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Peregrine Travel Centre

Vanuatu Expedition

Vanuatu Expedition

From $ 4,690 AUD

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Description

On this eight-day expedition, encounter raw beauty and culture on the tiny islands of Vanuatu. Leave the resorts of Port Vila behind and fly to rainforest-rich islands where you can meet locals, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy true adventure travel. Meet communities where kastom – traditional culture and law – still guides the way of life, including the legendary John Frum villages. Snorkel among the protected coral reefs, trek through lush greenery and learn about what it’s like to live among active volcanoes and tropical wilderness. Embrace a side of Vanuatu that few tourists seek, but one that those who do will never forget.

Trip Name
Vanuatu Expedition
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Meet with the traditional communities of Tanna Island and learn how these Indigenous villages have incorporated WWII iconography into their religious rituals.
  • Hike to the rim of Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. In the evening, watch the smoke and lava create a natural fireworks display (from a safe distance, of course).
  • Snorkel in the clear waters around Pele. Spot colourful fish and see the remarkable coral reef that's protected as part of a marine reserve.
  • Go beyond the resorts and venture off the beaten track to discover the beauty and cultures of Vanuatu. Hike, paddle, swim and snorkel in some of the most beautiful places in the tropics.
  • Walk through the towering rainforest to find a banyan tree that’s said to be the largest in the world, with hundreds of prop roots supporting it.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Port Vila
Halo! Welcome to Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your accommodation tonight. If you arrive with time to spare before the welcome meeting, maybe head to the heart of the city for Port Vila's produce market and the waterfront promenade, just a short walk away.
Day 2 - Rentapao River to Port Vila
Today, you'll discover some of Efate’s best spots. A scenic drive will take you to the exclusive kayak base on the Rentapao River. Immerse yourself in Vanuatu’s rainforest and get a glimpse of village life as you paddle. After a French-style lunch at the river’s edge, transfer upstream to the river cascades, a great place to swim, relax and shake off any jet lag. You'll be back at your hotel by mid-afternoon, giving you some time to discover more of Port Vila and choose a place for your optional dinner tonight.
Day 3 - Tanna
It’s an early morning start today for your Air Vanuatu flight to the island of Tanna. When you arrive, take a short transfer to your bungalow for the night. After an included local lunch, set out on the first of your Tanna hikes. Today, you’ll hike to the world's largest banyan tree, perched high on a ridge overlooking the coast. Your path there will loop back through scattered villages, gardens and rainforests – a great opportunity to meet some of the local people going about their daily lives. On the way back to your bungalow, stop at a kava bar for some refreshments. Watch the sunset with your group tonight, keeping an eye out for the whales that cruise along the coast (from July to September). You'll have dinner as a group and a chance to swap stories by the campfire.
Day 4 - Mt Yasur
Start today with a drive across the spine of the island to your new accommodation, then to a John Frum village hidden in the rainforest at the foot of a smouldering volcano – Mt Yasur. Road conditions permitting, you'll have a short dip in the Sulphur Bay hot springs before travelling to Port Resolution. After lunch, return to the foot of the volcano and hike along a rutted road to the rim of the volcano (the option to drive to the crater carpark is also available for those who would prefer it). Throughout the hike, you'll feel the ground shaking and hear the volcano rumbling. Finally, as you arrive at the crater rim in the late afternoon, you'll witness the incredible show of Strombolian eruptions that awaits. Return from the volcano in the evening for a late dinner at your bungalow.
Day 5 - Port Vila
This morning, you have the option to visit the volcano a second time, for sunrise. After breakfast, you'll head into the jungle-clad hills to a kastom village. The community here has long rejected modern life and conserves many aspects of a traditional lifestyle. Learn about traditional rites of passage and the local Prince Phillip movement as your leader guides you around the village. As you explore, you’ll gain insight into a community at the cusp of making decisions about the future and how tourism can help conserve long-held practices. Have lunch at a local cafe in town, then stop at a coffee shop brewing local beans before returning to the airport for an afternoon flight back to Port Vila.
Day 6 - Pele to Nguna
Today, you’ll travel from Port Vila to Pele, a tropical island renowned for its marine conservation area. Take a scenic drive to Emua Wharf, stopping at a coffee roastery along the way, then it’s a short boat ride to Pele. When you arrive, sit down for a local lunch on the beach. Then, go snorkelling in the lagoon (weather permitting) or in the marine conservation area. Expect lots of tropical fish, the occasional turtle (if you’re lucky) and plenty of hard corals and small canyons to explore. This afternoon, you'll have the option to take a boat over to Nguna for a challenging volcano walk. Alternatively, you can go for a few easier walks around Pele's villages. Your accommodation for the night is at bungalows on Pele hosted by the village women.
Day 7 - Port Vila
This morning, take an easy walk to Nguna’s main village to visit the historic church and community sites, before heading back to Efate for lunch at a locally owned restaurant. Here, there are more opportunities for snorkelling, if you’re eager to get back in the water. Take in the lovely views across the islands, then drive back to Port Vila, this time along the east coast road, meaning you’ll do a round tour of Efate. There are lots of roadside markets to explore and plenty of photo opportunities. Stop for a swim at the sublime Blue Lagoon or one of the local coves around Eton village. Make one final stop at a distillery, for a delicious tasting of local liqueurs. Arrive back at your Port Vila accommodation in the evening. Celebrate a trip well-travelled with an optional farewell dinner with your group.
Day 8 - Port Vila
Your Vanuatu adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 5,090-
04-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 5,190-
01-08-202608-08-2026AUD $ 4,790-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 4,690-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 4,690-
01-05-202708-05-2027AUD $ 5,115-
05-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 5,115-
03-07-202710-07-2027AUD $ 5,115-
07-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 5,115-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 5,115-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 5,115-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Bungalows (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Map

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