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Weekend in Vanuatu

Weekend in Vanuatu

Trip Overview

This tight weekend blends Port Vila's palm-lined waterfront with the wild country just past town limits. Day one prowls the central market, drops onto the technicolor reefs off Hideaway Island, and closes with sunset kava on the seawall. Day two pushes inland to the cool pools of Mele Cascades and the rumbling spirit caves, then ends under sail across Mele Bay. The rhythm is moderate, room to linger over market breakfasts and swim twice a day. Yet still squeezes reef and rainforest into 48 hours.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$150-250 per day
Best Seasons
May to October
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Couples, Adventure seekers, Short-break travelers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A complete plan for every day of your trip

1

Port Vila Water Colors

Port Vila, Efate Island
Start at the market, snorkel over coral gardens, and toast the day with kava on the waterfront.
Morning
Port Vila Market & Hideaway Island Snorkel
Reach the market by 7 am while the stalls still steam from overnight rain. Watch taro leaves shine and smell fresh coconut bread. Buy a coconut and catch the 10-minute banana boat to Hideaway Island Marine Reserve. Slide into water so clear you'll spot parrotfish nibbling coral ten meters down.
3-4 hours $35-40
Banana boat leaves from the wharf opposite Unity Park, no booking, just pay the skipper in vatu.
Lunch
The Waterfront Bar & Grill
Fresh-caught reef fish with island greens
Afternoon
Island Culture Village & Hand-Carving Workshop
A 15-minute ride south to Mele village. Hear bamboo drums echo off volcanic rock while you sand-smooth your own souvenir kava bowl beneath a banyan. Guides explain the three varieties of kava root and let you pound a sample.
2 hours $25
Reserve the 2 pm slot online the night before. Groups are capped at eight.
Evening
Sunset Kava & Market Dinner
Nakamal Kava Bar on Rue Carnot followed by food stalls back at the market

Where to Stay Tonight

Port Vila waterfront (Chantilly's on the Bay)

Steps from the kava bar, 5-minute walk to the morning boat dock, and every room faces the bay for sunrise.

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Bring a dry bag for the banana boat ride, spray soaks camera gear even on calm days.
Day 1 Budget: $150-180
2

Mele Cascades & Blue Lagoon Sail

Mele-Maat area, Efate Island
Trek through vanilla-scented forest to tiered waterfalls, then drift across the electric-blue lagoon on a private catamaran.
Morning
Mele Cascades Hike & Swim
Leave town by 8 am in a shared minivan scented with frangipani air freshener. The 20-minute trail climbs over moss-slick boulders. Feel cool mist before you even see the 35-meter falls. Take the rope-assisted path to the top pool and dive into jade-green water.
2.5-3 hours $20-25
Minivans leave Seafront Market every 30 minutes. Look for the red 'Mele' sign.
Lunch
Cascades Café
Island-style burger wrapped in banana leaf
Afternoon
Blue Lagoon Catamaran Sail
A five-minute drive lands you at the Blue Lagoon, water so bright it mirrors sky even under cloud. Step onto a 29-foot catamaran. The fiberglass deck warms your feet as you glide past mangrove fingers. Drop anchor for a last snorkel among brain coral and reef squid before tacking back to Port Vila.
3 hours $55-65
Book the 1 pm departure when you're at the cascades café, signal is strongest there.
Evening
Farewell Dinner at The Stonegrill
Volcanic-stone sear-your-own steak with ocean views

Where to Stay Tonight

Port Vila waterfront (Chantilly's on the Bay (same as Night 1))

No repacking. Late check-out available for afternoon flights.

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Pack reef shoes for the cascades, smooth river stones are slippery when wet.
Day 2 Budget: $120-140

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you go

Getting Around
Port Vila town is walkable. Shared minibuses ($1-2) run to Mele every 15 minutes. Banana boats to Hideaway Island depart from Unity Park wharf. Hotels arrange airport transfers for a small fee.
Book Ahead
Culture Village carving workshop, catamaran sail, and airport transfer if arriving late.
Packing Essentials
Reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, snorkel mask (rentals available), waterproof phone pouch, light rain jacket for sudden showers.
Total Budget
$270-320 excluding flights

Customize Your Trip

Adapt this itinerary to your travel style

Budget Version
Stay at Port Vila Backpackers near the market, ride local buses to Mele, pack supermarket snacks, and take the public ferry to Hideaway instead of the banana boat, drops the daily spend to under $100.
Luxury Upgrade
Upgrade to Iririki Island Resort with over-water bures, private driver to Mele, and charter the entire catamaran for sunset bubbly, expect $400-500 daily.
Family-Friendly
Swap the kava bar for the Vanuatu National Museum's sand-drawing session, shorten the cascades hike to the lower pools only, and book the catamaran with onboard snorkeling coach, kids under 12 sail at half price.
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Tours, tickets, and experiences in Vanuatu

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Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Vanuatu

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Vanuatu

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Vanuatu

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Vanuatu