa Package, Massage plus Tea, Fruit
Duration: 3 hours
6. Delve into Vanuatu art at Suzanne Bastien Foundation
Posted by Fondation Suzanne Bastien on Wednesday, 6 March 2019
If you have a knack for appreciating art, then Suzanne Bastien Foundation is one of the best places to visit in Vanuatu. You’ll be thrilled to explore the history and culture of Vanuatu here through a creative lens. The site was founded when the founder acquired the “Maps Blong Vanuatu” (Maps of Vanuatu), a collection of paintings representing the islands of Vanuatu, which reveals the place’s complexity and beauty. You’ll also get a closer and more intimate feel of the Vanuatu art of sand drawing! The center also features permanent and temporary exhibits created by contemporary artists. You’re lucky if you pass by some special workshops and fun events that they host!
Suzanne Bastien Foundation
Address: BP 365 Route de Pango, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Website: Suzanne Bastien Foundation
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
7. Catch up with trending blockbusters at Tana Russet Plaza
We know how to make you smiling ..
Posted by Tana Russet Plaza on Tuesday, 13 February 2018
Don’t miss out on your much-awaited movies even while on a getaway. Check out the Tana Russet Plaza which hosts the only cinema in Vanuatu! Apart from Tana Ciné, the plaza also serves as your go-to business center for all your vacation needs. There are Italian and Japanese restaurants, an ice cream bar, and a burger station to fill your cravings. Let the kids play on the funhouse while you indulge in a relaxing sauna bathing at the spa.
Tana Russet Plaza
Address: Kumul Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Website: Tana Russet Plaza
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD onward
8. Immerse in a well-preserved cultural experience at Ekasup Village
Here in Port Vila, Ekasup Village stands as proof that the old ways have not been forgotten. This cultural tour at the Ekasup Village brings you a glimpse of the lives of Vanuatu natives and practices that reveal much of the land’s history. Villagers will enlighten you to a myriad of nature’s amazing gifts to us - plants that are useful for traditional medicine, making hunting and fishing weapons from scratch, the traditional food and ways of cooking and the exceptional songs and dances that people pass on through generations.
Ekasup Village
Address: Erakor, Ekasup Village, Port Vila
9. Enjoy a French cuisine dinner at L’houstalet Restaurant
I'm on a Seafood Diet. I see food and I eat it! Come and try our mouth watering Coconut Crab! To Book your table call...
Posted by L'houstalet Restaurant on Monday, 6 January 2020
Most people crave for the taste of French cuisine every now and then. In Port Vila, you may indulge in those European dining fantasies at the L’houstalet Restaurant. After finishing a plate of prawns, casually relax over cocktails and dessert! Some tourists may find the prices out of their budget, but there’s a priceless story behind the place: the restaurant is a witness to a groundbreaking point in history. L’houstalet Restaurant hosted the celebration of the drafting of The Constitution of Vanuatu in 1979 - a major milestone in the country’s journey to independence.
L'Houstalet Restaurant
Address: Route Du Lagon Lini Highway, Port Vila, Efate 0000 Vanuatu
Website: L'Houstalet Restaurant
Opening hours: Fri - Tue: 5pm - 9pm; Thu: 5pm - 7pm; Wed: 11:30am - 1:30pm; 5pm - 9pm
10. Stop over for sports night at Warhorse Saloon & Restaurant
Posted by The War Horse Saloon on Friday, 9 August 2013
Not all the best nightlife spots are in dance bars. A sports bar with the best drinks to enjoy while catching up with family or friends? Warhorse Saloon got exactly what you need. Conveniently located on the way to the cruise ship, the bar and restaurant is the perfect stopover on land. They’ll let you watch the latest game on the large TV screen or join a friendly game of darts or pool. Watch out for karaoke night on Thursdays and live band jamming on Saturdays!
Warhorse Saloon & Restaurant
Address: Wharf Road, Namba Tri, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Website: Warhorse Saloon & Restaurant
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
11. Marvel at the Rarru Cascades (from USD 85.46)
Embark on a breathtaking adventure in Port Vila, Vanuatu, as you marvel at the natural wonder of Rarru Cascades. Nestled amidst lush tropical foliage, these cascading waterfalls offer a picturesque oasis of serenity and beauty. Hike through the scenic trails, surrounded by vibrant flora and the soothing sound of cascading water. Arrive at the Rarru Cascades and be captivated by the crystal-clear pools and mesmerizing waterfalls that cascade down moss-covered rocks.
Take a refreshing dip in the inviting pools, letting the calm, pristine waters rejuvenate your body and soul. Swim beneath the gentle flow of the falls, feeling a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. Capture stunning photographs of this hidden gem, framed by the lush greenery and vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape. Listen to the melodies of nature as you bask in the beauty of Rarru Cascades.
Port Vila: Pepeyo, Blue Lagoon & Eden Tour
Duration: 6.0 hour
12. Soar high above the thick jungle canopy (from USD 88.75)
Embark on an exhilarating adventure in Port Vila, Vanuatu, as you soar above the thick jungle canopy. Experience the thrill of ziplining through the lush rainforest, taking in panoramic views, and immersing yourself in the island’s natural beauty. Strap into a secure harness and zip along thrilling cables suspended between towering trees. Feel the adrenaline rush as you glide through the air, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the tropical jungle.
Marvel at the stunning vistas of dense vegetation, sparkling rivers, and distant mountains. Catch glimpses of colorful birds and other wildlife as you traverse from one platform to another. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna, adding to the educational aspect of the experience. Take in the sights, sounds, and fresh air as you embrace the unique perspective of the treetops.
Vanuatu Jungle Zipline
Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hour
13. Explore Vanuatu below sea level in an underwater walk (from USD 143.0)
The beauty of Vanuatu lies beyond the lush, green forests and pristine beaches. Greater wonders are waiting to be discovered deep within the blue sea! The underwater discovery includes a 20-minute helmet dive where you can get an intimate encounter fish and corals. Schedule your swim on a high tide and you may get to swim with the turtles at Naiwe Beach and wrap the fun afternoon with an island barbecue lunch and refreshing drinks.
Oceanwalker Underwater Discovery Tour with Yumi Tours
Duration: 6 hours
14. Embark on a mountain biking tour (from USD 73.0)
Are you in for feeling the Port Vila wind while exploring the island on wheels? Grab your friends on a mountain bike tour! With the capacity to accommodate up to 15 guests, this tour can be personalized to meet the destinations you want to explore the area. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for free movement. Throw friendly smiles at the locales as you explore villages, hear the sound of perfect waterfalls and be amazed by wide coconut plantations. The best spots and hidden trails of the island are not accessible by car and this is your best chance to discover them!
Vanuatu Mountain Bike Guided Tour departs Port Vila
Duration: 4 hours
15. Have a taste of Vanuatu chocolate (from USD 86.0)
Craving for chocolates? This is not your typical trip to the store to get your sweets. Port Vila Day Tour: Chocolate Tour offers a glimpse of the transformation of local cocoa beans into luxurious Vanuatu chocolate. The best part? It comes with a tasting session! More than chocolate testing, this tour is also a complete package with a barbecue lunch at Nawie Beach, swimming time to enjoy Eton Blue Lagoon and a relaxing Port Vila exploration.
Port Vila Day Tour: Chocolate Tour
Duration: 6 hours
16. Slide down slippery hills at Wet 'n' Wild Adventure Park (from USD 22.0)
Traveling with thrill-seeking kids, or young-at-heart adults with a knack for the outdoors? There’s a great number of activities waiting for your family at Wet ‘n’ Wild Adventure Park. Previous guests can’t stop talking about their human slingshot experience, where they are horizontally shot through the air with force while attached to bungee ropes. The giant water slide may look like a simple blue tarp draped over a hill but it’s a guaranteed slippery slope of fun! To wrap up the great outdoor trip, set up a picnic table and barbecue while you check out the park’s other fun activities.
Wet n Wild Fun! - includes return transfers
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
17. Get the best view to a scenic volcano through a breathtaking flight (from USD 448.0)
Aside from immersing in underwater wonders of Vanuatu, why not extend your trip to the breathtaking view above? Let a friendly and experienced pilot take you to see the Lopevi Volcano and the Ambrym Island on an eight-seater plane. But the fun doesn’t step above sea level. Flight touchdown takes place at Lamen Bay where you get to snorkel with turtles or enjoy relaxing tea time with organic kai-kai tea.
Volcano Scenic Flight and Epi Island Eco Tour
Duration: 7 hours
Start your South Pacific adventure with Port Vila
Wondering about what to do in Port Vila, Vanuatu? Head off to the South Pacific and get that vacation started! Learn more about Port Vila and have a fun vacation with your family.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Port Vila
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