Vanuatu has many things to do that make it a vacation paradise in the South Pacific

Vanuatu is a beautiful collection of lush green islands located in the Pacific off the coast of Australia and New Zealand. Bordering the islands are white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that contain the most diverse marine life in the Pacific. Of all the things to see and do in Vanuatu, there is none more exciting than the Yasa Volcano tour on the southern island of Tanna. This is the only place in the world where you are allowed to stand on the edge of an active volcano. At night, the sight of the fireballs shot from the volcano is incredible. you could be forgiven for thinking you were on another planet.

The nightlife in Port Vila, one of the three main islands of the Vanuatu archipelago, is very lively, especially on Melanesian party nights. On Melanesian festival nights, traditional dance and good food are the centers of the party. Local string bands play music that will have you in a blissful trance as kava, a local drink, fills your stomach. The kava is not intoxicating, but don’t take more than 4 shells (50 vatu) if you’re not used to it, and allow 15 minutes between each.

There is also a lot to do during the day. Due to its marine diversity and crystal clear waters, Vanuatu offers one of the best fishing experiences you will ever have. The Easter challenge fishing competition takes place on Easter, so if you’re ever there at that time, make sure you enter as it’s a lot of fun. The island also offers many other fun and relaxing activities, such as deep-sea diving to view shipwrecks, snorkeling the coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, and horseback riding along the beautiful white sand beaches.

If you don’t like the sea, you can take several tours across the island by bus, helicopter, buggy or by your own means; You can even stop at a waterfall and enjoy a nice swim in the cool, pristine river water or sunbathe in the flowing water below the waterfall itself. The resorts in Vanuatu also have several beautiful golf courses for those of us who fancy a good swing.

The months of June to September are when the people of the island really come alive, as it is the festival season. If you happen to be there at this time of year, you definitely don’t want to miss the Rom Dance, which is a two-day community festival that follows an age-old traditional dance called the Rom. The Rom is a mysterious performance that happens hidden behind a cloak and fueled by rhythmic music played by a Tam-Tam, the largest foot instrument in the world. Other festivals worth attending include the Nagol or land diving festival from April to June, the Fanla Arts Festival, the Pankumo Circumcision Festival (the ancestral rite of passage from boys to men ) in August and the Maewo Special Cultural Festival in September.

Vanuatu is a beautiful island that offers you a luxury resort getaway fused with local traditions. A trip here would be like no other I’ve had or will take again, unless I return.