Vanuatu is a great destination for beach life and snorkeling because of its pristine, uncrowded beaches and crystal-clear waters. The archipelago is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the world, offering powdery white sand, …
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Backpacking Vanuatu in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Vanuatu with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Vanuatu
Discover the tropical paradise of Vanuatu, where lush landscapes and vibrant cultures create a unique backdrop for backpackers. Pros? Immerse in diverse island life, from active volcanoes to pristine beaches, with a friendly local welcome. Vanuatu offers affordable accommodations and a laid-back atmosphere. However, limited public transportation and less developed tourist infrastructure may pose challenges. For those seeking a Pacific island adventure off the beaten path, Vanuatu's charm lies in its authenticity, offering backpackers a genuine and untouched experience, distinct from the more frequented destinations in the region.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Vanuatu
Beach life
Scenery
Vanuatu is a tropical paradise with a diverse range of stunning sceneries to explore. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant coral reefs. The pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise …
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People
The people of Vanuatu are incredibly warm and welcoming, always eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors. They are known for their genuine hospitality, often inviting guests into their homes and treating them like family. Whether …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Vanuatu
1. Scuba Diving: Vanuatu is home to some of the best dive sites in the world, including the SS President Coolidge, a famous wreck dive.
2. Volcano Tours: Visit Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible and active volcanoes on the planet, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Cultural Villages: Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Vanuatu by visiting traditional villages and witnessing customary dances and rituals.
4. Beach Hopping: With its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Vanuatu offers endless opportunities for relaxation and water activities.
5. Waterfall Trekking: Explore the lush rainforests of Vanuatu and discover stunning waterfalls, such as Mele Cascades, for a refreshing and scenic adventure.
2. Volcano Tours: Visit Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible and active volcanoes on the planet, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Cultural Villages: Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Vanuatu by visiting traditional villages and witnessing customary dances and rituals.
4. Beach Hopping: With its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Vanuatu offers endless opportunities for relaxation and water activities.
5. Waterfall Trekking: Explore the lush rainforests of Vanuatu and discover stunning waterfalls, such as Mele Cascades, for a refreshing and scenic adventure.
But Vanuatu offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Vanuatu
The best time to visit Vanuatu for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities, with lower humidity and less chance of rain. The temperatures are warm but not too hot, making it ideal for hiking, exploring the islands, and enjoying water activities such as snorkeling and diving. Additionally, the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, so there will be more options for accommodation, transportation, and activities. However, it’s important to note that this is also the most popular time to visit Vanuatu, so it’s advisable to book accommodation and tours in advance to avoid any disappointments.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Vanuatu
- Following an incident involving a domestic charter flight, Australian High Commission staff have been advised not to use Air Taxi Vanuatu until further notice.
- The cyclone season is from November to April, but cyclones can happen at any time. Cyclones can disrupt services and cause property damage, injuries, and loss of life. In the event of a cyclone, follow the National Disaster Management Office and Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department advice.
- Crime in Vanuatu is low. Crime tends to increase in the lead-up to holidays such as Independence Day (30 July) and Christmas. The risk is also higher at night or in isolated locations. Don't walk alone after dark.
- Earthquakes occur regularly. Tsunamis happen but aren't regular. If you hear a tsunami warning siren (Port Vila or Santo) or experience a long or strong tremor, move to higher ground and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, including under-sea volcanoes. Before traveling to volcanic areas, visit the Vanuatu Meteorological and Geo-Hazards Department website for the latest volcanic activity advice.
- There's been an increase in reports of shark sightings and attacks in Port Vila. Exercise caution when undertaking water-based activities. Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
VanuatuMy tips to get you on the way!Does Vanuatu sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Vanuatu. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Vanuatu may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Vanuatu. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Vanuatu may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute).
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute).
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024