Click HERE for a map of Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a small, independant Republic of just 250,000 inhabitants, comprising of approximately 82 small volcanic islands, only 65 of which are inhabited.  The islands are spread out in a chain running north-west to south-east, lying roughly 1600 miles north-east of Sydney, Australia, 440 miles north of New Caledonia and 1500 miles north of New Zealand, 700 miles north west of Fiji and 900 miles south east of the Solomon Islands.

The islands, spread out over 4,700 sq miles of Pacific Ocean, are mainly high islands, with a high mountain core, and there are a few active volcanoes, though some are underwater.  Most island have tropical rainforests, although logging and farming is reducing the density of the forest.  The main towns are quite busy and built up, but the rest of the islands are very rural, with small villages and local houses dotted around. Many families have their own small holdings and crop gardens, and grow banana, cabbage, garlic, peppers, pineapples, cucumber, watermelon, taro, yams, carrots and many more for their own food, to trade with neighbours and sell at the local markets.

There are 2 main islands where the majority of the tourist hotels and facilities are available.   Espiritu Santo in the north, with the airport in Luganville on its southern coast, and is the largest island in the chain.  Efate Island, further south down the chain, is the 3rd largest island but tends to be the most popular island for visitors, due to the international airport here in Port Vila.

The first recorded visit of a European was in 1606 when the Spanish explorer, Ferdinand De Queiros landed on Santo Island and thought that he had discovered the Great South Land. He named the land Terra Australis del Espiritu Santo, after the Holy Ghost. He claimed possession of it and everything to the south as far as the South Pole in the name of the King of Spain and the Catholic Church.  In the 1880's France and United Kingdom claimed parts of the country, and grated against each other for a number of years until in 1906 they agreed to manage the 'New Hebrides' as a joint British-French territory.  The local population started an independence movement in the 1970's and in 1980, they became the independent Republic of Vanuatu.

Tourism is a big advantage to Vanuatu's economy, and many visitors come to dive the widespread coral reefs and shipwrecks, (including the WWII troop ship SS President Coolidge), spend time on the beautiful beaches or immerse themselves in the local culture.  They have over 200,000 visitors each year, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, with which they have a close financial and cultural relationship.

Please note: We are constantly updating the prices shown on this website, but due to volatility of the currency exchange markets at the moment with the UK Sterling rates, prices may vary from those shown.  If you wish to confirm any prices shown here, please contact us directly.

Click HERE to see the UK Foreign Office's latest advice for visitors travelling to Vanuatu.