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Erromango, Vanuatu - Things to Do in Erromango

Things to Do in Erromango

Erromango, Vanuatu - Complete Travel Guide

Erromango is the fourth largest island in Vanuatu and one of the most culturally significant destinations in the archipelago. Known as the 'Island of Martyrs' due to its historical encounters with missionaries, this rugged volcanic island offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Melanesian culture and pristine natural beauty. The island is home to approximately 2,000 people spread across small villages, with Dillons Bay serving as the main settlement and port of entry. The island's dramatic landscape features dense rainforests, volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and some of Vanuatu's best-preserved coral reefs. Erromango is renowned for its sandalwood forests, traditional kastom villages, and warm hospitality of the local people who maintain strong connections to their ancestral ways of life. Visitors can experience untouched wilderness, learn about traditional medicine from local healers, and enjoy some of the most secluded beaches in the Pacific.

Top Things to Do in Erromango

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

Visit authentic kastom villages where locals maintain traditional ways of life, including ancient customs, traditional housing, and subsistence farming practices. Experience traditional ceremonies, learn about local medicinal plants, and participate in daily village activities alongside community members.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits through local guesthouses or the Erromango Cultural Centre for 3,000-5,000 vatu per person. Best visited during morning hours when villagers are most active, and always bring a small gift like kava or store-bought goods as a sign of respect.

Sandalwood Forest Trekking

Explore Erromango's famous sandalwood forests on guided hiking trails that wind through dense tropical vegetation and volcanic terrain. These forests are historically significant as they were once heavily exploited by traders, and today offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and learning about forest conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides through village chiefs for 2,000-4,000 vatu per day, including lunch. Dry season (May-October) offers best hiking conditions, and sturdy hiking boots are essential due to rough volcanic terrain.

Pristine Beach and Snorkeling Adventures

Discover secluded white sand beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. The island's remote location means beaches are often completely deserted, offering ultimate privacy and some of Vanuatu's best-preserved marine ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Access beaches via local boat transfers for 1,500-3,000 vatu or arrange through accommodation. Bring your own snorkeling gear as rentals are limited, and visit during calm weather conditions between April and November.

Traditional Fishing and Seafood Experiences

Join local fishermen for traditional fishing expeditions using outrigger canoes and learn ancient fishing techniques passed down through generations. Experience includes preparing and cooking fresh catch using traditional methods and enjoying meals with fishing families.

Booking Tip: Arrange through guesthouses or directly with fishermen for 2,500-4,000 vatu per person including meal. Early morning departures (5-6 AM) offer best fishing conditions and calmer seas for inexperienced boat travelers.

Volcanic Landscape and Cave Exploration

Explore Erromango's volcanic caves and unique geological formations created by ancient volcanic activity. These adventures include visiting freshwater pools, limestone caves, and learning about the island's geological history from knowledgeable local guides.

Booking Tip: Book through local guides for 3,000-5,000 vatu per person with equipment provided. Best explored during dry season when cave access is safer, and always travel with experienced local guides familiar with cave systems.

Getting There

Erromango is accessible primarily by Air Vanuatu flights from Port Vila, with services operating 2-3 times per week to Ipota Airport, taking approximately 45 minutes. Flight costs range from 15,000-25,000 vatu each way, and booking in advance is essential as seats are limited. Alternatively, cargo ships and inter-island ferries operate irregular services from Port Vila and other islands, taking 8-12 hours but offering a more adventurous and budget-friendly option for around 3,000-5,000 vatu per person.

Getting Around

Transportation on Erromango is limited to walking, local trucks, and occasional boat services between coastal areas. Most accommodations can arrange pickup from the airport, and local truck transport costs around 500-1,000 vatu for short distances. For longer explorations, hiring a local guide with transport is recommended and costs 3,000-5,000 vatu per day. Many attractions are accessible only on foot via bush tracks, so comfortable walking shoes are essential for getting around the island.

Where to Stay

Dillons Bay area
Ipota village
Potnarvin village
Happy Land area
Cook Bay vicinity
Unpongkor village

Food & Dining

Dining options on Erromango are limited to guesthouses, local families, and small village stores selling basic supplies. Most accommodations provide meals featuring fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes like lap lap and island cabbage. Visitors should arrange meals in advance through their accommodation, with costs ranging from 1,500-3,000 vatu per meal. Local families often welcome visitors for traditional meals for similar prices, providing authentic cultural experiences alongside delicious home-cooked food using ingredients sourced directly from gardens and the sea.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vanuatu

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Beach Bar

4.5 /5
(524 reviews)

The Stonegrill Restaurant

4.7 /5
(427 reviews)

Tamanu on the beach

4.7 /5
(214 reviews)
lodging spa

SWAGAT RESTAURANT NADI

4.6 /5
(208 reviews)

Three Pigs

4.5 /5
(167 reviews)
bar

Tanna Coffee

4.6 /5
(150 reviews)
cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Erromango is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is minimal, temperatures are comfortable (22-28°C), and hiking conditions are optimal. This period offers the calmest seas for boat activities and clearest skies for photography. The wet season (November-April) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and frequent rainfall that can make bush tracks muddy and difficult to navigate, though it's also when the island is most lush and tropical fruits are abundant.

Insider Tips

Always ask permission before taking photos of people or entering villages, and consider bringing small gifts like kava, tea, or sugar as tokens of respect for local communities
Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and basic medical supplies as these items are not readily available on the island and the nearest medical facilities are limited
Learn a few words in Bislama (Vanuatu's pidgin language) as English is not widely spoken outside of guesthouses, and locals greatly appreciate visitors who make an effort to communicate in their language

Explore Activities in Erromango