Best Five Things to See & Do in Port Vila

1: Mele Cascade:

Owned and operated by the traditional Mele land owners, these natural all year round flowing cascades are magnificent and a must to see. The gentle on the feet path up the ever winding path is half a lot of fun for all ages.  Crystal clear swimming holes abound, exposed in forest openings along the way are for perfect you to have that romantic or family pic nic, or just a refreshing swim.

You will find the Mele Cascades a pleasant ten minute drive out of Port Vila city by bus or taxi. Give yourself half the day to enjoy this lovely spot.

On the way back from Mele Cascades you could stop over at the lovely Hideaway Island Resort for lunch or to snorkel their marine park.

2: Now let’s talk dirty: Off Road Adventures!

Off Road Adventures are providers of safe off-road 2-seater open buggies, to take you on a self drive guided tour of Port Vila and its surrounds.

They will take you on and off road to beautiful tropical beaches, turtle hatcheries and local villages, but be ready to get filthy, on rainy days you could return covered in mud..(the clean kind). It is a great way to see another side of Port Vila and the island of Efate. They operate twice a day, 7 days a week, and kids between 6-11 years travel at half price.

Receive an Exclusive 15% DISCOUNT off your Off Road Adventures experience upon presenting your Vanuatu Hotels accommodation voucher to Off Road Adventures

3: Looking to get wet? Then Lelepa tours will oblige.

Another proud and justifiable successful indigenous tourism owner/operator is Albert Solomon of Lelepa Tours .

A day with his Lelepa tours begins with your pick up from your hotel early morning.  A 45 minute bus ride to Havannah Harbour followed by a 10 minute boat ride over the pristine waters of this beautiful 160 acre island is only the beginning of your journey.

Albert’s guides will take you on a nature walk through the island forest,  stopping to identify and discuss the useful "local medicine", herbs used by the island villagers, explore the large historic cave and the inspiring history of Chief Roi Mata who used the cave over one hundred years ago.

4: Ecotours 

Get close to the indigenous people and the Vanuatu jungle with the Vanuatu’s only professional ecoguide, the irrepressible Pascal Guillet, owner/operator of Vanuatu Ecotours.

Pascal offers safe and personal biking, walking, river kayaking tours throughout the archipelago of Vanuatu (See photos of his great tours in order for you to experience nature you only read about in National Geography. Be it a  family or experienced trekkie, Pascal will ensure for at all fitness levels.

Receive an Exclusive 15% DISCOUNT off your Ecotour Experience upon presenting your Vanuatu Hotels accommodation booking voucher to Vanuatu Ecotour.

5: Round the island tour

The cheapest way of going around the island of Efate is with the locally owned and operated bus (his name is Roger and ph: 23191; mobile: 57232). This bus will cost you 500 vatu, it leaves Independence Park (next to the church - 10 minutes’ walk from the town Post Office).  It will take you to Eton Beach, Bethel, Beachcomber Lodge and Emao Wharf where you can hop onto the boat to Nguna Island, the island boat ticket is 300 vatu to Nguna, Pele or Emao.  The bus takes 25 persons and may fill very quickly, so be early. The boats from Emao to the islands are infrequent so be prepared to wait.

The more reliable alternative is to book either a registered tour operator such as Melanesian Tours or find a local bus (they are all privately owned) and negotiate a price for the day, this will include the driver. There are numerous images of what you will see here.

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