8 Days • 7 Nights
Vanuatu Family Adventure: Lagoons, Beaches & Blue Holes
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Efate's magical natural wonders, the Blue Lagoon and Mele Cascades, are thrilling and joyful for the whole family. The stunning Blue Lagoon, a beautiful pool of clear, luminous blue water with rope swings from the trees, is a thrilling and magical place for the family to swim and play together, and the beautiful Mele Cascades, a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls tumbling through lush rainforest, offer a fun, refreshing adventure as you climb and swim in the cool pools along the way. These magical natural wonders delight children and adults alike, full of the sense of discovery and wonder that makes travel magical for children.
- The dazzling white sands of Champagne Beach and Santo's beautiful beaches are perfect, safe and joyful for families. Champagne Beach, on Santo, is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, a perfect crescent of dazzling, soft white sand lapped by warm, calm, clear turquoise water, ideal and safe for children to swim, snorkel and build sandcastles. Santo's other beaches, such as Port Olry, are equally beautiful and blissfully uncrowded, offering safe, blissful family beach days on soft sand in warm, shallow water. The beauty and safety of these beaches are wonderful for families.
- The extraordinary crystal-clear blue holes are magical, thrilling adventures for children and adults alike. Santo's crystal-clear blue holes, pools of impossibly clear, luminous turquoise-blue freshwater welling up amid the jungle, so clear you seem to float on air, are magical and thrilling places for the family to swim together, often with rope swings from giant banyan trees for the adventurous. Some are reached by a fun paddle along a jungle river, adding to the adventure. The luminous, magical water and jungle setting delight children and adults alike, a real sense of tropical adventure.
- Snorkelling Efate's and Santo's vibrant reefs, and the war relics of Million Dollar Point, offers joyful, easy family adventure. Vanuatu's warm, calm, clear lagoons offer wonderfully easy and safe snorkelling for children, over vibrant coral gardens teeming with colourful fish and turtles. At Hideaway Island on Efate, the family snorkels the reef and can post a card from the world's only underwater post office, a fun novelty for children, and on Santo, snorkelling the shallow war relics of Million Dollar Point, jeeps and machinery encrusted with coral and teeming with fish, is a fascinating, exciting adventure. The easy, safe, colourful snorkelling delights the whole family.
- The warmth of the ni-Vanuatu people, who adore children, and joyful island feasts and dance make this journey deeply welcoming. The ni-Vanuatu people are famous for their warmth and hospitality, and they adore children, welcoming young visitors with open hearts and making families feel genuinely at home, in the villages you visit, the resorts you stay at, and everywhere you go. The family can enjoy an island feast, a traditional lap-lap cooked in an earth oven, with ni-Vanuatu song and dance that thrills children, visit a friendly village to glimpse island life, and experience the genuine warmth of the islands.
- Above all, this journey offers a safe, warm, beautiful and joyful family adventure, creating memories the whole family will treasure for a lifetime. Vanuatu is a wonderful family destination, safe, warm, beautiful and endlessly welcoming, with warm, calm, clear waters perfect for children, magical natural wonders, gentle adventures, and the genuine warmth of a people who adore children. Over eight days your family shares an unforgettable adventure, swimming in the Blue Lagoon and cascades, snorkelling clear reefs, relaxing on dazzling Champagne Beach, and swimming in the magical blue holes, all at a relaxed, easy family pace and wrapped throughout in famous ni-Vanuatu hospitality.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your Vanuatu family adventure begins as your flight arrives at Bauerfield Airport on Efate, where the whole family is met with a warm ni-Vanuatu welcome and transferred to your beachside or Port Vila hotel. Vanuatu is a wonderfully safe, warm and welcoming destination for families, and the sense of arriving in a beautiful tropical paradise is immediate and exciting for children and adults alike. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, letting the children take a first splash in the warm lagoon or the pool, relaxing beneath the palms, and soaking up the beauty and warmth of the islands. This evening, a family welcome dinner introduces everyone to the delicious flavours of Vanuatu and to the adventure ahead across the two beautiful islands. As the family settles in, the warmth of ni-Vanuatu hospitality, who adore children, and the beauty of the islands begin an unforgettable holiday. Rest well, ready to explore beautiful Vanuatu together.
Today the family shares the magical natural wonders of Efate. You swim together in the stunning Blue Lagoon, a beautiful pool of clear, luminous blue water with rope swings from the trees, thrilling and magical for children and adults alike, and journey to the beautiful Mele Cascades, a series of turquoise pools and waterfalls tumbling through lush rainforest, which you climb together, splashing in the cool, clear pools along the way, to a spectacular main waterfall, a fun, refreshing family adventure. Along the way you take in the lush beauty of Efate's interior, fascinating for children. The sense of adventure and wonder delights the whole family. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, the children full of stories of the lagoon and cascades. Relax this evening, savouring the beauty and warmth of Vanuatu together as a family.
Today the family discovers the beautiful underwater world of Efate at Hideaway Island. You take a short boat to Hideaway Island, a tiny island just offshore ringed by vibrant coral reefs, where the family snorkels together over beautiful coral gardens teeming with colourful reef fish in warm, calm, clear water, and can even post a waterproof card from the world's only underwater post office, a fun and unique novelty for children. You relax on the beautiful beach, swim in the calm lagoon, and enjoy a delicious family lunch by the sea. The easy, safe, colourful snorkelling delights the whole family. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, the children thrilled by their snorkelling adventure. Relax this evening beneath the palms, savouring the beauty and warmth of Vanuatu, and rest ahead of flying to the dazzling beaches and blue holes of Santo tomorrow.
Today the family flies to beautiful Espiritu Santo, famous for its dazzling beaches and magical blue holes. On arrival you transfer to your accommodation and settle in, then, taking in the lush beauty of the island, journey to the world-famous Champagne Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, a perfect crescent of dazzling, soft white sand lapped by warm, calm, clear turquoise water, perfect and safe for the family. There the children build sandcastles on the soft sand and splash in the calm, shallow water, everyone swims and snorkels in the warm, clear lagoon, and the family soaks up the breathtaking beauty and safety of the beach. The beauty is extraordinary and the water perfect for children. As the sun sets, you return to your accommodation, the family happy and relaxed. Rest well, ready to explore the magical blue holes tomorrow.
Today the family shares the extraordinary crystal-clear blue holes of Espiritu Santo. You journey to a blue hole such as the Nanda (Jackie's) or Riri, a pool of impossibly clear, luminous turquoise-blue freshwater welling up amid the jungle, so clear you seem to float on air, magical and thrilling for the family to swim together, often with rope swings from giant banyan trees for the adventurous. Some are reached by a fun paddle along a jungle river, adding to the adventure. The children delight in swinging and splashing in the luminous, magical water, surrounded by rainforest. The magical beauty of the blue holes is unforgettable for the whole family. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, the children thrilled by their blue hole adventure. Relax this evening, savouring the extraordinary beauty of Espiritu Santo together as a family.
Today the family explores the fascinating war relics and beautiful beaches of Espiritu Santo. You snorkel together in the shallow, clear water of Million Dollar Point, where the US military dumped vast quantities of equipment at the end of the Second World War, jeeps, trucks, cranes, bottles and machinery, now encrusted with coral and teeming with colourful fish, a fascinating and exciting underwater adventure for children and adults alike. You also relax on a beautiful beach, swim and snorkel in the warm, calm lagoon, and soak up the beauty and history of the island. The combination of fascinating history and beautiful beach delights the whole family. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation. Relax this evening, savouring the beauty and warmth of Santo together, and rest ahead of one more day exploring the beautiful island tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys the beautiful beaches and islands of Espiritu Santo. You might journey to the beautiful Port Olry, a stunning beach of white sand and clear turquoise water with offshore islets, blissfully uncrowded, where the family swims, snorkels, relaxes and enjoys a delicious lunch by the sea, or take a boat to a beautiful offshore islet for snorkelling over pristine reefs teeming with turtles and colourful fish and castaway island fun. The children delight in the beautiful beaches, warm water and sense of island adventure, and the family soaks up the beauty and blissful seclusion. As the sun sets over Santo for the last time, you enjoy a final family island evening, reflecting on the wonderful adventure you have shared across the two beautiful islands. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly back to Efate for departure.
This morning the family bids a fond farewell to beautiful Espiritu Santo and flies back to Efate, reflecting on the wonderful adventure you have shared. On arrival, depending on your flight time, you may have a little time to relax in Port Vila or pick up last souvenirs before being transferred to Bauerfield Airport for your onward international departure. The family leaves having shared an unforgettable adventure, swimming in the Blue Lagoon and cascades, snorkelling clear reefs at Hideaway Island, relaxing on dazzling Champagne Beach, swimming in the magical blue holes, and exploring the war relics of Million Dollar Point. The memories stay vivid long after you land, the rope swings, the luminous blue holes, the dazzling white beaches, the underwater post office, and the warm ni-Vanuatu smiles that welcomed the children everywhere. Vanuatu offers a safe, warm, beautiful and joyful family adventure, and you depart together, treasuring the shared memories, and already dreaming of a return to these beautiful, welcoming islands.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a family welcome dinner and an island feast with cultural show
- Airport and island transfers
- Touring, cultural visits and activities as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Domestic flights between islands as specified
- Custom village, volcano and site fees as per itinerary
- an Efate Blue Lagoon and Mele Cascades excursion, a Hideaway Island snorkelling trip, all domestic flights, and a Santo Champagne Beach, blue holes and Million Dollar Point tour
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional water sports and additional boat trips
- Optional custom-village photography fees
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities can visit Vanuatu visa-free for stays of up to 30 to 90 days with a passport valid for at least six months, onward travel and proof of accommodation; requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV); cash is essential outside Port Vila and Luganville, as cards are accepted mainly in larger hotels and resorts. Carry Vatu for custom-village fees, markets, guides and rural areas, and change money in the main towns
- Best time to visit: The drier season (roughly May to October) is the most popular and comfortable, with pleasant, less humid weather ideal for touring, volcanoes, beaches and diving; the wetter season (November to April) is hotter and more humid with heavier rain and a cyclone risk, though it is lush and green
- Kastom & etiquette: Vanuatu has an extraordinary living traditional culture (kastom), and many villages maintain ancient customs; always ask before photographing people or ceremonies (a fee may apply), dress modestly, respect custom sites and taboos, and follow your guide's advice. Bislama, English and French are widely spoken
- Mount Yasur volcano: Tanna's Mount Yasur is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, and visits (usually at dusk) are arranged with local guides who monitor activity and keep to safe viewing areas; access depends on the volcano's alert level, and we follow official guidance at all times for your safety
- Getting around: Vanuatu's islands are linked by domestic flights (Air Vanuatu) and, in places, boats; touring is by 4x4 on often rough rural roads, especially on Tanna and Santo. All inter-island flights and transfers specified are arranged and included, and schedules can be flexible, part of the island adventure
- Health & malaria: Malaria is present in some lowland areas (notably Santo, Malekula and the northern islands, less so on Efate and Tanna), so anti-malarial prophylaxis and insect repellent are recommended; consult a travel clinic well ahead, ensure vaccinations are current, and take comprehensive travel insurance
- Money & power: Tipping is not traditionally expected but is appreciated for good service; bring cash for custom fees and souvenirs. Power is 220-240V with Australian-style type I plugs, so bring an adapter, and note that power and connectivity can be limited on the outer islands
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vanuatu a good destination for young children?
Wonderfully so. The lagoons and beaches are warm, calm and clear, ideal and safe for children to swim and snorkel, and the natural wonders, the Blue Lagoon with its rope swings, the Mele Cascades, and the magical blue holes, are thrilling adventures for all ages. Ni-Vanuatu people adore children and welcome them everywhere with genuine warmth. The relaxed pace and gentle mix of beach time and easy adventure make it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Should we include the Mount Yasur volcano with children?
The volcano is spectacular and older children often love it, but the dusk visit involves a late evening and a moderate walk on uneven ground near an active crater, so it suits older children and teenagers better than toddlers. This itinerary focuses on family-friendly Efate and Santo, but we can add a Tanna volcano visit for families with older children if you wish, tailoring the adventure to your children's ages.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary and, at remote island and volcano stays, often dinner (half or full board where dining options are limited). Vanuatu's food is fresh and delicious, reef fish, tropical produce, island vegetables cooked in the traditional lap-lap, and French-influenced cuisine in Port Vila, and we advise fully on the meal arrangements for each stage of your trip.
Are the domestic flights included?
Yes, the domestic flights between islands specified in your itinerary, on Air Vanuatu, are arranged and included, along with all airport, road and boat transfers. Vanuatu's islands are spread across the ocean, making these flights essential, and schedules can be flexible, which is part of the island adventure; we build in sensible connections and handle every detail.
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Most nationalities can visit visa-free for stays of up to 30 to 90 days, with a passport valid for at least six months, onward travel and proof of accommodation. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact, current process for your nationality before travel, so there are no surprises on arrival in the islands.
Is it safe to visit Mount Yasur volcano?
Yes, Tanna's Mount Yasur is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, and visits are arranged with local guides who monitor its activity and keep to designated safe viewing areas, usually at dusk when the eruptions are most spectacular. Access depends on the official alert level, and we follow official guidance at all times; it is an awesome and unforgettable, well-managed experience.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier season, roughly May to October, is the most popular and comfortable, ideal for volcanoes, beaches, diving and touring. The wetter season is hotter, greener and quieter, with heavier rain and a cyclone risk. The spectacular Pentecost land diving takes place roughly April to June. We advise on the best timing for your interests and any events you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of volcanoes, culture, beaches, diving and island time across Efate, Tanna, Santo, Pentecost and beyond, time your trip to the land diving, add or extend islands, and tailor the pace, comfort and budget to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal Vanuatu adventure.
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