Things to Do in Vanuatu in April

April Weather in Vanuatu

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% from peak season while weather remains excellent for most activities
Ideal conditions for volcano viewing - clearer morning skies before afternoon cloud buildup provide spectacular views of Yasur and other active craters
Prime diving season begins - water visibility reaches 30-40m (98-131 ft) as cyclone season ends, with calm seas and 26°C (79°F) water temperature
Cultural festival season - April marks traditional kastom ceremonies and string band competitions across islands, offering authentic cultural experiences

Considerations

Afternoon shower pattern - expect 20-30 minute downpours between 2-4pm on 10 out of 30 days, requiring flexible outdoor scheduling
Variable inter-island flight schedules - domestic airlines reduce frequency in shoulder season, requiring advance booking and backup plans
Some outer island accommodations close - approximately 20% of smaller island resorts shut down for maintenance between peak seasons

Best Activities in April

Yasur Volcano Night Tours

April offers exceptional volcano viewing with clear evening skies before the winter cloud cover sets in. The 361m (1,184 ft) climb to the crater rim is more comfortable in April's moderate temperatures. Eruptions are visible every 3-8 minutes, and the cooler air creates better contrast for photography.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost 8,500-12,000 VUV (75-105 USD). Choose sunset tours (4pm departure) over night tours for best weather conditions. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Underwater Post Office Snorkeling

Hideaway Island's underwater postal service operates in perfect conditions during April. Water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F) with 25m (82 ft) visibility. The unique experience of sending waterproof postcards from 3m (10 ft) underwater is enhanced by calm seas and excellent marine life visibility.

Booking Tip: Access costs 2,500 VUV (22 USD) including snorkel gear. Visit between 9am-11am for best visibility before afternoon weather changes. Waterproof postcards cost 500 VUV (4.40 USD) each. No advance booking required for individual visitors.

Blue Hole Santo Diving

April marks the beginning of Santo's premium diving season. The Blue Holes offer crystal-clear freshwater diving at 18-35m (59-115 ft) depth with consistent 24°C (75°F) water temperature. Visibility reaches 40m (131 ft), and the cenote-like formations are stunning in April's optimal conditions.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dives cost 9,000-13,000 VUV (79-114 USD). Advanced Open Water certification required for deeper holes. Book through PADI-certified operators 3-5 days ahead. Transport from Luganville adds 1-2 hours each way.

Land Diving Pentecost Island

April coincides with the traditional land diving season (nagol) on Pentecost Island. Young men dive from 20-30m (66-98 ft) wooden towers with only vine anklets - the original bungee jumping. April's stable weather ensures ceremonies proceed as scheduled, unlike the unpredictable late-season conditions.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Port Vila cost 18,000-25,000 VUV (158-219 USD) including flights and ceremony access. Book minimum 10 days ahead as only 2-3 ceremonies occur weekly. Saturdays are most reliable for tourist groups.

Million Dollar Point Wreck Diving

Santo's famous WWII dump site offers exceptional diving in April's calm conditions. Over 5 million USD worth of military equipment was dumped here in 1946. April's 30m (98 ft) visibility allows exploration of jeeps, trucks, and bulldozers in 10-40m (33-131 ft) of water at comfortable 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Shore diving costs 4,000-6,000 VUV (35-53 USD) including equipment. Boat access adds 3,000 VUV (26 USD). Open Water certification sufficient for shallow sections. Best diving between 8am-2pm before afternoon conditions change.

Traditional Village Cultural Tours

April's comfortable temperatures make village trekking ideal. Many outer island villages celebrate yam harvests and prepare for winter season kastom ceremonies. Experience traditional cooking, string band music, and cultural demonstrations in authentic settings rather than tourist-oriented performances.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost 3,000-7,000 VUV (26-61 USD) depending on island and activities. Bring kava root (1-2 kg/2-4 lbs) as customary gift costing 800-1,200 VUV (7-11 USD). Book through cultural centers or guesthouses 2-3 days ahead for proper village notification.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Yam Festival Celebrations

Traditional harvest festivals occur across multiple islands celebrating the yam crop. Villages prepare elaborate feasts, perform custom dances, and hold competitions. Each island has distinct traditions - Tanna's celebrations feature fire dancing while Malekula includes mask ceremonies.

Late April

String Band Competitions

Island communities compete in traditional string band music competitions. These events feature handmade instruments, traditional songs, and modern compositions in Bislama. Port Vila hosts the largest competition with bands from across the archipelago.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense, and humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and reef protection laws prohibit chemical sunscreens at diving/snorkeling sites

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, pack 2-3 extra shirts as they won't dry overnight

Waterproof phone case - essential for underwater post office and sudden afternoon downpours, standard cases often fail in high humidity

Sturdy hiking boots - Yasur volcano requires ankle support for loose volcanic rock, and village treks cover uneven coral paths

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes are most active during April's variable weather patterns, especially near freshwater sites

Headlamp with red filter - essential for volcano tours and village visits where generator power ends at 9pm

Lightweight long sleeves - protection from coral, sun, and insects while snorkeling and exploring, cotton preferred over synthetic

Cash in small bills - many outer islands have no ATMs or card facilities, VUV 500 and 1000 notes most useful for local purchases

Kava root (1-2 kg/2-4 lbs) - essential gift for village visits and cultural ceremonies, available at Port Vila central market for 400-600 VUV/kg

Insider Knowledge

Morning volcano tours (8am departure) often provide clearer views than famous sunset tours - locals prefer early visits before afternoon cloud buildup affects visibility

Domestic flights operate on 'island time' - arrive 30 minutes early but expect 30-60 minute delays, especially for afternoon flights during weather changes

Many locals speak French as well as English - French phrases are particularly useful on Espiritu Santo and outer islands with strong French colonial connections

Kava bars (nakamals) close by 9pm and serve strongest kava on Tuesdays and Fridays - Monday's kava is weakest as it's freshly prepared from weekend ceremonies

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling important activities after 2pm - afternoon weather changes can cancel boat trips, flights, and volcano tours with little notice

Bringing only USD or AUD cash - while accepted at hotels, local markets and village tours require Vanuatu Vatu, and exchange rates improve significantly with advance planning

Assuming all islands have daily flights - many outer islands have 2-3 flights weekly, and April's shoulder season reduces frequency, requiring flexible itineraries