Vanuatu

Imagine standing on the lip of an erupting volcano, mingling with primitive villagers and members of the strange John Frum cult, and swimming with a dugong—all this can be happen on the island of Tanna. Imagine diving in crystal turquoise waters off Million Dollar Point, where the U.S. Army dumped millions of dollars of equipment after WWII instead of lugging it all home, including the world’s largest recreational wreck, the S.S. Coolidge. Experience this off Espiritu Santo Island, where you can hang out in thatched bungalows.

Witness the original bungee vine jumpers of Pentecoste Island and the volcanoes and voodoo of Ambryn. Take in the cafes, beaches and scuba diving surrounding Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. Customized itineraries for the wild things of Vanuatu await the intrepid traveler.

Outside Port Vila and on neighboring islands, life is definitely more leisurely plus a bit rough around the edges and prime for adventure.

GEOGRAPHY

The islands of Vanuatu are ’out there’ in more ways than one. This Y-shaped chain of 83 islands lies roughly 1,500 miles northeast of Sydney, 1,300 miles north of Auckland and 500 miles west of Nadi, Fiji, somewhere in between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. The islands topography ranges from towering volcanic cones, some with dense rainforest, to raised coral islands with wide beaches. The people of Vanuatu are predominantly Melanesian, who have populated these islands for centuries. There are more than 105 distinctly different cultures and languages still thriving today.

Until 1980, Vanuatu, then known as the New Hebrides, was jointly administered by the French and British. Today, you will find a wonderful croissant and cafe-au-lait in the side walk cafes and a pint of lager in the British pubs of Port Vila, on the principle island Efate.

CLIMATE

Vanuatu is an anthropologist’s dream. Check out the quirky John Frum cult on Tanna island, the primitive black magic villages of Ambryn Island, and the ’Land Divers’ of Pentecost Island. Tanna boasts the world’s most accessible active volcano, Mt. Yasur. As Captain Cook did before you, you will find the climb to the volcano’s rim an awe-inspiring, knee-shaking event to behold. Scuba dive off Efate and Espiritu Santo’s great wrecks and walls, including the most accessible passenger liner wreck in the world. There is volcano climbing on Santo, bush hiking, river kayaking and a whole lot more. If you have think you have been around—it is time for Vanuatu.

If you are traveling during April and May, you may witness the original bungee jumpers of Pentecost Island in the centuries old initiation ritual into manhood. Reef & Rainforest will custom design the perfect itinerary to Vanuatu for you, with additional touring throughout the South Pacific.