There aren’t many places in the world where you can go from climbing an active volcano to swimming in natural caverns and ziplining through the rainforest — unless you’re in Vanuatu. 

The archipelago is home to some breathtaking natural sights and experiences, both on land and in the turquoise waters, whether you’re an experienced thrill-seeker or a novice explorer. 

We’ve partnered with Vanuatu Tourism Office to outline seven exhilarating activities from top to bottom across the islands.

Situated along the Ring of Fire, Vanuatu has several volcanoes, including the active Mount Yasur on Tanna.

Get your trip off to a fiery start when you scale the 361-metre mountain on a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Cross the spectacular ash plains on foot or by car before hiking to the edge of the crater. The view is especially stunning after sunset when the lava turns the sky orange so, while you wait, try your hand at ash-boarding down the slopes of the volcano.

Top off the experience with a night in one of the local lodgings nearby. Most of the accommodations are family-operated, so it’ll feel like a cosy homestay when you spend the night in a treehouse or bungalow with volcano views.

Dive into history on Espiritu Santo, where you can scuba through military equipment and even a troop carrier left behind by the US military after WWII.

Venture 70 metres underwater to explore the SS President Coolidge. Once a luxury steamer-turned-troop ship, the wreck is home to numerous fish and coral. It sunk almost entirely intact, so divers can explore multiple dive sites throughout the 200-metre-long ship, including the promenade deck, swimming pool, doctor’s office and ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ porcelain artwork. 

For more variety, head to Million Dollar Point, where US troops dumped their leftover military equipment. You’ll see reef fish and coral among trucks, tractors and smaller boats in depths of only 20 metres, so it’s suited to newbies and snorkellers.

Image: Second block left by David Kirkland

Uncover the hype about Vanuatu’s renowned azure waters for yourself in the mystical Blue Cave. The secluded grotto’s beauty is enhanced by a shaft that allows sunlight to stream down into the water below.

Hop on a boat to cruise along caves, cliffs and beaches along the coastline. Once you arrive, there’s a short swim (less than a metre) to reach the cave, where you can bask in the mesmerising water.

Afterwards, climb out from the cave to jump from the external platforms, keep it lowkey in a hammock overlooking the Pacific Ocean or snorkel with turtles.

They say nothing worth having comes easy, and the view from Siri Waterfalls is no exception. You’ll have to endure a challenging eight-hour climb, but it’ll all pay off when you feel the freshwater mist from the majestic 120-metre waterfall. 

Along the way, you’ll pass ancient trees, bush villages, coconut plantations, rushing rivers and wooden bridges. Cool off with a freshwater swim nearby before enjoying a packed lunch by a smaller waterfall on your way back to your accommodation.

Go from trekking through the forest to taking a dip in rushing rivers as you make the winding journey to Millennium Cave in Espiritu Santo. 

Clamber across boulders, cross bamboo bridges and wade through creeks to reach Vanuatu’s largest cave, which stretches to about 50 metres in height. There, you’ll navigate the darkness and hanging bats overheard with only a torch, before enjoying a river float and a canyon climb back to Vunaspef village. 

It’s a full-day voyage that involves slippery slopes, steep climbs and long walks, but you’ll be in safe hands with a local tour guide. It’s well worth it for the stunning view of sunlight streaming through the cave and a refreshing swim by the cascading waterfall.

The two-day hike will introduce you to the local communities, including the Small and Big Nambas, and take you through coconut plantations, banana trees, bamboo forests and river pools. 

Start from the eastern side of the island, where you’ll pass historic Small Nambas territory and enjoy lunch at Botco Village while learning about the history of the settlement. In the afternoon, traverse avocado, banana and cocoa plantations before spending the night in Kalele.  

On the second day, you’ll learn more about the different villages, swim in river pools, drop in at the primary school and enjoy traditional dishes before unwinding in a guest house on a black-sand beach.

If you want the view without the arduous trek, soar above the trees at Vanuatu Jungle Zipline instead.

Live life on the edge at the Sky Bridge, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Mele Bay and Hideaway Island as you venture across the 120-metre-long suspension bridge. Then, get the heart pumping with a breezy glide above an 80-metre canyon as you ride six different ziplines stretching across 1.3 kilometres.

If that’s not enough of a thrill, give the Canyon Swing a go — you’ll drop from a height of 70 metres and zoom through the forest at up to 120 kilometres per hour.

Feeling inspired? Plan your trip now at the Vanuatu Tourism website.