Vanuatu Family Travel Guide
Dreaming of a tropical escape that ticks all the family-friendly boxes? A Vanuatu family holiday offers crystal-clear waters, friendly locals, and adventures to suit all ages. Made up of more than 80 islands, Vanuatu is best known for the visitor-friendly hubs of Efate (home to the capital, Port Vila), Espiritu Santo, and Tanna Islands, but there’s plenty more to explore if you want to venture further afield.
Families can snorkel over reefs, visit local markets, chase waterfalls, go horse riding through the jungle or simply relax on palm-fringed beaches. It’s close to Australia, easy to reach and packed with experiences that are both exciting and educational for kids.
This Vanuatu family holiday guide will help you plan the ultimate family trip, covering practical advice on family-friendly activities, destinations, accommodations, food options, and travel tips.
Looking for something else? Simply flick through some of our articles on Vanuatu below:
Facts (at a glance)
- Capital: Port Vila (on the island of Efate)
- Population: approx. 330,000
- Official languages: Bislama, English, French
- Time zone: VUT (UTC+11)
- Landmass: 12,189 km² (spread across 80+ islands)
- Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
- Emergency numbers: Police 111 | Ambulance 115 | Fire 113
- Religion: Predominantly Christian (with strong cultural traditions)
- Electricity: 220V AC. Plugs are mainly Australian style (Type I, three flat pins). Some older places use European plugs.
- Wi-Fi: Free in most mid-range to luxury hotels and common in cafes in Port Vila, less reliable on outer islands.
Islands of Vanuatu
Vanuatu has more than 80 islands, but don’t panic, you don’t need to see them all to have an amazing family holiday. Most people stick to three easily accessible islands: Efate, Espiritu Santo and Tanna.
Efate
Efate is where you’ll find Port Vila, the capital and the heart of the action. Think bustling markets, kid-friendly day trips to waterfalls and blue holes, and plenty of cafés and restaurants when you’re ready for a break.
Espiritu Santo
Santo is beach heaven. Port Olry and the Blue Holes are standouts for swimming, plus there’s unique snorkelling and a bunch of cool WWII history. Perfect for families seeking a mix of chill and adventure on their Vanuatu holiday.
Tanna
For a true “wow” moment, Tanna is the place. You can stand on the rim of Mount Yasur volcano, meet locals in traditional villages, visit natural hot springs and snorkel inside Tanna’s famous Blue Cave. It’s less polished, more adventurous, and unforgettable.
Whether you want easy day trips, laid-back beaches or once-in-a-lifetime adventures, these three islands cover all the bases for a family holiday in Vanuatu.
Things to do in Vanuatu
A Vanuatu family holiday is all about mixing relaxation with adventure and natural attractions.
Highlights include:
- Snorkelling (various islands)
- Blue Holes and Champagne Beach (Espiritu Santo)
- Mount Yasur Volcano (Tanna)
- Waterfalls (Efate)
- Cultural villages showcasing kastom dances and traditions (Various)
Best time to visit Vanuatu for a family holiday
April to October is officially the dry season and is the best time to visit for families looking for pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. From November to March, the weather is warmer and more humid, with afternoon downpours. It can be significantly cheaper to travel in the wet season, but you need to be mindful that it’s also cyclone season.
Family-friendly holiday accommodation in Vanuatu
From beachfront resorts to boutique eco-lodges, Vanuatu has stays to suit families of all sizes. You won’t find kids’ clubs and brand-name luxury hotels in the sheer numbers that Fiji has, but you’ll find plenty of boutique and lower-cost offerings.
Efate
- Kooyu Villas (read our review >>here<<)
- Ramada Resort
- Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa
- Eden on the River
- Erakor Island Resort & Spa
Espiritu Santo
- The Espiritu
- Aore Island Resort
- Lope Lope Beach Bungalows
- Turtle Bay Lodge
- Serenity Family Treehouse
- Lonnoc Ocean View Beach Bungalows
Tanna
Getting there and getting around
International travel
From Australia: Flights depart to Port Vila (Efate) from Brisbane and Sydney daily between Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin. Solomon Airlines offers direct flights from Brisbane to Santo once a week.
From New Zealand: Solomon Airlines flies direct from Auckland to Port Vila twice a week, Fiji Airways has a connection from Auckland to Port Vila via Nadi, Fiji, and Air Calin connects through Noumea, New Caledonia.
From New Caledonia: Aircalin flies from Noumea, New Caledonia to Port Vila direct twice per week.
Europe: There are no direct flights, but connections can be made with Fiji Airways through Nadi, with Virgin Australia through Brisbane, and with Air Calin through Noumea.
North America: There are no direct flights, but the easiest connection is with Fiji Airways via Nadi from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.
Japan: No direct flights are currently available but you can connect from Narita, Japan, via Nadi, Fiji, with Fiji Airways or via Noumea, New Caledonia, with Air Calin.
Domestic travel
Small planes connect Efate, Santo, Tanna and other islands.
TIP >>> Compare flights to get the best deals on your Vanuatu family holiday at SkyScanner, Flight Centre Australia or 12Go. If you prefer to book directly with the airline, you can use these to narrow down the search to see which airlines are flying to your destination.
Getting around locally:
Taxis and minivans are common in Port Vila. Car hire is also available on Efate and Santo. On Tanna, it’s more common to use a local guide and transfer.
Tips for families:
Vanuatu isn’t built for prams; a lightweight one can work in Efate, but roads and footpaths can be bumpy, so it’s best to use a carrier for kids who can’t yet walk.
Dining with kids
Vanuatu’s food is fresh and healthy, with lots of tropical fruit, seafood, and simple BBQ plates. Most restaurants in tourist hubs offer Western and kid-friendly options.
- Efate: Plenty of casual cafes and restaurants in Port Vila.
- Santo & Tanna: More local fare, but resorts provide family-friendly meals.
- Allergy-friendly and gluten-free options are increasingly available in resorts.
Itineraries and day trips
Apologies. We’re still working on this content! In the meantime, Vanuatu Tourism has some great itineraries on their website >>here<<.
Budgeting for your trip
Check out our deals page to research prices and use our free budget calculator for travel to add up all the essentials for you.
If you’re looking to reduce costs on your Vanuatu family holiday, consider travelling in the shoulder seasons, eating at local markets, and looking for family packages. Affordable attractions include snorkelling off beaches, visiting local villages, exploring the markets and visiting blue holes. Mid-range resorts, simple bungalows and private rentals with a kitchenette offer good value for money.
YouTube – Vanuatu with kids
🎥 COMING SOON
Additional resources
- Vanuatu Tourism official site
- Smartraveller – current safety and travel advice for Vanuatu
- Additional articles on Vanuatu
FAQs about Vanuatu family holidays
Yes, Vanuatu is considered safe for families. Locals are friendly, crime is low in tourist areas, and many resorts cater to families. Just keep an eye on kids near water and when exploring rural areas.
A week is ideal. Spend 3-4 days on Efate (Port Vila and surrounds), then add Santo or Tanna for a couple of days of adventure. Although if you’ve already ‘done’ Efate, you could easily spend a week on Santo.
Efate is the most convenient with plenty of resorts, restaurants, and day trips. Santo offers incredible beaches and blue holes, while Tanna is best for adventurous families with older kids wanting to see the volcano.
Any age works, but school-aged kids (5+) get the most out of the activities like snorkelling, waterfalls, and cultural tours. Younger ones will still love the beaches and lagoons.
Yes! You’ll find fresh tropical fruit, BBQ chicken, seafood, and plenty of Western options. Resorts usually have kids’ menus, and picky eaters won’t go hungry.
Check with your doctor before travelling. Routine vaccines should be up to date, and Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended.
It’s best to stick to bottled or boiled water, especially for kids, as local water quality varies. Resorts usually provide safe drinking water.
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