Things to Do in Banks Islands

The Banks Islands represent one of Vanuatu's most remote and pristine archipelagos, consisting of thirteen volcanic islands scattered across the northern reaches of this Pacific nation. Located approximately 200 kilometers north of Espiritu Santo, these islands offer an authentic glimpse into traditional Melanesian culture, with communities that have maintained their ancestral ways of life for centuries. The largest islands include Vanua Lava, Gaua (Santa Maria), and Mota Lava, each featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. This isolated paradise attracts adventurous travelers seeking untouched natural beauty and genuine cultural experiences. The Banks Islands are home to unique geological features including active volcanic lakes, hot springs, and some of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems. With limited tourist infrastructure, visitors can experience village life, participate in traditional ceremonies, and explore landscapes that remain largely unchanged by modern development. The islands also hold significant anthropological importance as the birthplace of bungee jumping and home to some of the Pacific's most complex traditional societies.

Dining in the Banks Islands centers around traditional Melanesian cuisine prepared using local ingredients and time-honored cooking methods. Most meals are provided through homestays or village arrangements, featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, root vegetables like taro and yam, and locally grown greens cooked in earth ovens called 'laplap.' Coconut crab, flying fox, and various reef fish are local delicacies, often prepared for special occasions or cultural ceremonies. There are no restaurants in the conventional sense, so visitors should arrange meals through their accommodation or village hosts. Bringing supplementary food items like rice, canned goods, or snacks is recommended, though sharing meals with local families provides authentic cultural experiences and supports community economies.

The optimal time to visit the Banks Islands is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is minimal, seas are calmer, and transportation is more reliable. This period offers the best conditions for hiking, snorkeling, and inter-island travel, with temperatures ranging from 24-28°C (75-82°F). The wet season from November to April brings heavy rainfall, cyclone risks, and rough seas that can disrupt transportation and outdoor activities. However, this period also offers lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and important cultural ceremonies. For witnessing traditional land diving, plan visits between April and June during yam harvest season. Weather patterns can be unpredictable, so flexible travel plans and adequate travel insurance are essential regardless of season.