This summer, trade the crowded beaches and city heat for secluded lagoons, active volcanos and centuries-old cultural traditions.

Whether you’re after the thrill of chasing waterfalls and horse-riding at sunset or just keen to sit on a white-sand beach eating fresh seafood, there’s no shortage of magic on the islands.

From the tops of mountains to beneath the shimmering waves, we’ve rounded up five of the most exciting ways to experience the diversity of Vanuatu, in partnership with Vanuatu Tourism Office.

Vanuatu has a rich history carried through various cultural practices collectively known as kastom. Visitors are lucky enough to be able to visit Kastom villages and witness cultural spectacles, so kick off your trip by learning from local communities and paying respect to the land and customs.

Take a trip back in time and experience the cultural heart of Vanuatu at one of the Kastom villages across the islands. Learn about the history and traditional practices — from food preparation to farming techniques, tastings, art demonstrations and dance performances — as the local Chief and warriors take you through the community. Some more well-known settlements include Yakel, Ekasup and Imaio, while Malekula is home to the distinct Big and Smol Nambas. For a fully immersive experience, opt to spend the night in the community.

From April to June, catch the exhilarating practice of land diving on Pentecost Island. Naghol is an annual ritual for the local men, who leap off handmade wooden towers that stretch 20–30 metres high with only a vine tied to their legs. A celebration of the year’s yam harvest and a rite of passage for young men, the centuries-old tradition is considered to be a predecessor to bungee jumping. Feel the thrum of the spectators’ anticipation as they await the jumpers’ safe return to the ground while the community rejoice with song and dance.

Another notable tradition is the water music performed by the women at Gaua. The powerful art form is a way for women to connect with nature and share their stories. Marvel at the rhythms as the local women perform songs in the water. After the show, female spectators can try making a splash while fresh coconuts and fruit are passed around to enjoy.

Image of land diving courtesy of Frizi.

With mystical swimming holes, white-sand beaches and towering waterfalls,  a swim in Vanuatu is something you’ll never truly forget.

No trip to Vanuatu is complete without a dip in one of the mesmerising blue holes. The vivid lagoons are hidden throughout the islands, drawing fresh water from inland mountains. Paddle in the tranquil waters to Matevulu or along the Ri Ri river, swing from a rope and have a waterside picnic at the famous Blue Lagoon, or sip a coffee or cocktail by the water at Nanda. Make sure to bring some cash to cover the entry fee, as most of the pools are looked after by local groups.

The stunning turquoise water isn’t just contained to the blue holes. Wander along the Champagne Coast of Santo to get to Champagne Beach, named for the volcanic gases that seep up through the delicate, white sand. Cool off with a swim or even a snorkel. Then, head further north to lesser-known Port Olry, where you can enjoy local fare, including freshly caught lobster and crab, at one of the beachfront restaurants.

Add some splash to your swim at Mele Cascades in Efate. It’s a breezy 15-minute walk through the forest, passing a series of clear rock pools you’re welcome to cool off in before you reach a 35-metre cascading waterfall. A tried-and-tested tip is to bring waterproof shoes, as you’ll be trekking in slippery shallow streams for parts of the journey.

Pull up those hiking boots and find your footing back on solid ground. Take your pick of inland adventures, from climbing volcanoes to exploring the rainforest on horseback or a multi-day trek across an island. 

There are many stunning natural landscapes dotted throughout the archipelago and countless hikes to get there. On Malekula, novices can start with the half-day Losinwei Cascades and Waterfall Walk through the forest and rock pools. Experienced trekkers can go for the four-day Manbush Trail, which will take you from coast to coast through the rainforest and up to 850 metres above sea level. 

For something more fiery, traverse the volcanic soil of Ambrym to get to active volcanoes Mount Marum or Mount Benbow, ascend 700 metres to reach the top of Mount Garet on Gaua, or get close and personal to the smoke and sparks at Mount Yasur on Tanna, which is the world’s most accessible volcano.

If hiking isn’t really your thing, take in the view on horseback. At Port Vila, explore the rainforest from Bellevue Ranch, where you can finish off your ride with a drink overlooking the sunset. Or, choose from a one-hour to full-day tour to the rainforest, waterfall or beach with Club Hippique. On Santo, you’ll pass freshwater creeks, a traditional village, and a blue hole and finish off at the beach with Santo Horse Adventures.

Whichever way you explore, respect the kastom and land by touring with a guide and paying your respect to the local community and chief where possible.

The majority of activities around Vanuatu are kid-friendly, but there are a few showstoppers that little ones will particularly enjoy.

Send a splashy souvenir from the world’s first underwater post office. The subaquatic marvel is posted up at Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary, within easy swimming distance from the beach and in a shallow three meters of water. Swim past various tropical fish and coral gardens as you mail off a special waterproof postcard. Your friends are sure to be delighted by the reminder of how much fun you’re having without them on your holiday.

For family fun that you don’t have to plan, tag along on an ecotour or round island tour. There are several tour operators who offer half or full-day journeys around Efate or the smaller islands, taking you through the greatest hits. Swim in the blue holes, discover the wildlife, visit kastom villages and enjoy snacks and meals along the way. The ecotours encourage a connection with the land and nature, so activities range from learning how to harvest produce to hiking through a mangrove conservation area or canoeing to a dugong feeding ground.

Once you’ve made them promise they won’t try it at home, take the kids to the Friday Fire Show at the Beach Bar in Port Vila. Dancers from Wan Smol Bag Theatre perform to traditional music and contemporary hits. The show is free, but donations go directly to the performers so make sure to show your appreciation.

Between adventures, sample local cuisine and drinks at restaurants that are on par with the spectacular scenery.

L’Houstalet is a Port Vila institution serving cosy classics with a French twist, with a menu that includes wild pigeon, garlic coconut crab and lobster flambé. Grab pre or post-dinner drinks overlooking the water at Banyan Beach Bar to close out the night. For a meal by the water, neighbourhood favourite Nambawan Cafe slings simple fare for breakfast to dinner, or you can head to Chez Louis at Port Olry for fresh lobster and crab on the white sands of the Champagne Coast.

There are certain epicurean experiences unique to Vanuatu. Start the day at the Port Vila Markets to browse the wide array of vibrant local produce and specialty bites before stopping at 83 Islands Distillery for a tour and tasting. The craft distillery produces small batches of rum and spirits using wild sugarcane and other local ingredients, including kava and cacao nibs from Aelan Chocolate. If you prefer your chocolate in non-alcoholic form, you can also visit the Aelan Chocolate factory to explore the facilities and pick up some award-winning artisan chocolate.

For the more culinarily adventurous, book in for the Tastes of Tanna tour by White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa. In a small group, you’ll travel from Imaelone Bakery to the Lenakel Market, Tanna Coffee factory, Nasi Tuan peanut factory and through small villages, learning about local producers and sustainable practices. The morning concludes with a cooking demonstration and lunch at the resort restaurant. There are also a few tastings at select kastom villages and tours, such as the Vunaspef Wild Food Tour, so make sure to enquire with a local guide.

Plan your island escape at the Vanuatu Tourism website.