There’s a reason that island holidays are the most popular in the world. Relaxing on golden beaches, enjoying the warm sun and forgetting all about the stresses back home for a week away in a tropical paradise. For some, relaxing on the beach sounds like the perfect vacation, but others want something different from their time away. This is why Santo Vanuatu offers the perfect island vacation; beautiful beaches to enjoy and plenty of attractions and activities to give variety to the days and nights spent on the islands.
Like most island holidays, Vanuatu offers diving experiences for those looking to explore the depths of the surrounding oceans. With 83 different islands making up the archipelago, there are plenty of different diving experiences to be a part of. In Port Vila, Vanuatu’s largest city, Nautilus is the best-known dive operator. They have facilities to cater for everybody of all different skill levels, from new divers to the most experienced, with indoor training pools, equipment hire and diving instructors who can teach you to dive from the very beginning.
Diving isn’t all that Nautilus offers; many of the marine operators run chartered fishing trips and tours around the islands. Vanuatu has an impressive reputation for big game and sport fishing. Operators can usually take out up to five guests for a half or full day fishing. Armed with local knowledge of the tides and fishing spots, you have a great chance of landing that big catch including Magrove Jack, Coral Trout or Green Jobfish and for the game fisher Mahimahi, Marlin and Wahoo. They even do night fishing for Broadbill and Dogtooth.
It isn’t all about the water; visitors to Vanuatu can take part in a different kind of scenic experience on an off-roading 4WD tour of the islands. Prepare to get a little bit muddy, and prepare to get a little bit wet. Traversing the beaches and forest of Port Vila on a 4WD tour is an exciting and unique way to see Vanuatu. Another exciting attraction is Yasur, an active volcano on Tanna Island, Vanuatu’s most visited volcano. It is reported that the glow from this volcano caught the attention of Captain James Cook and lead him to the first European journey to the island. Consider doing a day tour to discover this volcano up close and personal!
Perhaps the best way to enjoy the islands is by finding short-term accommodation through Vanuatu real estate agents. Renting your own property for a vacation will give you far more independence during your stay. Short-term renting works well for groups of friends looking to travel to the islands for a few weeks away, letting you share a house, cook meals and enjoy Vanuatu together. Who knows, you might enjoy the islands so much that you invest in your very own island holiday home!