Things to do in Port Vila, Efate: The Best Cultural Tours

December 11, 2021 Tambra Mccollister

In this nation of tiny islands and indigenous villages, Port Vila is the exception: a bustling port town with hotels, restaurants and markets to delight visitors and cruise ship passengers. The 150-foot-high Mele Cascades waterfall is the ideal place to refresh yourself in the South Pacific heat. For a glimpse of real Vanuatu culture and traditions, travelers say a trip to Ekasup Village is a must.
Restaurants in Port Vila

1. Port Vila Vanuatu Sightseeing Day Tour

Evergreen Vanuatu
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

For those visiting Port Vila for the first time this is a short sweet introduction to Port Vila Discovering the key landmarks and highlights of Port Vila, such as the Parliament House, British and French Jails and Hospitals, the Cultural Centre and many more as you learn about the history of Vanuatu of the influence that the British and French had over the island’s and their cultures. And be informed of the best places to shop, dine, swim, or choose from a wide range of tours you and your family can enjoy.

Inclusions: Return Transfers from hotel lobby, Services of a tour guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By D6156JLjonathanh

I booked a couple of day trips and airport transfers on Efate with Evergreen and I have to say what an outstanding service! Pick ups on time and friendly tour guide and driver. The day trip to Pele islands was the highlight. The drive takes you through villages while the guide comments on the day to day life there and tells us about the organisation of life in the villages. Then a short boat ride takes you to Pele. And that’s where the magic happens. The snorkeling off Pele was stunning. Sea life and corals are the most colourful and untouched. The afternoon is made of swimming, barbecue lunch and tea time and more snorkeling. A great day out of town. I also booked the half day to Mele Cascades Waterfall and the falls are just gorgeous, turquoise water and tropical forest. I definitely recommend Evergreen for your activities in Vanuatu.

2. Bush and Beach Tour

Port Vila, Port Vila, Efate Off Road Adventures
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This tour has it all. On road, off road, unsealed roads and beach driving taking you through a village to meet the locals, where you will experience the true way of life in a Ni - Vanuatu Village walk through a village garden and the try some of the local fare OH!! and dont for get the face painting with the village children.

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions: Drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By jasminej924

Absolutely loved our afternoon at off road adventures Everyone was very friendly on arrival and calmed any nerves we may have had. The buggy we drove felt nice and safe and in our small group of about three/four couples we had two tour guides who were both very friendly. We enjoyed the first half of our ride and did get pretty dirty from some excellent puddles! At the halfway point we stopped for some refreshments which were delightful. From there the terrain got a bit more challenging (make sure you bring glasses!) at times the buggy was a touch hard to control but all part of the fun we guess, we didn’t have any mishaps. There were a couple of times in the tour where we just did quick figure 8s around trees; this was probably the least favourite part for me and my partner but it’s pretty brief. We stopped at a lovely beach which was great When we got back to the office staff again were lovely and offered towels and water. We were also provided straight forward transport to and from our hotel Would definitely recommend really fun and well run.

3. Nawie Beach Blue Water Turtle Tour

Off Road Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

A once in a lifetime hands on experience swimming with giant turtles,This fully guided buggie tour to Nawie Beach Turtle sanctuary starts by doing some on road driving giving you time to get used to driving the buggy Then off onto a dirt access road and into the scrub for some bush bashing a stop at the beach,Then off to the Nawie beach Turtle sanctuary and hatchery. Nawie Beach is home to the turtle hatchery, giant coconut crab and many other local tropical species, AND OH !! by the way there is now a new addition to Turtle cove YES a SHARK !!! Have your photo taken while swimming with the Turtle's or with a baby turtle. Indulge in a swim and great snorkeling at the pristine white sandy Nawie beach and be surrounded by tropical fish, while our friendly restaurant chef cooks you a mouth-watering Vanuatu style beach  BBQ lunch!

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions: Drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By jasminej924

Absolutely loved our afternoon at off road adventures Everyone was very friendly on arrival and calmed any nerves we may have had. The buggy we drove felt nice and safe and in our small group of about three/four couples we had two tour guides who were both very friendly. We enjoyed the first half of our ride and did get pretty dirty from some excellent puddles! At the halfway point we stopped for some refreshments which were delightful. From there the terrain got a bit more challenging (make sure you bring glasses!) at times the buggy was a touch hard to control but all part of the fun we guess, we didn’t have any mishaps. There were a couple of times in the tour where we just did quick figure 8s around trees; this was probably the least favourite part for me and my partner but it’s pretty brief. We stopped at a lovely beach which was great When we got back to the office staff again were lovely and offered towels and water. We were also provided straight forward transport to and from our hotel Would definitely recommend really fun and well run.

4. Full Day Pele Island Beach and Snorkeling Guided Tour

Evergreen Vanuatu
Excellent
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4.7 based on 7 reviews

When you are yearning tropical island escape complete with warm sun, sand, sea and the wide smiles of the local people, Pele Island is the place for you to be. Stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters provide magnificent snorkeling to see the vibrant marine life. This tour will give you the opportunity to visit one of our most beautiful Islands. The renown Pele Island which won the Best Tour awards in 2005-16 Tourism Awards which Evergreen won as best soft & recreational tour. This is a chance to learn about the historical and local life of the island people along with the new ways daily living. A each pick up point you are greeted by our friendly Local Guide and Driver. This is a Full day Island Tour not to be missed.

Inclusions: Return Coach and Boat Transfers, Snorkelling Gear and Sea Kayaks, Gourmet BBQ Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Chilled Evergreen Water, Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By A5476TIbellam

My friend and I had the pleasure of travelling to Port Vila this summer! All our tours were organised through Flight Centre as part of our package. We had no idea what to expect and were amazed by the excellent service from Evergreen Tours. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience on this tour thanks to the amazing Adair and John, our driver and tour guide. They went above and beyond making our experience a very relaxing and enjoyable time. Thank you!

5. Full-Day Vanuatu Round Island Tour from Port Vila

Atmosphere Tours
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4.6 based on 114 reviews

Enjoy a full-day small group Round Island Tour from Port Vila. This tour takes in Larofa Village, Blue Lagoon, Eton Village, Pangpang, The Beachcomber at Takara Lodge, World War 2 Relics as well as a visit to Gideon’s Landing. A Melanesian Style Buffet Lunch is also included in your tour. This tour is also available for clients coming off a cruise: Starts 45 minutes after the cruise ship actually berths and finishes 1 hour before scheduled departure time.

Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Afternoon tea, Local professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By harvard1078

We too tour with a local company, who took us to the cultural village where we saw Fire walking, then on the several other interesting places such as the blue lagoon and the Turtle sanctuary.

6. Full-Day Vanuatu Cultural, Blue Lagoon & Rarru Rentapao Tour from Port Vila

Atmosphere Tours
Excellent
76%
Good
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4.6 based on 34 reviews

Enjoy a full-day small group COMBO Tour from Port Vila. This tour takes in Iarofa Village, Blue Lagoon, Eton Village, Rarru Cascade, Aquana, City Lookout, Duty free shops and Kava Tasting. Light Lunch is included in your tour. This tour is also available for clients coming off a cruise: Starts 45 minutes after the cruise ship actually berths and finishes 1 hour before scheduled departure time.

Inclusions: Light lunch, Local professional guide, Hotel/Cruise Ship pickup and drop-off, Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By mitchlyn

The tour was guided by driver Jeremy who knew the area and its history (WW2) fairly well .The first Blue Hole (Matevulu) was big but there was a lot of mosquitos around so we did not stay long.Champagne Beach was the next stop, and the swimming time,it is really beautiful when you have a clear blue sky above and the sea the colour of turquoise and of course the swimming is safe.Also on the beach there is an eatery and bar plus locals selling their wares.Port Olry was the next stop for lunch,the restaurant Chez Louie is best to avoided."jackies" blue hole is a must to swim in do not go past you will be blown away by the place,there is also a cafe on site.

7. Buggy, Beach, Pizza & Jetski

Off Road Adventures
Excellent
75%
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Satisfactory
25%
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Full On Fun, where you start off driving on the main road out to Black Sands beach and village then off road tracks and the beach where you will visit the beautiful smiling pikinis of Mele Beach.Buggy up to the fabulous Mele Bay Beach Bar overlooking the beautiful Hideaway Island where you can swim and play on the water toys then its full throttle for a quick 5 Min JET SKI blast.

Inclusions: 5 min Jetski blast, Lunch

Exclusions: Drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By jasminej924

Absolutely loved our afternoon at off road adventures Everyone was very friendly on arrival and calmed any nerves we may have had. The buggy we drove felt nice and safe and in our small group of about three/four couples we had two tour guides who were both very friendly. We enjoyed the first half of our ride and did get pretty dirty from some excellent puddles! At the halfway point we stopped for some refreshments which were delightful. From there the terrain got a bit more challenging (make sure you bring glasses!) at times the buggy was a touch hard to control but all part of the fun we guess, we didn’t have any mishaps. There were a couple of times in the tour where we just did quick figure 8s around trees; this was probably the least favourite part for me and my partner but it’s pretty brief. We stopped at a lovely beach which was great When we got back to the office staff again were lovely and offered towels and water. We were also provided straight forward transport to and from our hotel Would definitely recommend really fun and well run.

8. Full Day Grand Efate Tour Vanuatu

Evergreen Vanuatu
Excellent
33%
Good
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Satisfactory
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34%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 4 reviews

This is a fun packed full day of activities and attractions to visit on the main island of Vanuatu; Efate. Guests are greeted by one of Evergreen’s friendly & knowledgeable guides at your Port Vila accommodation in the morning and the tour starts straight away. This tour goes around the island following the dramatic Efate coastline and includes many stops from traditional Melanesian villages where you can gain an insight into village life to the ever-popular Blue Lagoon with one of the most pristine beach where you can enjoy a swim. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bamboo Beach near Havannah Harbour with the sand between your toes. Whilst touring around Efate you’ll visit many different sites including: 1. Pepeyo Cultural Village 2. Blue Lagoon 3. WWII Museum 4. Gideon’s Survivor Beach 5. Klems Hill Mele Bay View 6. Kava Wine tasting

Inclusions: Air Conditioned Return Transfers, Local Tour Guide, Bottled Water and Snacks, Lunch at Bamboo Beach

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By D6156JLjonathanh

I booked a couple of day trips and airport transfers on Efate with Evergreen and I have to say what an outstanding service! Pick ups on time and friendly tour guide and driver. The day trip to Pele islands was the highlight. The drive takes you through villages while the guide comments on the day to day life there and tells us about the organisation of life in the villages. Then a short boat ride takes you to Pele. And that’s where the magic happens. The snorkeling off Pele was stunning. Sea life and corals are the most colourful and untouched. The afternoon is made of swimming, barbecue lunch and tea time and more snorkeling. A great day out of town. I also booked the half day to Mele Cascades Waterfall and the falls are just gorgeous, turquoise water and tropical forest. I definitely recommend Evergreen for your activities in Vanuatu.

9. Cultural Educational Tour - Package one

Xander Clause Tours & Transfers Port Vila

To experience a unique Vanuatu culture, you won't go wrong choosing this tour package. You will have a chance to meet the village chief(Boss) and will be guided through the village and learn how a chiefly title is pass on from one generation to another, learn some of the local fishing and hunting techniques, how to preserve food after cyclone's that can last for year's, custom dances, local music, fire walking and many more.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

Reviewed By LindaS5641

Thank you Allan for a great day out in Port Vila. My sister and i had an amazing time. You, James and Sammie were very knowledgeable and professional. Friendly and helpful.

10. Route 2

Blue Lagoon Bus Shuttle Services

Route 2 of Our Bus Shuttle Services focuses on providing a unique Eco - cultural experience by linking our existing and potential clients to the most popular sites here in Port Vila. We are the only shuttle service that offers flexibility to our customers to make direct contributions to the product or site owners through direct payment of entrance fees

Inclusions: Huge Fruit Platters will be supplied at the Blue Lagoon as light refreshments or Morning Tea

Exclusions: Landing and facility fees, Lunch

Reviewed By KKAdventures

This place is just gorgeous and not what we expected at all. Without giving away any spoilers- we highly recommend a visit here.

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