Things To Do In Vanuatu With Your Kids

Mele Cascades
Located about 10km from Port Vila, there is a walk up to the falls (it can get very slippery - reef shoes are advised), you can swim in the pools and under the waterfall. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the top but there is a wonderful view from the lookout. Organised tours of the waterfall are available through most resorts but it's easy to just grab a taxi. There are toilets and picnic facilities. There is an entrance charge of around 2000 vt per adult (make sure you bring cash). As with most things in Port Vila try to avoid the cascades when a cruise ship is in.

Hideaway Island
Not far from Port Vila is the tiny Hideaway Island. You can catch a taxi from your resort or take tour. A boat will ferry you from the mainland to the island (the ferry is free, but you pay a small charge when you arrive at the island.) The island has a restaurant and bar and the main activity is snorkelling. The island is a marine sanctuary. The coral is magnificent and the fish are truly unbelievable. You can buy some fish food and feed the fish (they will take the food from your hand). There is a pontoon situated about 50m from the shore where the kids could see and feed the fish. Certainly not an experience to be missed and one of the highlights of the trip to Vanuatu. The beach at Hideaway is made up completely of coral, so you will need adequate foot ware. You can hire snorkeling equipment at the island, but it's always better if you have your own gear, especially for the kids. For more info visit Hideaway Island

Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located not far from the village of Eton on the east coast of Efate. The lagoon is a fresh water spring and the water is amazingly clear and very refreshing with ropes to swing off and plenty of trees to jump off. The entrance fee is 500vt (A$6) for adults and 300vt for kids. There are picnic tables and huts available so you can bring a packed lunch and spend the day. Many tour companies, on their round island half or full day tours, will stop in to the Blue Lagoon for an hour or two.

Iarofa Cultural Village
The village showcases the different aspects of daily life of the ni-Vanuatu people as their forefathers did in the past. It is the home of fire walking. You will be welcomed by the chanting warriors. Demonstrations of traditional fishing and hunting methods are presented then a fire walking ceremony is performed by a brave warrior while the rest of the warriors continue to cheer on in rhythmic custom dancing. It is located about 10 km from Port Vila.

Ekasup Cultural Village
Ekasup is a working village located just 15 minutes from Port Vila. Villagers in traditional dress will meet and a tour guide will show you through the various areas in the village. Learn the history, culture and rituals of Vanuatu that have been passed down from generations. You will see how they hunted, foraged and cooked, what medicine they used and the way they can turn their natural materials into useful items like baskets and hats. You also get to see a traditional musical performance and you can buy various authentic handicrafts at the end of the tour.

Vanuatu Jungle Zipline
Located along Devil's Point Road in Mele Bay. Suitable for all ages in rain or shine you and the whole family will have a great time and make some great memories. Soar through the rainforest canopy and experience a fantastic buzz while on 7 ziplines totalling 1.3 kms and the 120 metre Skybridge. Zip platform to platform across canyons and ravines enjoying lush jungle and breathtaking water views. Good mobility is essential as there are uneven jungle pathways and approximately 3 flights of stairs without hand railings. Also offers the Vanuatu Sky Bridge which is a unique rainforest and lookout experience taking guests on an unforgettable walk with spectacular panoramic views. For more info visit Vanuatu Jungle Zipline

Coongoola Day Cruise
Coongoola is a large classic timber auxiliary 23 meter sailing ketch. The cruise departs from Havannah Harbour and sails to the reefs on Moso Island. The next stop is at Tranquility Island where you can see and visit a turtle sanctuary. A tropical lunch bbq is included and you can spend time relaxing or swimming and snorkelling the waters around Sun and Moon Bay on Moso Island before sailing back to Havannah Harbour. Includes transport from Port Vila and morning and afternoon tea is provided. For more info visit Coongoola Day Cruise

Rarru Cascades
One of the many cascades available to visit in Efate. Rarru Cascades is located on the Rentapao river in a jungle like setting with crystal clear water. It's a 2km walk along the river until you reach the main cascade where you can jump off a platform into the deep water at the base of the waterfall. There is also a rope swing from a second platform, picnic tables and a small shop at the entrance. For more info visit Rarru Cascades

Club Hippique Adventure Park
Popular horse riding tours located at Etmat Bay 15 minutes from Port Vila and situated on a panoramic beachfront property with acres of plantation and rainforest to explore. With over 50 horses whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced rider we will find your perfect match. You can choose from a beach ride with bbq lunch included, a one hour tropical ride, a two hour island ride or a sunset ride with drinks and food platter. For more info visit Club Hippique Adventure Park

The Reef Vanuatu Zoological
A popular turtle and wildlife sanctuary located near Eratap about 20 minutes from Port Vila. You get to meet some of Vanuatu's exotic animals on a guided tour of this wildlife conservation and education center. There are a wide range of turtles to interact with from tiny babies to 5 year old specimens that are eventually released back into the wild. You can hold, feed or wade through a shallow pool with the turtles swimming around your feet. There are also iguanas, fruit bats and a huge coconut crab plus lots more animals to see. There is a small cafe where you can get drinks and food. For more info visit The Reef Vanuatu Zoological

Eden On The River
Located on the Rentapao River around 25 minutes from Port Villa, Eden on the River offers a choice of family activities in a beautiful rainforest setting. You can walk down to the river and swim in the crystal clear waters at a number of swimming holes or walk through the acres of tropical gardens. There is a bridges circuit with a number of suspension bridges to cross and finishing with a mini zip line. Other activities include a mini golf course, farm tour and kava plantation tour. You can get a discount on multiple tours and all guided tours include a fresh fruit platter, a chilled drink and a swim. The Cafe is open 7 days from 9 am to 4 pm. Serving light meals, snacks and hot & cold drinks. For more info visit Eden On The River

Off Road Adventures
Located just 10 minutes from Port Vila on Teoma Rd. They offer a range of buggy tours on 2-seat, easy to drive buggies. If you are looking for a few fun filled hours and also getting to see a more cultural side of Port Vila, then Off Road Adventures has it all from a 2 hour fun run through the bush to beautiful white sandy beaches to swim in pristine waters. Take a 4 hour tour with some on road and off road driving to Naiwe beach and swim with the turtles, or out to visit a real Vanuatu village. Off Road Adventures is a Vanuatu Tourism muti-award winning Adventure Tour. For more info visit Off Road Adventures

Beach Bar Fire Show
The Beach Bar is located at Mele Beach right next to the Hideaway Island jetty, only 15 minutes from town. The bar offers a bistro menu including wood fire pizzas. Every friday night the Beach Bar puts on their famous Friday Night Fire Show. The Fire Show is free to attend and is very popular so bookings are advised. Tuesday night features a movie and pizza night. For more info visit the Beach Bar

Chocolate Factory
The Alean Chocolate factory is located at the ACTIV centre, 10 minutes from Port Vila. The factory uses hand farmed cocoa grown in dark volcanic soil sourced from the various Vanuatu islands. The factory offers tours where you learn about how their chocolate is made and sample their carefully crafted dark chocolate. They also have a handicraft shop. Tours are available daily at 8.30, 9.30 and 10.30 am. For more info visit The Chocolate Factory

Port Vila Market
Located in the heart of downtown Port Vila, the market is a vibrant and colourful display of local produce, flowers and the local people. There is a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits to choose from at good prices. The market also features street food stalls where you can select from a choice of fish, steak or chicken and fresh vegetables, rice or salad from only 500vt per plate. You can eat-in or takeaway.

Vanuatu Ecotours
Tour company Vanuatu Ecotours offers some exclusive tours on Efate. You can kayak down a gently flowing freshwater river, surrounded by lush tropical forest on their daily kayaking trip or visit the Crystal Cascades. Bushwalking tours are also available. Their full day tours include Pele Island snorkel and beach tour and Ngua outer island adventure. For more info visit Vanuatu Ecotours

National Museum of Vanuatu
The National Museum of Vanuatu is located in the Vanuatu Cultural Centre in Port Vila. It specialises in exhibits relating to the culture and history of this group of islands in the South Pacific. The displays give a good insight into Vanuatu's people and their past history. You can arrange a guided tour with a local historian (extra cost). For more info visit The National Museum of Vanuatu

WWII Museum
Small museum located in Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo. During WW2 Espiritu Santo was the largest military base outside of Pearl Harbour. There are lots of artifacts from the war on display and videos to watch as well as a guide to explain the displays. There are plans to build a larger and more comprehensive museum. For more info visit The WWII Museum

The Nasinu Hot Springs and Mud Bath
Located at Takara, around an hour from Port Vila. Natural volcanic hot springs in a rural setting. Cover yourself in the rejuvenating mud or take a soak to heal yourself in the thermal hot springs. Locals claim that the mud and the hot spring water has healing powers. A mixture of sulphur and salt water that can soothe body aches, arthritis, muscle pain, skin conditions and has many more health benefits.

Survivor Beach
A good spot for a swim or snorkel at the spot where Survivor was filmed. Both the American version of the show (season 9) and the second Australian season were filmed near Mingililu and Gidgeons Landing, around 30 minutes from Port Vila. The Havannah Harbour Waterfront Bar has a good selection of food and drinks.

School Visits
You should be able to arrange a visit to a local school or village through your resort or with a local tour company. Last time we visited Vanuatu (mid 2023) we packed as many school supplies in our luggage as we could fit. Things like pens, pencils, textas, rulers and calculators packed into pencil cases ready to hand out to the kids. We were staying at Erakor Island Resort and the staff there arranged a visit to the local school (Erakor school). The visit was a highlight of our trip and we got to meet and chat with the teachers and kids during their lunch break. They were very happy to receive what we brought.
Check out this link on the Havannah Vanuatu Resort web site: Havanna Pack For A Purpose
It will give you an idea of the type of supplies that the schools need including sports equipment, first aid, shoes, books and much more.
So if you have any spare luggage space next time you visit Vanuatu and you would like to help out the local communities then pack for a purpose.

Tanna Island Tour
On this remote island in the southern part of Vanuatu you will discover a fascinating culture, amazing mountain scenery, an active volcano, hot springs, waterfalls and more. Tanna Island is about an hours flight from Port Vila, day tours are available. Not recommended for young children. The flight from Vila is in a small plane and is quick but then there is a 1.5 - 2 hour drive to the volcano in a four wheel drive (take some drinks and snacks). You can either do a day trip or stay overnight (accommodation is fairly basic), however the best views of the volcano are once it gets dark so an overnight trip, even though more expensive, is recommended.

Round Island Tour
A good way to see all the sights of Efate in a single day. You can book through your resort. You will get to stop at most of the local attractions and points of interest including Eton Beach and the Blue Lagoon. It is a full day tour (about 8 hours) on an air-conditioned mini-bus with lunch, morning and afternoon tea included in the price. Make sure you take your camera along as there are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. A must do tour and reasonably priced (around 9000 vt).

Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo is about 1 hours flight north of Efate. This is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific. Scuba diving is popular with world famous wrecks like the 'President Coolidge' in Santo Harbour, and the spectacular marine life. Vanair fly to Espiritu Santo three times daily. Attractions on Santo include the Blue Hole, a stunning blue lake 20 minutes north of Luganville (there are actually a number of blue holes throughout Santo), the Millenium Cave, which is a full day tour of the caves including canyoning and some steep climbs (not for young kids), the Mount Hope Waterfall tour which includes a 30min float down the beautiful Sarakata river, and if your into diving the wreck of the SS President Coolidge is reportedly one of the best dive sites in the world (you can learn to dive in Luganville).

For more info check out our other Vanuatu blog posts:
Vanuatu Kids Clubs
Vanuatu Travel Tips
Vanuatu Things To Do
Vanuatu Healthy Travel
Mele Cascades
Hideaway Island
Round Island Tour
Erakor Island Resort

And our Vanuatu information pages:
Lastest Package Deals
Accommodation
Travel Guide