While some visitors may enjoy simply lounging on the beach or taking land tours about Vanautu, others may want to experience a little more of the clear and soothing waters of this side of Paradise. Participating in watersports is a great way to enjoy the Vanautu sun and surf. Vanautu offers a variety of water activities that help create lasting memories.

Snorkeling is a must, kayaking is always fun, and a tour through the largest village in Vanautu, Mele, is a real treat. The Glass Bottom Kayaking tour package offers all that, and is one way to take advantage of the Vanautu vacation experience. Have a four hour morning or afternoon adventure, that will offer a guided air conditioned tour through Mele Village, to some awe inspiring snorkeling, glass bottom kayaking, and a refreshing light lunch.

Wet ‘N’ Wild provides several watersports activities to keep visitors busy. Inflatables are available for those who would like to experience “walking” on water or sliding down and around the hills of Mele inside a giant hydro ball, and/or just playing with various water park toys. In addition, there are jet boat rides and water skiing, tow behind tubes and wakeboarding, and a variety of other fun ways to enjoy the water.

Take a water tour around Port Vila Bay with U-Power Sea Adventures, guided by experienced tour guides. These relaxing tours provide a beautiful view of lush beaches, colorful sea life, and Port Vila waterfront mansions, all while visitors ride on a Zego Sports Craft.

Swimming in the ocean is still a wonderful way to enjoy the waters of Vanautu. The fish, turtles, and dolphin are used to humans, and it isn’t usual for visitors to encounter the local underwater sea life as they swim along any of the hundreds of beaches in Vanautu. The sand may be black or white according to which beach is visited.

Nautilus Watersports is the best spot for scuba diving in Vanautu. Beginners to pros can take advantage of the various diving options available, to include packages and exploration site preferences. For those who like exploring reefs, there are caverns and caves as well as reefs for their enjoyment. Ship wreck fans can find some of those for a little history. On-site quarters are available and great for the serious diver and their families or friends.

Parasailing doesn’t get visitors as wet as the other watersports, but it’s no less fun. Sailing high in the air while taking in the view of paradise is a watersport enjoyed by many people of all ages. It takes about ten minutes to experience the beauty of Port Vila from a new perspective, and the landing is as gentle as the breezes. An experienced guide will gladly help with this exhilarating adventure.

Anyone in Vanautu looking to do something fun with water won’t be disappointed with all the options available. Boredom is simply not possible when there are so many ways to have fun in the water in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

What is more romantic than running away to paradise with your love?  If a couple is considering a destination wedding in Vanuatu, an escape to paradise is exactly what they will experience, at least while they are there.  Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular today, and Vanuatu has everything that a couple could hope for in a wedding and honeymoon, all in one beautiful place.  As long as the couple takes heed of a few important things, their wedding excursion to Vanuatu will be a dream trip, whose memories will last a lifetime.  If you are one of the many people who are considering a destination wedding, especially in the highly sought after location of Vanuatu, then read on for some helpful advice.

While a destination wedding can be appealing for a number of reasons, such as an average lower cost compared to traditional weddings, the location the couple chooses makes for a memorable affair, and the wedding and honeymoon being located in the same area, the couple must plan well for it to be a success.  The best advice for planning a perfect destination wedding in Vanuatu is to hire a professional local wedding planner.  This person will be able to walk the wedding couple through every aspect of the wedding plan, from obtaining the proper government approval to locating a baker for the wedding cake.  Most couples would be at a disadvantage to plan their wedding in Vanuatu from their home, so a professional local planner makes the most sense.  Most Vanuatu hotels and resorts have a dedicated wedding organiser, so one should have little trouble in finding a planner to suit him or her.

There are some things for which the wedding couple should prepare.  For instance, a wedding in Vanuatu will require the couple to file an application with the Vanuatu government 28 days prior to their wedding.  This may not seem like a problem, as the prospective couple more than likely is planning well in advance; just do not let the day slip by.  There is one more time consideration for the wedding planned in Vanuatu: the couple must be in Vanuatu together for three days prior to the wedding date.  A witness for the bride and one for the groom must also be available to prove the identity of each party.

The entire catalogue of wedding accessories, such as cakes, photographers, florists and hair dressers are available to the wedding party.  It pays to enlist the services of these popular providers well in advance.  A proper wedding planner will be able to provide immeasurable assistance in this area, as he or she will have the local contacts and be in touch with the proper procedures.
Vanuatu has much to offer for a happy couple’s jubilant beginning, a stunning backdrop to their romantic day and the Vanutu holiday to follow would be a honeymoon of luxury,peace,fun and adventure.  Should you be considering such an experience, you simply need to plan a little in advance to make your big day an unforgettable one.

As far as beautiful, paradise-like, destinations go Vanuatu is the crème de la crème, and any visitor would be spoilt for choice on most of the 83 islands that make up Vanuatu, but if you are pondering a get away to the jewel in the crown of the South Pacific, then read on about Lonely Planet’s Top Five Vanuatu Destinations.

We will begin with the Banks Islands, named after the patron of British Naval officer William Bligh, Sir Joseph Banks.  One can carve his or her own trail through the natural treasures offered by these wonderful white-rimmed islands.  Not only are there many natural treasures, but there are cultural treasures one should not miss.  For instance, the least endangered language spoken is Mwotlap, with 1800 speakers; some of the other languages spoken on the Banks Islands may only be spoken by a few people.  Rugged terrain and active and inactive volcanoes place the Banks Islands at the top of the list for the nature lover.

The next of the Top Five is Ambae, also known as Aoba Island.  Colourful crater lakes and the large volcano located in the centre of the island are what stand out geographically.  It is said that there appears to be nearly unbroken vegetation covering the island.  One can navigate through misty cloud-forest to the wonderful world of colourful crater lakes on Ambae.

Third in Lonely Planet’s  list of the Top Five is Espiritu Santo, or as some call it “The Capital of Adventure.”  This, the largest island of Vanuatu and can be considered a diver’s paradise.  The wreck of USS President Coolidge is accessible to anyone, as long as he or she is properly certified, the beauty of the coral reefs shows Vanuatu diving at it’s best.  This particular island has just about everything, including caves and rivers, cattle and coconuts, and jungle villages; this is where the bulk of Vanuatu history has been carried out.  This island, as one can imagine, draws many travellers.

The next island to feature in Vanuatu’s top five is Pentecost.  Perhaps the biggest claim to fame for the Island of Pentecost is that it is the birthplace of bungee jumping, although it was the ancient ritual of gol, or land diving that the natives of Pentecost performed.  Today, the ritual is used to symbolize acceptance into manhood, and it is an event for which a good sum of money is paid by tourists to observe.

Ambrym is the final of the Top Five Vanuatu destinations.  This particular location is not the apparent paradise of the others; however, the people are fabulous.  Travelling north or south, the landscape opens up and boasts hot springs, villages and traditional tourist activities.  One such activity may include a jaunt to the volcanoes.
Vanuatu is a paradise, easily accessible from most places in the Pacific, by only a half-day’s journey.  Anyone looking for a unique excursion or a peaceful holiday will find these top five destinations to offer adventure, peace and luxury, the range of Vanuatu Hotels and Resorts will excede your expectations leaving you with a very memorable experience.

The world now has a huge range of options of where to take your honeymoon, most people prefer somewhere relaxing and tropical, with plenty of sun,sand and ocean. Vanautu offers it all with the honeymoon packages available, the luxurious range of accommodation to enjoy and a great range of activities to participate in.

There are many all inclusive packages available to fit everyone’s needs and preferences, with most of them offering a seven night stay, wine and fruit, breakfast each day, and discounts and vouchers. Some packages are adults only, for those 18 and older, while others are open to families. The amenities in all these resorts make guests as comfortable as possible, by providing just about anything they need, from technological comforts, such as TVs and DVD players, to worry free living, like the laundry and room services. They average in price from $750 to $1200, and each package is definitely well worth it.

Port Vila on Etafe is the most popular choice for a honeymoon destination in Vanautu. There are so many unforgettable resorts to choose from, including the Sunset Bungalows, an adults only location offering privacy and luxury all along the lagoon. There is a pool with waterfall, and a restaurant and bar right on the water. Meals can be delivered to your balcony should you choose to sit there and enjoy the view while you dine.

Another hot spot is Iriki Island Resorts and Spa, which offers lots of privacy and top notch amenities. Boasting four dining choices with some of the best exotic fare, and one of the largest pools in the South Pacific, Iririki has some of the most luxurious rooms on the island, and sets a high standard in Vanuatu hotels and resorts. Other cities on the nearby islands of Vanautu do offer resorts and beauty just as well as Port Vila, and guests are not limited to how far they can go and what honeymoon location to begin their first memories as a married couple.

Of course, the accommodation isn’t the only thing to make the honeymoon adventure a truly sweet escape. There are several tours and activities to enjoy while on honeymoon in Vanautu. Fishing from Nautilus, diving at Hideaway Island, horseback riding on Tamanu, as well as day or sunset cruises with Coongoola Cruise Lines, and tours of Port Vila’s Museum and Cultural Center are all activities that a newlywed couple can enjoy together, among others.

Head out early in the morning to fully enjoy Mele Cascades, a beautiful tropical setting situated in Port Vila. There, newlywed guests can experience true romance with a picnic complete with champagne, to the backdrop of a waterfall and lush jungle. Or take in the night life at Rumours Nightclub at Moorings Hotel, Maximillion at Club Vanautu, and the many bars and restaurants that have themed nights.

A newlywed couple in Vanautu should find a host of things to do and places to visit as they begin their new life. The enchantment of Vanautu is undeniable, and a honeymoon in paradise can be a spectacular start.

Vanuatu is a hot spot for scuba diving.  When planning a scuba diving adventure in Vanuatu it is a good idea to know what to expect and what different scuba diving opportunities are available.  There are many different things you can see underwater and many different places for you to scuba dive depending on what you are looking for.
One of the sights that you must be sure to check out if you are planning to scuba dive in Vanuatu is the beautiful coral reefs.  The coral reefs stretch for miles and are home to many different species of both coral and fish.  Diving on the reefs will provide you with an opportunity to have a relaxing dive while taking in sights that can be seen nowhere else in the world.  The reef is made up of both natural and artificial formations that are sure to wow and astound both beginner and veteran divers alike.
Underwater wrecks are another one of the fascinating sights that are available as scuba diving locations in Vanuatu.  There are many different wrecks around Vanuatu, including one that was sunk just for the purpose of diving.  Diving on the wrecks can vary in difficulty, so, if you are looking to scuba dive on a wreck, it is important to choose one that suits your abilities.  The wreck of the USS Tucker is an excellent wreck for novice divers.

Advanced divers will definitely want to check out the SS President Coolidge wreck.  It is considered to be one of the most popular diving spots in the world.  Whatever your skill level is, wreck diving can provide you with a scuba diving experience that you will never forget.
As far as scuba diving locations go, Twin Bommies is one extremely popular dive site located in the bay of Port Vila.  At Twin Bommies, you will dive to a maximum depth of 40 feet, which provides beginning divers with a great experience.  In the area you will see both hard and soft coral and many incredible fish.  You may even spot an eel or two!  Twin Bommies is a popular diving site for a reason, and any trip to this spot is sure to fulfill all your diving expectations.
Another great spot for diving in Vanuatu is Santo.  Much of the diving in Santo will take place around the south-east coast of the island.  The wrecks of the SS President Coolidge and the USS Tucker are located here.  The reefs that surround Santo are, also, definitely worth checking out.  Diving in this area is great for people who are just starting their diving adventures and those who are more advanced.  The underwater landscape and scenery will provide challenges and beauty for all who dive here.  The island also offers a number of dive operators who can help to get your trip planned and executed just how you want it.
Diving in Vanuatu is sure to provide you with a memorable and enjoyable experience.  No matter what your skill level is, you are sure to find something that will challenge your abilities and open your eyes to the underwater world’s beauty.

Every year during the yam harvest in April, May, and June, an age-old tradition takes place in Vanuatu. The tradition that takes place is known as land diving. This tradition is believed to have been the roots and inspirations for the modern day sport of bungee jumping. The origins, purpose, and actions carried out during the land dive are both fascinating and astonishing.

It is said that land diving began when a young woman climbed up a tree in order to get away from her violent husband. The husband watched as she climbed up the tree and he began to climb up the tree after her. The woman saw her husband climbing the tree behind her and, to prevent him from reaching her, the woman jumped off the tree. When the husband saw her do this, he quickly jumped off the tree himself. What the husband did not know was that they woman had tied a vine around her angle which stopped her from hitting the ground. This is the story of the beginning of the land dive.

The land diving that takes place during the yam harvest serves two purposes. The first purpose is to show the women that the men can not be tricked. The other purpose is to ensure a good yam crop for the following year. The tradition begins as the yam harvest begins to ripen. At this time, the villagers being to build tall towers out of wood around single trees. The towers are finished by the time the harvest fully ripens and the men select the days that they will jump from the towers.

The vine that the man is to use to tie around his ankle is chosen very carefully. The right vine needs to have just the right amount of stretch to it. Too long of a vine or a vine with too much stretch will cause the man to collide violently with the ground. A vine that is too short will cause the man to be pulled back into tower. Having the proper length of vine is extremely important to the success of the land dive.

On the day of their scheduled jump, the men climb the tall towers and leap off. The younger boys jump from lower platforms than the older men do. Some of the platforms can be as much as 35 meters from the ground. As they near the ground, the men will tuck their heads in so that their shoulders with impact the ground first. They do this so that the soil will be made fertile for the following years crops. While the jumping is going on, the rest of the villagers dance and stomp on the earth to increase the fertility of the land even more.

Land diving is an exciting and interesting tradition that is carried out in Vanuatu. It is very important to the villagers and is fully of historical significance and importance. It will undoubtedly be continued and carried out each year during the yam harvest.

For the adventurous soul, the Pacific Ring of Fire, otherwise known as the Islands of Vanuatu, should be on the “must-explore” list.  The volcanoes on the islands are constantly active and constantly threatening to erupt, but to many curious visitors, exploring the volcanoes brings a unity with nature.  Mother Nature can be tumultuous, after-all.  To be able to get close to her beautiful power is quite exciting for the adventuring spirit.

First, the most popular of the volcanoes is Mount Yasur, located on the Tanna Island.  Although the Yasur volcano has been erupting nearly continuously for centuries, it is considered safe for visitors to explore.  Mount Yasur is located on the coast near Sulphur Bay, and visitors can literally stand at the very edge of the crater and peer down into the depths of the monstrous volcano.  Often, the volcano throws small and large blocks of red lava high into the air.  This active volcano is truly worth viewing.

The Ambrym Volcano is located at the center of the Vanuatu nation.  This volcano is a short hike from the coast, and visitors will appreciate the fact that this strong volcano is so powerful that when it erupts, the magma is blown into ash fragments.  Those visitors brave enough to explore the volcano will surely appreciate the force of nature.

Not all of the volcano sites are inhabited.  Lopevi volcano sits on an island that was once inhabited; however, the active volcano site was abandoned after an eruption in 1982 forced islanders to seek refuge on neighboring lands.  In the past 150 years, this powerful volcano has erupted 20 times.

Another volcano that can only be visited from afar is the Kuwai volcano.  This submerged island was at one time the largest of the islands in the Vanuatu nation.  However, sometime between 1420 and 1430 AD, a significant volcanic eruption blew the majority of the mountain into the atmosphere.  For deep-sea divers, this site has become a popular attraction.  Divers can explore the island from under the sea; thus, they gain an interesting perspective of this once-active volcanic site.

Currently, the largest volcano, Manaro, is located on the island of Ambae.  Manaro makes up the center of Ambae, and this volcano is also considered the most dangerous of the volcanoes, as it has been threatening to erupt for the past 15 years.  An eruption would prove to be catastrophic for the 10,000 inhabitants of the island.  The many crater lakes could become explosive, superheated steam, which would cause landslides resulting in dangerous tsunamis.

Finally, the Gaua Island has 8 distinct volcanic peaks.  The biggest peak is Mt. Garat, which is surrounded on three sides by Lake Letas.  The peaks found on Gaua Island are normally safe for visitors to tour and explore; however, these peaks have been known to emit poisonous gasses from time-to-time.  Visitors are encouraged to steer clear of these peaks during those dangerous periods.

For the nature-lover and avid adventure-seeker, the volcanoes located on the Vanuatu Islands are truly extraordinary.  Many of the volcanoes are active.  However, because a major eruption hasn’t occurred in nearly 100 years, these volcanoes are considered safe for visitors to tour.  Of course, it is always advisable to seek the help of a trained guide when establishing tour plans.  For those people longing to feel close to nature’s beauty, strength and power, traveling to the incredible range of volcanoes located in Vanuatu is strongly encouraged.

The marlin (blue and black) and yellow fin tuna are two massive game fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Spotting these magnificent creatures is very rare, and landing one is even rarer. For avid game fishermen, or even an ambitious fishing enthusiast, there is nowhere else in the world better than Vanuatu to fish for these masters of the sea. Vanuatu is a region rich in sea life consisting of one of the most diverse marine environment found in the Pacific.
Vanuatu offers some of the best game fishing on the planet, with its waters being populated by prized game fish like the blue marlin and the yellow fin tuna all year round. Port Vila and Santo, two major islands of Vanuatu, are particularly famous for the massive blue marlins found there. This magnificent fish can weigh up to as much as 1500lbs and grow to over 19ft in length. Other game fish that frequent these waters are the mahi mahi, dog tooth tuna, bonito, wahoo and sailfish. Some  areas  other areas of the Vanuatu archipelago that also offers great game fishing are Ymer, De Chauliac Bank, Cooks Reef, Marling Highway and Emae.
Game fishermen come from all around the world just for the massive blue marlin that can be found in the surrounding waters of Vanuatu. There are many operators that run daily expeditions; these range from large, well equipped vessels up to 51ft in length to small banana boats. Many large operators run day trips; however quite a few offer a live-aboard option while others provide a live away program where you get to stay on outer islands in locally run guest houses. One operator in particular has onsite accommodation on the waterfront in Port Vila, so it is out of your room and onto the boat to make things very easy. Fishing vessels such as Wild Blue, Reef Master and Shogun a 34Ft Black watch Game Boat all operate out of Vanuatu. These boats are renowned for being the most awesome fishing platforms on the sea today.
Yellow fin tuna the second most popular game fish found off the coast of Vanuatu; it is one of the largest tuna species that exist, reaching weights of over 300 pounds and lengths of 6ft and above. The Marlin Highway, a popular fishing spot, remains one of the few places in the world where at certain times of the year you can encounter massive schools of yellow fin tuna. These schools are sometime the size of football fields. Wild Blue Fishing Charters one of the leading charter operators in Port Vila specialize in hunting yellow fin Tunas for their customers. They fish every day of the year in the temperate waters of Vanuatu, offering 4 hour charters or week long live on board programs with stays in some breathtaking locations.
The abundance of some fish species vary throughout the year, but Vanuatu still remains an illustrious fishing location all year round; it is for this particular reason why game fishing has been a large part of the Vanuatu tourism industry for many years. At Vanuatu you can be guaranteed to have a fish on your hook, a smile on your face and kava in your belly.

Vanuatu is a beautiful, collection of lush green islands located in the Pacific off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand.  Bordering the islands are white sandy beaches and crystal clear water that contain the most diverse marine life in the Pacific.
Of all the things to see and do in Vanuatu there is none more exhilarating than the tour of volcano Yasa on the southern island of Tanna. This is the only place in the world where you are allowed to stand on the edge of a live volcano. At night, the sight of fireballs shooting from the volcano is so amazing. you could be forgiven for thinking you were on another planet.
Night life in Port Vila, one of the three main islands of the Vanuatu archipelago, is very lively, especially on Melanesian feast nights.  On Melanesian feast nights traditional dance and great food are the centers of the party. Local string bands perform the music that will have you in a blissful trance whilst kava, a local beverage, fills your stomach. Kava is not intoxicating, but don’t have any more than 4 shells (50 vatu) if you are not used to it, and leave 15 minutes between each one.
There is also plenty to do during the day. Due to its marine diversity and clear blue waters, Vanuatu offers one of the best fishing experiences you will ever have. In Easter there is the Easter challenge fishing competition, so if you are ever there at that time be sure to enter, as it is great fun. The island also offers many other fun relaxing activities such as deep sea diving to check out ship wrecks, snorkeling along the coral reefs, swimming with dolphins and horseback riding along the beautiful white sandy beaches. If you are not a sea person, you can go on several cross island tours by bus, helicopter, buggy or on your own two feet; you may even stop at a waterfall and enjoy a nice swim in the cool pristine river water or bask in the flowing water under the fall itself. The resorts on Vanuatu also have several beautiful golf courses for those of us who fancy a good swing.
The months June to September are when the island’s people really spring to life, as this is festival season.  If you happen to be there at this time of the year ,you definitely don’t want to miss the Rom Dance ,which is a two day community party that follows an ancestral traditional dance called Rom. The Rom is a mysterious performance that happens hidden behind a cloak and prompted by rhythmic music played by a Tam-Tam, the largest standing instrument in the world. Other festivals worth attending are the land diving or Nagol festival from April to June, Fanla Arts Festival, Pankumo Festival of Circumcision (the ancestral rite of passage of boys to men) in August, and Maewo Special Cultural Festival in September.
Vanuatu is a beautiful island that offers you a luxurious resort getaway fused with local traditions. A trip here would be like no other you have had or ever will have again – unless you return.

If ever there was heaven on earth, then it would be located in the South Pacific sea in the shape of an archipelago known as Vanuatu.  Just by spending a few minutes with the friendly locals, it is easy to see why Vanuatu was voted the happiest place in the world in 2006. Vanuatu is truly a piece of paradise on earth.
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the serenity of island life, then Vanuatu is the ideal place for you. Vanuatu has not become the commercial centre its pacific neighbour Fiji is; as such, local customs still feature strongly in your vacation experience. Not to say Vanuatu does not have lavish resorts, but they also have several island bungalows that blend nicely into the natural surroundings.
For an adventurer it does not get much better than Vanuatu; there is no other place in the world that allows you to tour a live volcano. On the lush green island of Tanna, one of the three main southern islands of Vanuatu, there is the live volcano Yassur. Famed as the world’s most accessible volcano, visitors can be taken in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to as close as 150m from the crater. A 10-minute walk and they are right on the edge of the 100m deep crater, which is about 300m wide.  If fire and lava is not your thing, there is always bungee jumping or deep sea diving. If you still feel the need for thrill, then a trip to the island of Pentecost to watch the land dive will be an experience you will not soon forget.
Vanuatu is not just for the adventurous, as there are plenty of opportunities for you to have a nice relaxing get away. Unlike many of its Pacific neighbours, Vanuatu is not plagued with political instability, in fact it is the only one of these islands where a military coup has never occurred. On the many islands of Vanuatu you can enjoy a nice relaxing day bathing in the sun of the beautiful white sandy beaches or off shore snorkelling in the most diverse marine environment the pacific has to offer. You can also enjoy island cruises by bus or buggy and helicopter rides.
One of the things that make Vanuatu so wonderful is its people.  These islanders are so kind and friendly, always willing to share their customs with tourists. It is obvious that the gestures of kindness displayed by locals are genuine ,as tipping goes against local traditions. The most alluring things about the life of the locals are their music, dancing and food. Vanuatu is home to the largest free standing instrument, a wooden carved drum known as the Tam Tam. The locals hold these instruments in high regard, and, in the past, they were an integral part of tribal ceremonies. Tourist can get miniature versions of these to take back as souvenirs.
The diverse ethnic backgrounds of the inhabitants of Vanuatu are reflected in the cuisine. Chinese and French cuisine are dominant; however there are delicious local dishes you can enjoy like the coconut crab, a dish you will not find anywhere else. Due to the rich marine life surrounding the island; seafood features heavily on the menus of many resorts. These are prepared in so many different ways that they give your taste buds nothing less than absolute satisfaction. There are also several fine wines and delicious fruit drinks you can enjoy.
Vanuatu is not as popular as its pacific neighbour Fiji, making it a lot easier to find bargains there, so getting that well deserved vacation does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Vanuatu offers so much for so little, its natural beauty is breathtaking, and the many adventures you will experience will make your trip there absolutely unforgettable.