Top 17 Things To Do In Port Vila, Vanuatu - Updated 2024

1. Drop by the National Museum of Vanuatu

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

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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.

3. Walk into The Reef Vanuatu Zoological & Wildlife Sanctuary

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)

4. Experience a majestic horseback ride at Club Hippique Adventure Park

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

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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.

6. Delve into Vanuatu art at Suzanne Bastien Foundation

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

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

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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

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

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

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.

12. Soar high above the thick jungle canopy

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.

17. Get the best view to a scenic volcano through a breathtaking flight

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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.

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.