mt yasur tours

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Adventure Volcano - Yasur Volcano Travel

• 4 days for observation of the active volcano Yasur
• Close meeting of the traditional life and culture of the Vanuatu people
• Relax on paradise beaches

Tanna Island & Yasur volcano

Arrival info:.

The tour starts and ends in the capital Port Vila on Efate Island where international flights arrive (usually from Brisbane or Sydney in Australia or via Aukland New Zealand). Participants normally arrange their own flight tickets, but on request we can help with that.

Additional info

Physical requirements.

Hiking up Yasur Volcano is easy and takes about 1 hour from the accommodation (possibility to shorten even that using 4x4). Longer and more challenging hikes can be done on request.

Arrival on Vanuatu (Port Vila, Efate Island)

Flight to tanna, day-trip to port resolution beach & yasur volcano.

Custom dances of Imao - John Frum village - Yasur

Flight tanna - port vila, free afternoon, end of tour, tour dates & prices, prices for tours at custom dates on request.

• Domestic flights (return) Efate (Port Vila) - Tanna Island
• All transfers as described in the itinerary
• Accommodation on Tanna island in spartanic bungalows in the rainforest near the volcano
• 2 nights in hotel in Port Vila (1st and last day)
• 1 day trip (return transfer) to Port Resolution transfer
• 1 day trip (return transfer) to John Frum village
• 1 evening return transfer to Yasur volcano
• Full board from arrival on Tanna island to last night in Port Vila, including drinking water
• Half board on Tanna Island
• Entry fees for Yasur volcano (unlimited number of visits)
• Experienced local guide for Tanna Island & Yasur volcano
• Professional volcanologist guide from our team

Not included:

• Travel to and from Vaunatu (see details section)
• Drinks and meals not mentioned as included
• Additional transfers & extra excursions if requested

AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!!

"Hi there Tom, First up - AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity Yasmin is a fantastic guide and what can I say about the crater lakes? Unbelievable! Everyone has been absolutely raving about the photos I bought back-hopefully you'll get some business off the back of it, you guys deserve it." (Kat S. from Brisbane, about the Vanuatu volcano expedition )

One of the best volcano trips you can ever think to do is this one." Volcanoes in the South Sea

... the most outstanding holiday of my entire life ( Vanuatu Volcano Expedition ).

"Hi Tom, ... , I was on the May Vanuatu expedition. I have to say that it was the most outstanding holiday of my entire life."... "Tom, You're welcome to quote me by name, but I should add a bit more. I've done several expedition tours with various outfits over the years, and VolcanoDiscovery is clearly the best that I've encountered." (Bruce V., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano Expedition ).

Thank you for the wonderful trip to Vanuatu

"Dear Tom, Thank you for the wonderful trip to Vanuatu. We enjoyed the challenging trekking and picturesque scenery very much. Special thanks should go to our professional and charming guide Yashmin." (Larissa, Russia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea tour on Vanuatu )

the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job!

"Hello Tom: the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job! I came back fitter than before and looking forward to the next trip. Yashmin has convinced me to put Guatamala on the list!" (Richard H., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano tour )

Your Vanuatu Volcano tour was a fantastic mix...

"Dear Yashmin and Tom Thank you for a wonderful, awesome holiday. Holidaying with volcanoes was Craig's wish holiday and it definitely lived up to his expectations. ... Your Vanuatu Volcano tour was a fantastic mix of hard core volcanoes and cultural Vanuatu life . I really enjoyed the time we spent in Endu while we both found the volcanoes amazing. Yashmin thank you for your quiet persistent handling of the Air Vanuatu troubles. I am going to email them some feedback, but this will probably not make much difference. Thank you again. I am not sure if other volcano tours are in our future, but if they are are we will do them with you. Shellie" (Shellie B., Australia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea Vanuatu volcano tour)

"I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu" Vanuatu Expedition

" Just wanted to let you know I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu on your volcanoes in the south sea tour. After a few hiccups at the beginning Ulla and Basti were able to get things sorted and we set out on our adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, seeing the 2 things that I had always wanted to see...... boiling lava and an exploding volcano! If Yasur was in my backyard I would love to watch it every night! It also made a big difference to share the adventure with friendly, easy going people from around the world. Ulla and Basti were fantastic, very accommodating and nothing was ever too hard. This was my 2nd tour with volcano discovery, Volcanoes of Java being my first last year. I would recommend either of these trips to anyone who is seeking a volcano adventure." Kristy W (Australia)

a cool trip in a really cool group - Vanuatu expedition

"Back home. It was a cool trip in a really cool group. Thanks to Ulla Lohmann and above all also Basti everything went smooth despite logistic challenges on location. The experience of both gave us a great insight into the culture and people of Vanuatu. The video from this trip will this time be a professional one, as the SWR film team was with us. In November, you can see an impression from this tour on "Länder, Menschen,Abenteuer". Perhaps you'll see me in there as well." (Alexander Günther, Hanover, Germany)

...What a genuinely life changing experience!... ( Ambrym volcano tour )

"Wow Tom! What a genuinely life changing experience! I'm speechless!!! Yashmin and the guides were first class and I am forever grateful for dealing with such experienced people! I want to go again! Thanking you Tim J C." (Australia)

"I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu" (Andrew about the recent Expedition to Vanuatu )

"Hello Yashmin, and everyone at Volcano Discovery! ... Thank you for running the Vanuatu tour, and explaining everything volcanic, and helping to keep us safe on the mountain and healthy in the jungles. None of us went for a lava swim so I guess it's a success? Also, thanks for putting the flashing parking lights on the hills at Maroum because for a while I was concerned we wouldn't find our way back. But I think our local guides could have walked up and down blindfolded, they were amazing. Thanks for loaning me your jacket when I thought I would freeze to death - it was a privilege to wear that logo for just a few hours. :-D Also thank you for helping me to understand that cultural immersion is the main value of travel. I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu. Not to mention the poulet fish is superb! I may even have a taste for camping, Camenbert theory, and cassava that I didn't have before." (Andrew M., Australia)

"Hi, I liked the Vanuatu trip, I think it was pretty professionally run and I would travel with Volcano Discovery again it's a good company and the people that travel on it are all nice..." (Antony, Australia about the Volcanoes in the South Sea expedition to Vanuatu)

Es war SUPER ( Trip to Vanuatu )

"Hallo Tom, kurze Naricht nach der Reise: es war SUPER!!!!! ...bien cordialement Gilles" (Sarregueminnes)

Feuerberge der Südsee - Rückmeldung

"So urteilte ein Kunde über die 14 tägige Reise, welche als Expedition ausgewiesen wurde. Das Reiseprospekt informierte im Voraus hervorragend über die zu erwartende Erlebnisse. Die Durchführung der im Prospekte angegebenen Ankündigungen war vorbildlich. Alle Fahrzeuge bzw. Flugzeuge, die für die Transfers erforderlich waren bis auf einmal pünktlich, was unter den gegebenen Umstände ( auf Ambrym und Tanna existieren keine asphaltierten Strassen bzw. keine funktionierende Infrastruktur) eine ausgezeichnete Leistung darstellt. Zugleich blieb es jedoch möglich unter bestimmtem Umständen und mit Zustimmung der Reiseteilnehmer, dort wo das gewünscht wurde vom Reiseplan abzuweichen. Für die Reiseleitung konnte die Fernseh-Moderatorin und Fotojournalistin Ulla Lohmann verpflichtet werden. Aufgrund Ihrer außergewöhnlichen Kenntnisse der Südsee und deren Bewohner konnte Sie nicht nur viel Wissenswertes vermitteln, sondern wegen Ihren vielen früheren Kontakten mit den Insulaner Tabus durchbrechen und der ganzen Gruppe von neun Personen die Warmherzigkeit dieser Insulaner näher bringen. So waren Besuche bei den verschiedenen Dorfbewohnern einer der Höhepunkte dieser rundum gelungener Reise. Ihre hervorragenden Kenntnisse als Photographin und Hobby Vulkanologin führte zu mehreren sagenhaften Besuchen der Feuerberge mit gigantischen Ausblicken , die von den Besuchern – auch mit ihre Hilfe – auch fotographisch zu absoluten Höhepunkte werden konnten. Auf den ältesten Expeditionsteilnehmer – immerhin deutlich über 60 Jahre alt – wurde stets Rücksicht genommen ohne das dies zu Einschnitte für die Jüngeren führte. Ich kann diese einmalige Reise jeden Vulkan – bzw. Südsee Liebhaber nur empfehlen. " (G. Franquinet, Teilnehmer der Pilotreise Mai 2009)

"Hi dear volcano lovers, ... I also wanted to thank everybody for making this tour so great! Especially our professional and charming Ulla, for guiding us around Vanuatu, and Tom for the initiative/organization. Hope we'll meet again sometime, miss you all, Ronny" ( Vanuatu expedition )

Requested tour:

Name and (billing) address of the main traveler (person responsible for the booking):, you can enter the names of up to 3 additional participants in your booking:, additional information:.

Vanuatu Traveller

Authentic travel experiences..

Mt Yasur Big Day Out

The Big Day Out combines the Classic Mt Yasur Tour with stunning visits to Port Resolution and Shark Bay. It starts about 8.30-9.00 am in the morning and finishes at approx 8.00pm at night. It is a day you will not forget, taking in great landscapes and experiences that make Tanna Island truly unique.

Views of Tanna Landscapes

Volcanic ash plain., port resolution., mt yasur big day out - mt yasur, port resolution, & shark bay..

Our most popular tour that provides visitors with a Full Day's experience that makes Tanna Island unique.

Tour Features.

Views of tanna island landscapes..

Leaving by about 8.30-9.00 am, visitors travel via 4WD over unsealed roads, through the central Tanna highlands where various stops are made to view spectacular outlooks of both Mt Yasur Volcano and the east Tanna coastline. Passing the Ash plains, the opportunity is taken at various vantage points along the Ash Plain itself to view Mount Yasur and its surrounding panorama.

Most Pacific islands posses relatively flat and accessible coastlines, and rugged inhospitable mountainous interiors, covered in thick tropical bush. Typically, on such islands, Melanesian peoples develop extensive village networks around coastal perimeters, leaving inland regions relatively untouched. However, Ni-Vanuatu peoples on Tanna Island have settled uniformly over all parts of their island, and some of the richest agricultural lands in Vanuatu can be found in the Tannese highlands. The continual deposition of volcanic ash by Mt Yasur has provided a rugged but relatively flat central highlands allowing the development of village-based coffee plantations, along with other horticultural products.

The trip over the highland region provides views of interior landscapes that are dotted by Tannese villages, largely dependent on subsistence agriculture. Tannese communities possess a way of life that has remained unchanged over many generations.

Mt Yasur Volcanic Ash Plain.

The Volcanic Ash Plain is the remains of an extensive lake that existed at the base of the mountain until broke its banks many years ago causing devastation at Tannese villages below it. What remains is an extensive plain of volcanic ash that presents a surreal picture of flat areas alternating with substantial "dune" regions, along with extensively hard baked and cracked ground. The unusual landscape presents an exceptional vista, that in the right conditions can present itself as an amazing experience. At the same time, the fineness of the ash allows it to be whipped up by strong winds into localised eddies resembling miniature sandstorms.

When conditions permit, the Tour enables visitors to amble over parts of the ash plain where the terrain can be briefly explored, the stream running through it investigated, and various angles of the surrounding landscape viewed.

Port Resolution Inner Harbour.

Travellers continue along an extremely rugged road to the Main bay of the inner Port Resolution Harbour. Here, visitors are met by a village guide to view the volcanic fumaroles along the northern arm of the Port Resolution Harbour (village fee included). Various natural springs occur along the inner beach and a short trek further up the arm of the harbour leads to steaming volcanic pits, and scratchings that provide the local villages with various costume dyes. From elevated positions, good views of Port Resolution and beyond can be seen. Port Resolution, while being relatively undeveloped and remote is a major landing stage for yachties traversing the Pacific sailing circuit. At the height of the sailing season up to fifty intrepid boats can be seen taking respite in the harbour. For all of this, Port Resolution provides an ideal locality to view traditional ni-Vanuatu houses.

Port Resolution Lunch and Time at White Beach.

Subsequent to the inner harbour tour, visitors are taken through Port Resolution to the oceanside White Beach , on the outer arm of the harbour. Lunch is served (your care) either at a local establishment situated in a traditional building in the village or adjacent to the white beach itself. Lunch can either be chicken or omelette based served with rice and vegetables and is an enjoyable fusion of traditional and modern Ni-Vanuatu cuisine.

Following lunchtime is taken to relax at White beach, swim in the surf, or just take time to take in all the local sights. The beach is popular with travelling families and local Ni-Vanuatu children can be seen playing on the beach and in the surf. The beach is also a great place to take a walk, have a look at the scenery and just enjoy the offerings of an exquisite tropical beach. In perfect weather, time just melts away and depending on the preferences of travellers, itineraries can be adjusted so that a greater or lesser amount of time is spent at the beach.

Shark Bay and Captain Cook Rock.

Back in the 4WD after lunch, the tour carries on down various local tracks until arriving at Shark Bay, where you view a boisterous and wild bay from an elevated vantage point, best no later than early to mid-afternoon to ensure that the water is not shielded from the sun. The Bay is noted for viewing sharks, which come into the bay in significant numbers, especially during the cooler months of the year, for the warmth caused by underwater hot water spouts located in the bay. As with all things to do with mother nature the appearance of sharks is not guaranteed and sightings are more prevalent during colder months of the year. Regardless a visit to the bay provides great views of the Southern Tannese coastline and a walk out along the local promontory is rewarded with exceptional views of Captain Cook Rock that can be seen in an adjacent Bay.

The Pinnacle of the Days Activities - Mt Yasur Volcano.

Mt Yasur is the obvious highlight of the day and travellers are taken to the mountain entrance at around 3.30-4.00 pm in compliance of the requirements of the mountain administration. Mt Yasur is a spectacle that rarely disappoints, not only providing a visual display but instead, a physical exhibition that reverberates through every part of those that experience it. The whole of body encounter could never be simulated by multi-media technology and is remembered forever by those who visit the mountain.

Despite the obvious danger of flying magma, the mountain has proven to be relatively benign. As nonsensical as that statement sounds, injuries are relatively rare, although time on the mountain should be treated with the utmost respect. Behaviour is strictly in accordance with Mountain administration requirements. The closure of night-time viewing is at the discretion of the administration, at which time the tour party commences its trip back to guests accommodation taking between 1and a half to two hours.

Opportunities to check things out as the day unfolds.

Cultural interaction at points along the way.

Diverse landscapes, along with an erupting volcano.

As its name implies, a full day not to be missed.

Mt Yasur Big Day Out Information.

Note: * No Deposit Required to make Booking. Full Payment to be made in Vatu at commencement of Tour/Trip/Accommodation. Forex Conversions based on Goodies Forex 21st August 2023 https://goodiesforex.com/rates/

Approximate Timeframe.

Pickup generally occurs between 8.30-9.00 am, with the duration of the tour being approximately 11 hours. The travel time to the mountain is generally 1.5 -2.00 hours each way, with Port Resolution being approximately 45 minutes extra. Time at the mountain does vary at the discretion of the Mountain Guides, the government appointed administrators of Mt Yasur who will also provide an initial presentation.

Pickup and Dropoff from Accommodation.

Costs includes pickup and dropoff from accommodation on the whitegrass coast either close to the airport (Zone A), or near to Lenakel (Zone B), or alternatively for guests staying at Tanna-Adventures accommodation in Middlebush, Central Highlands. A surcharge applies for pickups/dropoffs at other locations due to the high cost to run vehicles.

Fitness and Health Levels.

The tour is suitable for most people.

Inclusions.

The Tour includes transport to and from accommodation, tour transport (including driver/guide) to Mt Yasur, Port Resolution, & Shark Bay and all entrance fees. The Mountain Guides provide visitors with other equipment while on the mountain itself. Lunch at Port Resolution is not included as is travellers care (Meals generally are VUV 750 pax for omelette based, and VUV 850 pax for chicken based lunch.)

What to Bring.

Firstly, given that the Tour is lengthy and visitors do not generally arrive back at their accommodation until about 8.00 pm, adequate water should be taken (generally available from accommodation) and snacks, especially for children). Visitors should ensure that they have suitably closed-in footwear for being on rough terrain (however specialised tramping boots are not generally required).

Depending on the time of year warm clothes may be needed (definitely between May through to November) including a windcheater or raincoat. While the Guides provide some torches it is recommended that visitors bring their own as it makes walking on the rim much more manageable, and a must for coming down off the mountain.

Minimum Numbers.

The Mt Yasur Big Day Out Tour requires a minimum number of two (2) people for it to proceed.

Single travellers are able to be a part of tours that are proceeding, or where more than one single shows interest for a specific date, then we are able to make up minimum numbers accordingly. Single travellers should contact us directly through our inquiry form to organise.

Booking Cut-Off Period.

Online bookings are accepted up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled tour date under consideration. For example, a cut-off of online bookings occurs at 9.00am Tuesday for a tour commencing at 9.00am the following Friday.

Where bookings are wanted to be made closer than 72 hours to the scheduled tour, these should be requested through our inquiry form. Such late bookings may or may not be possible and are dependent on communications on the island amongst other factors.

Bookings : Deposits and Final Payments.

No Deposits are Required to make a booking. However, satisfactory contact details are required in the booking process including a contact email (We will confirm with you the booking through email). We reserve the right to cancel any booking where no response has been received regarding confirmation process, or were we have not received any pickup/drop-off information.

Tanna Island is a cash society, where banking is rudimentary. Full Payment is required in Vatu at time of pickup, and prior to commencement of Tour/Trip/Accommodation.

You are provided with the Cost of the Tour/Trip/Accommodation during the booking process and you are sent a formal copy of your Booking by email. You are also able to cancel your booking through the online process at any time (should your booking no longer suit).

Prices are Contingent on Entrance Fees at 1st April.

Our Prices are made up from a number of items, attraction entrance fees included.

In recent years, the Mt Yasur Volcano administration has taken to increase entrance fees at extremely short notice, effective at 1st April year to year. Other Kastom owned attractions have subsequently followed suit. Consequently, our costs are "Contingent", and any differential in entrance fees + boat trip, either side of 1st April are payable as an extra to the booking.

Increases due to "Contingent" entrance fees affect very few people, and are only relevant to bookings that are made prior to 1st April for a scheduled date occurring after 1st April. The majority of bookings are made after 1st April and are not affected in any way.

Full Terms and Conditions of Making a Booking.

Full Terms and Conditions regarding making a booking with Vanuatu Traveller are available here and all customers should take the time read and be comfortable with them. Should you have any questions please contact us via the contact form.

BOOK : Mt Yasur Big Day Out.

Trip 2 : Yasur Big-Day Overnight.

  Melanesian Volcanic Experience.

Mt Yasur Big-Day Overnight Trip caters for travellers with limited time and who want to concentrate on Mt Yasur volcano, but would still like to see as much of Tanna Island as possible. After a morning arrival, the excursion spends time at Port Resolution & Shark Bay before heading to Mt Yasur, with airport drop-off the next morning. Features include:

   Mt Yasur Big Day Out.

Trip 4 : Yasur Big-Day Kastom

  Island discovery, volcanic wonder, & kastom insights.

A more comprehensive look at Tanna Island is offered by the Yasur Big-Day Kastom Trip , which strikes the ideal balance between island discovery, volcanic display and kastom experience. The trip begins early morning on arrival on the first day and continues through to late afternoon on the second day until departure. Features include:

   Mt Yasur Big-Day Out.

   Middlebush Kastom Walk & Black Magic.

Trip 6 : Yasur Big-Day Blue-Cave.

  Tanna Soft Adventure Experience.

For travellers wanting to experience Tanna Island with a slightly higher level of soft adventure the Yasur Big-Day Blue-Cave is ideal. Over three days, visitors experience the fusion of Mt Yasur, the Coastal Fringe to the Blue Cave, along with a walk through the Central Region’s tropical bush down to Louniel Beach, investigating Lenuingao Waterfall along the way. Features include:

   Blue Cave Tour.

   Second (Lenuingao) Waterfall Walk.

Getty Images/Flickr RF

Peering down into the rumbling, exploding lava storm of Mt Yasur is a sight you won't soon forget. The active volcano is so accessible that 4WD vehicles can get to within 150m of the crater rim. There are many tours up to see the old man, and although you can walk up without a guide (around 45 minutes from the entrance), or join a vehicle going up, it's still best to go with a guide.

Be sure to heed local warnings and take care around the crater rim – there are no safety rails or barriers. At the time of research a new visitor centre was under construction at the entrance to the volcano road.

Although the ash plain to the west is desolate, the trip up to the crater from the entry gate on the southern slopes is through lush tree ferns and jungle. Along the path to the crater rim, there are whiffs of sulphur and whooshing, roaring sounds. Ahead is the silhouette of people on the rim, bright orange fireworks periodically exploding behind them. Walk around to the west side of the central crater (furthest from the car park), which offers the best view into three smaller vents that take turns to spit rockets of red-molten rock and smoke. All is relatively calm until the ground trembles and the inevitable fountain of fiery magma shoots up with a deafening roar and spreads against the sky, sending huge boulders somersaulting back down into the broiling hole in the earth. Wait five minutes and it all happens again.

Some visitors find Yasur terrifying; others captivating. Photographers are beside themselves at the opportunity to capture nature at its most furious from such a vantage point. A sturdy tripod is essential for the best shots. The best times to visit Yasur are just before sunrise and for an hour or two after sunset. Absolute darkness is the ultimate thrill.

The level of activity within Yasur fluctuates between dangerous and relatively calm, but when it’s hot, it’s hot. It’s often more active after the wet season; check www.geohazards.gov.vu and locals for the latest alert level. If the volcano is reaching activity levels three and four, entry to it won't be permitted. Take good walking shoes and a torch (flashlight), and bring a postcard to post at Volcano Post (www.vanuatupost.vu), the world’s only postbox on top of a volcano. Vanuatu Post sells special 'singed' postcards for 200VT.

Suggest an edit to this attraction

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Port Resolution

Tanna’s best anchorage is this beautiful bay with magnificent cliffs and easy access to east Tanna's best beaches. The Ireupuow village has a basic shop,…

John Frum Village

At Namakara, this is one of the biggest John Frum villages on Tanna. Dances are held on Friday nights, when songs of praise are sung to the tunes of…

Giant Banyan

Jungle trails take you past villages to a giant banyan as big as a soccer field. It’s near Lowrapik Tuan.

Marine Sanctuary

At the northern end of the beach below Port Resolution.

Tanna Coffee Factory

13.92 MILES

Coffee beans are hulled at this factory near Lenakel.

Yatana Surf Beach

There's decent surfing along this part of the coast.

Loanialu Lookout

Midway across the island.

Lenakel Wharf

12.95 MILES

In Lenakel Village.

Nearby Tanna attractions

1 . John Frum Village

2 . Port Resolution

3 . Marine Sanctuary

4 . Yatana Surf Beach

5 . Loanialu Lookout

6 . Surf Beach

East coast beach.

7 . Giant Banyan

8 . Black Sand Beach South

10.63 MILES

South of Lenakel.

Every weekend is an adventure

Vanuatu volcano tours: what’s the best way to visit tanna volcano.

• Post published: 20 June 2018
• Post category: Oceania/South Pacific / Vanuatu

Exploring the lands of an active volcano to watch explosions of lava… How does that sound? Tanna volcano (Mount Yasur) is the main tourist attraction of the island and one of the best things to do in Vanuatu . There are many Vanuatu volcano tours organised to bring tourists to the summit of Mount Yasur, known as the world’s most accessible active volcano. Is it worth it? And what’s the best way to experience Tanna volcano? These tips will help you plan your trip to Mount Yasur.

What you will find in this article about Tanna volcano:

• what to expect from your Tanna volcano tour, including comments on the tour itself and the transport to get there
• a list of the different options to experience Tanna volcano (day and overnight tours, hiking, scenic flights) with estimated costs (including Tanna volcano tour price, transport, flights, accommodation)
• additional tips on when to go and things to bring to maximise your Tanna volcano experience

What to expect from Vanuatu volcano tours in Tanna

Tanna volcano and the overall island didn’t disappoint. Watching an active volcano lighting the sky in red is an incredible view and probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I felt my entire body vibrating every time the volcano woke up.

Standing near a crater with explosions sending hot rocks over your head is one of the most impressive sights in anyone’s life.

Despite being the country’s main tourist attraction, they have kept Tanna volcano summit untouched with no fences and no signs, which adds a thrill to the experience. It should be on every adventure seeker’s adrenaline bucket list .  Is it safe for visitors?  The edge of the crater of an active volcano has, of course, its amount of hazards. But accidents remain rare. You should be fine if you go there with a knowledgeable guide, follow instructions and use common sense. I believe the main threats come from the projectiles. If a big explosion happens, don’t panic and make sure you face the crater to see the rocks flying in the air that could potentially hit you, and move accordingly.

Although having access to an active volcano is incredible, I found the Tanna volcano tours disappointing.

They all offer the same experience to reach the summit. There is actually only one operator that manages the volcano. With their monopoly, they tripled the entry fee in a few years. I feel it is fair to pay to visit such a unique site. When you compare the price to other Vanuatu volcano tours, it puts it in perspective. But we are not talking about the same duration here.  In my opinion, the reason why Tanna volcano tour price is perceived as incredibly expensive is due to the tour not delivering the experience you may wish for that price.

I regretted there was no option offered to tailor the experience closer to our adventurous travel style. Everybody leaves from the same place, at the same time, for the same experience. Should we have picked another volcano to visit? When I looked for other Vanuatu volcano tours that would include a trek to an active volcano, I only found Ambrym. It was a higher budget and with the volcano activity raised to 3 out of 5 when we were planning our trip, we found it risky to add it to the plan for that time.

I also doubt the profit made by the company running Tanna volcano tours is distributed to the surrounding communities or invested in protecting the environment – which is a major downside for me.

Culminating at only 361 metres above sea level, Tanna volcano is perfect for those who don’t like to make efforts. Visitors are taken in a 4WD to a car park near the summit. As far as I know, it’s the only one of the Vanuatu volcano tours that allow an approach for anyone. You only have to walk a few minutes to enjoy the show. But you share the place with dozens of other people as a reminder that you are at the top of the most accessible active volcano in the world indeed.

In some ways, it reminded me of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia , sometimes considered one of the seven summits . You can catch a chairlift almost to the top or opt for an 18-kilometre walk across the ridges and the nearby mounts. Guess which alternative I preferred…

So I wished a more challenging (and by this, I don’t mean risky!) option was offered to reach the top of Mount Yasur. The cost of petrol was often mentioned as a justification for the excessive cost of transport. So why not save this car trip for some visitors? It would also allow to spread the numbers of visitors at the top and give a more intimate experience.

Thinking of hiking Tanna volcano without a group tour?

During my online research and while I was there, I found nothing that indicated that you are not allowed to go by yourself to see Mount Yasur craters from close. However, it does not sound safe to tackle an active volcano without local knowledge: the explosions, the lava and the sulphur clouds are dangerous. Tracks exist: I found a map of this two-hour treck that someone did in 2017 for example, but they do not seem to be accessible for tourists.

While we were diving in Santo, we met a couple of French people who – after doing the tour – thought it was okay to hike Mount Yasur by themselves. They described being caught by security guards at the top and treated like brigands, threatened to be brought to the police until they accepted to pay the volcano tour amount.

So it does seems the company organising the tours owns the access to the place. They only allow visitors on their tour to reach the summit.

Thinking of negotiating transport costs to Tanna volcano?

The airport is on the west side of the island and Tanna volcano is on the east. So you will need to drive for 1.5 hours across the island to reach it. Although they are making improvements on the roads, they are still in poor condition and only recommended for experienced drivers. Petrol is expensive on this remote island and that’s how they justify the hefty transfer cost of 5,000 VT one way for a private transfer.

It is tempting to try to lower this expense when you know that’s almost ten times what locals pay when they share a ride in a pickup. We did not manage to get public transport or a discount rate.  It seemed only private transfers were possible for tourists to go to the east coast . Apparently, a group of drivers is controlling the prices.

The only way we found to reduce the transport cost to Tanna volcano was to be lucky and team up with another group of travellers . The driver did not divide the 5,000 VT by the number of people but made us pay the 2,500 VT for two as we agreed before knowing we would be five in the truck, plus a couple of locals. Anyway, we felt this was a fair price for us, and we were the lucky ones inside the car. The ride at the back – although very scenic – looked extremely uncomfortable with all the potholes and the cold wind.

There is no possibility of hiring a car in Tanna . No bikes were available for visitors at the accommodations where we stayed although it would be a great way to cover the shorter distances between the points of interest in the Tanna volcano region. Be ready to walk a lot or pay each time you want to go somewhere. The most efficient way is to ask your hosts to organise and negotiate transport for you. It’s a good idea to confirm the price with the driver directly as we were twice asked for a different amount than the one we were told by our host – and once the price even doubled!

Tanna volcano tours: options and budget estimate

I have compiled an overview of the different Tanna volcano tour options I found. They are sorted by estimated price, from the cheapest to the most expensive. I have added comments from my personal experience to help you choose the best option for you. Although Tanna volcano tours are expensive, Mount Yasur stays the most accessible active volcano in terms of price, length, and difficulty if you compare it to other Vanuatu volcano tours.

We opted to stay overnight near Tanna volcano (#1). I would have loved to combine this with a scenic flight (#3), but it was out of our budget.

1. Overnight stay near Tanna volcano

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 65,000 vt.

35,000 VT (return from Port Vila)

+ 5,000 VT (airport transfer with a group – return)

+ 5,000 VT (accommodation)

+ 20,000 VT (Tanna volcano tour fee)

I believe this is the best way to visit Tanna volcano. You will have time to experience it in different ways than just reaching the top to see the eruption. We could hear the volcano all day and all night long. After a while, you get used to it. And we were excited every time we could glimpse the dark cloud or the lava.

The summit of Mount Yasur is not the only beautiful place to visit to enjoy Tanna volcano, and you actually miss out a lot if you choose to only do a day trip to Tanna volcano.

Hiking the ash plain of Tanna Volcano

We spent hours walking in the canyon shaped by a river through the ashes at the base of Mount Yasur. I had never seen such a landscape. It was stunning.

I would place this walk in the must-do list when in Tanna, as much as going to the top of the volcano.

You get a peek of the canyons when you drive from the west to the east of Tanna. But it is a very different feeling to walk there with the volcano snoring in the background and the stones it once spat all around us. I felt tiny.

Be careful of the quicksands in the river when you cross it. One step you’re okay, the next one your entire leg is in the sand!

This day was one of the highlights of my trip to Vanuatu, and surprisingly, it nearly didn’t incur any cost. We walked all day and ate from the local fruits we bought for a few hundred vatus on the side of the road after leaving our accommodation, and snacks we had from Port Vila.

Visiting villages and exchanging with the locals

The region of Tanna volcano is remote, and villages in the area had a more traditional lifestyle than many villages we saw in Efate and Espiritu Santo . It is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Ni-van culture and taste the local products they grow in their gardens.

Of course, that’s something you can do elsewhere in Vanuatu. But it was also interesting to seize the opportunity to learn about the influence of Mount Yasur – the old man in a local language – in the region. It shapes a lot the looks of the villages, with their dark alleys and lush vegetation. The ash ground also impacts agriculture. In the past, the volcano had a significant role in their way of life.

In Etapu village, they used to cook on two holes that create steam when you place fire at the entrance. They call it the “volcano nose” which gave its name to the village. Near Port Resolution, they have small hot springs near the bay that they can use for cooking too.

Watching the eruption of Tanna volcano from your room

Don’t expect the resort style near the volcano on Tanna. Accommodations are basic, most of the time traditionally built with bamboo and leaves. You won’t have access to a hot shower, and there is often no electricity except to charge your phone or camera. I loved the simplicity, and it was actually cosier than I expected with mosquito nets and very clean beds.

We chose to spend one night in a treehouse with a view of the volcano (5,000 VT). It kept us entertained for hours.

Treehouses are popular in the area and provide a fun experience with a great view. However, be aware that the steps to the room can be uneven and a bit hard for unfit people and not a good idea if you always need a nighttime bathroom break. Our location was ideal. It took 15 minutes to walk to the Ash Plain and even less to the entrance of the volcano. We were told it would take one hour to walk to Sulphur Bay and a bit more to Port Resolution. It was convenient not to be dependent on paying trucks every time we wanted to go somewhere. To book, check out Tanna Tree Top Lodge *.

For our two other nights, we opted for a more authentic experience in a village (around 2,800 VT).

We loved our time with the chief Jack and his family in Etapu village *, between the volcano and Port Resolution (allow a 30-minute walk to the entrance of the volcano). Jack introduced us to people from a more remote village in his community. We were lucky to be the only tourists there at that time. Sharing their everyday life for a short while was exciting. Jack was also helpful to arrange transfers and tours as we needed.  Check out Island of Fire here *.

There are many options for accommodation near Tanna volcano.  When you make your choice, keep in mind that either you will have to walk or pay for a transfer wherever you want to go. Homestays are a perfect combo for a budget and authentic experience, but they can be isolated. Unfortunately, the pins on the maps I found online to indicate the hotel locations were not always accurate. I highly recommend reading the reviews and the details to get a better idea of where you are booking and what budget to expect for transfers.

Ash-boarding

I am quite confident that a vast majority of you have never tried sand-boarding on the ashes of an active volcano. Although I could not find it listed in my travel insurance adventure activities , it was tempting. You can hire a board from Tanna Tree Top Lodge *. We ended up not having time to do it as we got caught up in discovering local traditions in villages.

2. Overnight stay at a resort

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 78,000 vt.

+ 10,000 VT (accommodation with airport transfer)

+ 33,000 VT (Tanna volcano tour fee incl. transfer)

If you are not an outdoor lover and need a level of comfort with a hot shower, you will have to stay on the west coast of Tanna island. You can book a tour from your resort that will arrange the transport and the visit to Tanna volcano. We had a lovely stay at the locally owned Rocky Ridge Bungalows *. They offer a simple room with a private bathroom, a hot shower, and a terrace with a sea view. If you want to upgrade, check out the White Grass Ocean Resort * or the Rockwater Resort *.

If you want to experience more of Tanna in the comfort of a resort and without spending time organising your trip, check out this 4-day tour package that you can book online for $630*  per person (+flights).

3. Scenic flight from Port Vila

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 90,000 vt.

It was out of our budget, but seeing an active volcano from the air must be an incredible experience. The small planes only have window seats and look perfect to enjoy the best views. Check out Air Taxi Vanuatu .

With this option, you will only see the volcano from the air. You will not land on Tanna and miss out on the opportunity to summit the world’s most accessible volcano. Standing near the volcano and feeling the earth vibrating at each explosion is part of the experience that you don’t get from the plane. If you want to upgrade, it will take you the full day, and the package is around 5,000 VT extra per person. I believe it is a better deal than just the flight by itself unless you have very limited time. Indeed, with only the scenic flight, you will be back for lunch at your resort in Port Vila.

4. Day tour from Port Vila (incl. scenic flight)

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 100,000 vt.

The usual Air Vanuatu flight from Port Vila to Tanna does not provide spectacular views over the volcano. And the timing does not allow visitors to reach the volcano without spending a night on the island. You will have to book with a different operator. Check out Air Taxi Vanuatu and Unity Airlines .

If the weather or the volcano conditions do not allow the scenic flight, you receive a discount.

You will be at the top of Mount Yasur by lunchtime. Unfortunately, you will miss out on watching the incredible show of molten magma in the dark. It is an additional 7,000 VT per person to upgrade to stay overnight with a scenic flight.

5. Overnight stay at a resort (incl. scenic flight)

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 114,000 vt.

That’s an 18,000 VT difference per person for a scenic flight compared to the #2 option of flying with Air Vanuatu. So if #2 is your preferred option and you have the budget, the scenic flight could be a fantastic and memorable addition to your Tanna volcano experience. Check out Air Taxi Vanuatu and Unity Airlines .

Extra tips for your Tanna volcano tour

The best time to visit tanna volcano.

If you plan to join a Tanna volcano tour as a day trip and you are flexible with the day, check the weather forecast before booking. Fog and heavy rain can have a massive impact on the experience. In case of heavy rain or other inopportune weather, the tour may even get cancelled. You will reduce the risks of unfavourable weather by avoiding the wet season between November and April. I also read that the volcano is more active during the wet season, between late February and April.

A few days after our visit, tourists got stuck on the island because of heavy rain. Our inability to forecast Nature is part of its beauty. Some days, the eruption is not as impressive. On other days, it is a bit too much and tours may be cancelled. They rank the Tanna volcano activity on a scale from 0 to 4. You can check the level here . It was at level 2 when we visited Tanna, described as moderate eruptions. Access to the summit remains open but it is too dangerous to access the crater. If it reaches level 3, the tours are cancelled and they evacuate the area at level 4.

Sunset and sunrise volcano tours are the best as you will see the volcano both in the dark and with daylight.

Withdraw cash in Port Vila

There is an ATM on Tanna in Lenakel, but that’s a detour. Hence, it is better to withdraw cash in Port Vila. Try to have small notes by going to the supermarket, for example, so you can pay the exact amount. We often met people who could not give the money back from our big notes given by the ATM.

There is no ATM on the east side of the island and payments are cash only. You will also need 200 VT for the airport departure tax. Allow around 1,500-2,000 VT for a meal in the west of the island and around 750-1,000 VT in the east.

Multiple Tanna volcano tour participation

There is a discount for joining Tanna volcano tour a second time, and it is free the third time.  Make sure you ask about the conditions to avoid bad surprises. Some people were told you had to visit it multiple times on the same day to benefit from the price reduction, and I read a review from someone who was asked to pay full price for his fourth time, but I could not confirm this with the tour operator.

Things to bring on your Tanna volcano tour

The transfer from the west to the east of the island is beautiful but uncomfortable, especially if you are in the back of a pickup. Temperatures in winter in Tanna can be cold so make sure you bring a warm jacket and a windstopper. A rain jacket and a scarf can also make a pleasant difference. Glasses can save the trip to protect your eyes if there are ashes flying around.

It’s only a very short walk from the car park to the volcano, but it is recommended to wear enclosed shoes. The rocks can be painful, and it is safer to be able to move quickly. It can be helpful to have a torch or a headlamp when travelling to this remote area, although your phone light may be enough.

You will have better photo results if you use a tripod for your camera when photographing the volcano at night. Don’t use a flash and play with your time of exposure and your aperture for exciting results.

You can sometimes buy local snacks on the side of the road, but not always. If you have food with you, don’t leave it in a bag in your room as it could attract rodents. It is better to protect it in a container. Ask your host for advice if you are unsure.

Travel insurance

It is always a good idea to purchase travel insurance to explore Vanuatu. It will make things easier if an incident happens and will give you peace of mind to enjoy your volcano tour to its fullest. Click here to get a quote from the travel insurance provider we chose for our Vanuatu trip .

Are you covered for adventurous activities by your  travel insurance ? I recommend double-checking to avoid bad surprises if an incident happens. Adventurous activities are often extra. Some travel insurance like  WorldNomads * and Covermore * make it easy to include adventurous activities.

Have you participated in a Tanna volcano tour? Share your experience in the comments below!

Information gathered in this article is from our personal experience in June 2018 and feedback from other travellers. If you experienced something different when visiting Tanna volcano or believe something is missing or inaccurate, please leave a comment below.

Where is Tanna volcano Mount Yasur?

Tanna is one of the most southern islands of Vanuatu archipelago near New Caledonia , not too far from Australia’s east coast and the north of New Zealand .

Tanna volcano is located on the east of the island. It takes between 1 to 1.5 hours to drive there from the airport to the west.

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This Post Has 2 Comments

Thank you for writing this up! So hard to find good info, especially now it looks like the tours are basically cartels.

Thank you for sharing the info!! 🙂

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Guide to Tanna

Welcome to Tanna, an island of cargo cults, coffee and black sand beaches — where kastom thrives under the smoking eye of Mt Yasur.

In 1774, the red glow from Mt Yasur drew Captain Cook to Tanna, a jungle-covered island in the southern Vanuatu archipelago. It’s a mysterious place, home to the world’s most accessible active volcano, the strange cargo cults of John Frum and Prince Phillip, herds of wild horses, and dozens of blue waterfalls, hidden deep in the Middlebush forest.

• Driving across the Tanna ash plains
• Climbing the smoking rim of Mt Yasur 
• The traditional local kastom
• Walking along the black sand at Louniel Beach
• Snorkelling and diving the island’s fringe reefs
• Swimming inside the Blue Cave 
• Lounging in the hot springs at Port Resolution

How To Get There

You can fly to Tanna direct from Vanuatu’s capital of Port Vila. Flights from Port Vila to Tanna take around 45 minutes. From there, it’s a short drive from White Grass Airport to most of Tanna’s resorts.

Useful Tips

• For warm weather and low chance of rain, it’s best to visit Tanna between June and October.
• Book a guided Tanna island volcano tour when climbing Mt Yasur, and check any government safety warnings beforehand.
• The best way to get around Tanna is to organise private transfers through your accommodation, but minibuses and local trucks also depart regularly from Lenakel. 

Things To Do & Top Attractions In Tanna  

Swim in tanna’s famous blue cave.

The Blue Cave on Tanna is something from idle daydreams and desktop screensavers. It’s a hidden grotto, cut deep into the sea cliffs on the western side of the island. Visitors can only reach it by swimming along a secret sea passage. Inside is a curved rock cathedral, where light beams through a hole in the ceiling, illuminating an electric blue swimming hole (some say, Vanuatu’s best swimming hole). Nothing around but sparkling sunlight and the sound of jostling water. If you’re worried about swimming through the sea passage, just wait for low tide: you’ll be able to wade through without diving underwater.

Climb the Bubbling Active Volcano, Mt Yasur

Vanuatu’s Mt Yasur is the most accessible active volcano in the world. The Tannese people can’t remember a time when it wasn’t rumbling away, spitting lava and ash into the air. The 10-minute crater rim hike is probably Tanna’s most iconic experience, especially at sunset, when the lava glows red and lights up the surrounding sky. You don’t need to be particularly fit: four-wheel drive  vehicles can park within 150 metres of the rim. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also spend the day ash boarding down the slopes . There are no safety rails or viewing platforms at Mt Yasur, so it’s best to climb with an experienced local guide. Make sure to check local government warnings, too — they keep a close eye on Mt Yasur’s volcanic activity.

See the Giant Banyan Tree in Leitouapam

No-one really knows the age of Tanna’s Giant Banyan Tree . It was already ancient when Captain Cook landed on the island in 1774. The tree itself is massive: over 100-metres wide and 80-metres high, spreading whippy, Tarzan-like roots throughout the surrounding jungle. To reach the Giant Banyan Tree, just ask your hotel or guesthouse to arrange a tour to the village of Leitouapam. From there it’s a bumpy four-wheel drive journey through the dense jungle. The villagers of Leitouapam own the Giant Banyan Tree and charge a small entrance fee for visitors: 1500VUV per adult and 700VUV for each child. Children under four can visit for free.

Experience Traditional Melanesian Kastom

Kastom is a complicated phenomenon. It’s a Pijin word that covers traditional Melanesian religion, art and mysticism, passed down through oral history and local legend. It’s hard to find living, breathing kastom villages these days, but they still exist on Tanna. For visitors, this is a chance to experience Melanesian life the way it’s always been - and to see Vanuatu’s culture and traditions as they were before white settlement, mass tourism and the arrival of modern technology. In villages like Yakel , Ikunala and Imaio , there are no schools, shops, TV or internet, just an unbroken culture spanning back thousands of years. Travellers are welcome in Tanna’s kastom villages, but it’s always best to visit with a local guide .

Laze in the Hot Springs of Port Resolution

Port Resolution is where you’ll find Tanna’s whitest beaches, its bluest water, and most of the island’s best bungalows. It’s also the gateway to the ash plains of Mt Yasur. Yachts and cruise boats drop anchor off the coast here, and travellers spend their days lounging in the natural Iwea hot springs or snorkelling the marine sanctuary and coral reefs around Yewao Point. It’s a popular spot with surfers too: if you walk along the coastal track toward Yankaren Para, you’ll find some of the best surfing in Vanuatu, with deep swells and smooth, rolling breakers. There’s a truck that runs between Lenakel and Port Resolution on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, or you can organise a private charter in town.

Visit Local John Frum Villages 

A tiny island in the Pacific is probably not where you’d expect to see locals singing American battle hymns, running Old Glory (the flag of the USA) up the flagpole and marching barefoot with bamboo ‘rifles’ slung over their shoulders. Welcome to the strange ‘cargo cult’ of John Frum , an imaginary figure who’s believed to bring prosperity to Vanuatu in the form of airdrops and western technology. John Frum is sort of a spiritual hangover from the Second World War, when many American troops were stationed in the archipelago, bringing food, jeeps, radios and other modern luxuries. There are several John Frum villages on Tanna (Namakara is one of the more popular). Try to visit on Friday nights, when the big dances take place.

Sleep Among the Treetops 

Imagine waking up 20-feet above the ground, walking out onto your private tree-top verandah and seeing the summit of Mt Yasur, smoking in the early morning light. It’s just another morning at the Tanna Tree Top Lodge . This quirky bungalow accommodation sits inside the forest canopy, just 500m from the Mt Yasur park entrance. All the rooms run on solar power, and breakfast is free, but just be aware that there’s no hot water on the property (those morning showers are fresh). Still, the view is worth it. While other travellers have to organise four-wheel drive  transport to Mt Yasur, you’ve got the volcano right on your doorstep.

Snorkel and Dive the Island’s Fringe Reefs 

Tanna has some of the clearest water and best snorkelling in the Vanuatu archipelago, and it’s become a popular spot for divers and snorkellers . Fringe reefs surround the island, studded with deep rock pools, drop-offs and coral gardens, home to schools of fusiliers and drummer fish, green sea turtles, yellowfin tuna, mackerel, and even the occasional dugong. There are plenty of good dive sites, no matter your level of experience. Some of the best spots include the Blue Holes (a series of tunnels and sinkholes on the outer reef), The Fijian (a sailing wreck that sunk in 1916), and House Reef (a purpose-built jetty that attracts turtles, moray eels, reef sharks and blue spotted rays).

Walk the Black Sand Beaches of Louniel

Tanna’s beaches range from the sugar-white postcard variety to long stretches of black volcanic sand — a legacy of Mt Yasur, rumbling and smoking just nearby. There are several of these beaches scattered around the island, and some of them, like Lowakels Cove, have nearby bungalow accommodation . Louniel Beach is probably the most famous, sweeping for several kilometres along the northeast coast of the island. Iwaru Beach is also popular, fringed by jungle hinterland just south of Lenakel.  

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VANUATU – Tanna Island day trip: Mt. Yasur active volcano tour

Table of Contents

How to get to Tanna Island and where to stay

Getting to mt. yasur volcano, mt. yasur volcano tour, climbing mt. yasur volcano, other tanna island day trips, gallery tanna island mt. yasur tour.

Tanna Island is home to the most accessible active volcano on earth. When I had the chance to visit Vanuatu I included a Tanna Island day trip on my 7 days Vanuatu itinerary . Although there is much more to see as the Mt. Yasur volcano that was the main reason for me to go. After my visit to Ijen Volcano on Java to see the blue fires I also wanted to see erupting lava. I had a great Mt. Yasur tour, but it almost got cancelled! Read on to find out why and what to expect during a tour.

Tanna Island is in the Tafae province of Vanuatu and can be reached by air in 45 minutes from Port Vila. I recommend flying Air Vanuatu as their service is great and they have one or two confirmed flights daily. If you are flexible go to Air Vanuatu’s office to book the flight as it’s cheaper to book locally. In case you must fly a specific day then do book in advance as flights can get full.

I recommend staying at White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa as it’s the most luxury place on Tanna Island. The hotel is just 5 minutes away from the airport and has a free shuttle. They also provide lots of other Tanna Island tours including snorkeling, diving, and culture tours. My time there was magnificent.

I booked my Mt. Yasur volcano tour with Vanuatu Inbound Travel and the 4×4 car was waiting at the White Grass Ocean Resort already as my flight was delayed by an hour. Just 10 minutes after check-in I was on my way to the volcano. The service by both the hotel and Vanuatu Inbound Travel was perfect and they got me to the volcano that day.

The reason of my hour delay was bad weather as a big depression was close to Vanuatu. It was pouring rain the previous 3 days and all tours to Mt. Yasur volcano were cancelled. The idea was to climb the volcano in the afternoon as descend after sunset. Exploding lava lights up the sky after sunset which is a great show. This wasn’t possible as the road up the volcano was washed away. It wasn’t safe to go in the dark. I was happy that Vanuatu Inbound Travel was able to get me on a day tour. Otherwise, I would have travelled to the other side of the world for nothing.

In remote places, with possible bad weather, things can go different as planned. Keep in mind this might happen when you plan a Vanuatu trip . I don’t have luck visiting volcano’s as my tour to the Ijen volcano on Java (Indonesia) and the Haikou Volcano in China were also in bad weather.

It’s a long ride to Mt. Yasur over a, sometimes, bumpy road. There are however beautiful views on the way. Once you reach the highest point before descending to the ash plain below you have a beautiful view on the volcano. It had a big smoky ash cloud above it with dark thunder clouds in the back.

The ride to the ash plain from there is the easy part but due to the rain we had to cross a wild river on the ash plain. Not dangerous but it was an adventure getting to Mt. Yasur after heavy rain fall. At the base of the volcano is the park office which also has bathrooms. Normally the 4×4 car will drive you up the volcano and you just climb the last part to the rim. As the rain washed away big part of the road it was only possible to go up half way. I could use the exercise so I didn’t mind climbing the remainder.

Normally a 4×4 car will drop you just below the crater rim making the last climb just 20 minutes. As the road was washed away I had to climb for over an hour up to the crater rim. It was well worth it! The first panoramic view point just has a wide view over the crater and you can’t see what’s down there. Every 15-30 minutes the Mt. Yasur volcano erupts, and lava combined with ash is thrown in the air. A big bang accompanies the eruption. Nature at its best! I just stood there taking in the view of the first two eruptions and totally forgot to make photos. This wasn’t a problem as the tour guides made sure we saw some eruptions before heading up to the highest point and look into the volcano.

From the top of the crater rim it’s possible to see the boiling magma at the bottom of the volcano. If you see this, you release how powerful nature is. With each eruption the orange red glowing magma is thrown in the air. It cools down as it gets higher up and turns black which was the part you can see from the lower viewpoint too. The reason visiting at dawn is better is because the lava glows much nicer. Lava parts can land over the rim and that’s why a visit can only be done with a local guide who takes care of safety. There was a strong wind blowing ash exactly into the direction of the viewpoint. I was black and unrecognizable when I left Mt. Yasur.

Hiking down was much faster and the car was waiting to bring me back to the White Grass Ocean Resort. I arrived there around dinner time.

Tanna Island is most famous for the active Mt. Yasur volcano but there is more you can do. I would have stayed longer but I wasn’t able to squeeze in anymore days on Tanna in my Vanuatu itinerary. Other Tanna day tours include the following:

• Diving – there are beautiful dive spots around Tanna Island
• Game fishing day trip
• Blue cave boat tour & snorkeling – I did this as a morning trip from
• White Grass Ocean Resort
• Cultural day trips and kava tasting
• Just relax at a beach for a day

Visiting the active Mt. Yasur volcano on Tanna Island is one of the best nature trips I ever did. It ranks in my top 10 for sure together with my visits to the Uyuni Salt Flat when I travelled 10 days in Bolivia , Iguazu Waterfalls , the Atacama Desert , and the various national parks I visited during my USA west coast road trip .

If you are planning a Vanuatu trip I highly recommend adding an overnight visit to Tanna Island to see the active Mt. Yasur volcano. If weather permits go at dawn to see its magnificent light show. A day trip however is worth doing too. It was one of my most memorable day trips ever!

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Did you visit Tanna Island & Mt. Yasur volcano too or do you have questions? Please leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Love to hear from you!

Click an image for a full screen gallery of more photos taken during this trip. If you like to use any photo for commercial, private or editorial use please contact first for permission and/or pricing.

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Mount Yasur Guide – Visiting Vanuatu’s spectacular active volcano in 2020

Mount yasur guide 2020.

When you think of Pacific islands you’re probably not picturing Vanuatu. Instead of world-class luxury spa hotels on pristine beaches, Vanuatu is a more rugged and natural place that rewards those with an adventurous spirit willing to work a little harder.

Instead of being transferred to your overwater villa by seaplane or speedboat, getting to the active volcano at Mount Yasur on the tiny island of Tanna requires riding in pick-up trucks on very rough terrain .

Then you’ll be hiking through the undisturbed rainforest , and spending a night in a basic hut with electricity only from a car battery recharged by solar panels. And maybe some rats to keep you company. Very

In this Mount Yasur guide we’ll give you all the facts for planning your trip.

Mount Yasur Facts

Discovered in 1774 by James Cook, at least as far as Europe was concerned, Mount Yasur is a 361 metre high volcanic cone on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. The crater is 300 metres wide and 100 metres deep.

It was the glow of the volcano that attracted Captain Cook’s attention when his ship brought Europeans to Vanuatu for the first time.

Vanuatu is a chain of volcanic islands in the South Pacific west of Fiji, a thousand miles from Australia.

Yasur means Old Man.

Mount Yasur is a stratovolcano, which means that it is made up of layers of hardened ash and lava from previous eruptions. The steepness of the slope indicates that the lava doesn’t flow far.

Mount Yasur has been erupting regularly for at least several hundred years, usually a few times every hour. Eruptions are typically small blasts of lava bombs a few tens of metres into the air and the volcano can usually be approached safely.

The lava bomb blasts are often accompanied by a cloud of volcanic ash and gas.

Here’s a video of the journey across Tanna Island and the nighttime eruptions at Mount Yasur:

https://youtu.be/-YeIO6iX6tc

Ways to visit Tanna Island and Mount Yasur

There are three ways to see Mount Yasur:

Do it yourself

Arrange your own flight in, get a ride across the island in a local car probably arranged by your accommodation, and stay overnight on the eastern side.

An overnight package tour

Another way is to book a package tour which will include flights from Efate, transfers to the volcano, and overnight accommodation. Some will return you to accommodation on the western side of the island where the facilities are better but prices are higher.

A daytime package tour

A third option is a package tour without an overnight stay. This will mean that you get to see into the crater from the air on your scenic flight, but you’ll miss seeing the volcano in darkness, which would be a real shame.

Either of the first two options should mean that you get to see the volcanic activity at the crater rim in the darkness, which is when it is the best sight.

A package trip has the advantage of a scenic flight over the volcano. allowing you to look down into the crater , and some tours allow you to explore the ash plain around the cone and climb up to the crater. The aircraft used on these tours give everyone a window seat.

The package tours are more expensive and may be fully booked, so booking your own flight and accommodation can be cheaper.

However, you won’t get to see the volcano from the air, and your experience on the ground will vary according to the knowledge and attitude of your host.

My driver was an awkward bugger and had made other arrangements with other people, so despite the fee I’d paid for the service, I did not get to explore the ash plain around the base of the volcano on foot and had to hurriedly snap photos from a moving pick-up truck.

When you go with a driver organised by your accommodation you’re just getting some local guy with a truck who only cares about getting you to your destination and getting paid.

When you go with an organised tour package, you’re accompanied by guides whose job is to give you a good experience. I did the self-organised option because it was low season, I had limited time due to flights in and out of Vanuatu, and there wasn’t a tour available on my dates.

I would recommend taking the organised package tour because of the chance to see the crater from above and to spend time down on the ash plain. The DIY option was significantly cheaper, but I think the tours end up giving you more for your money with a lot less effort.

How to get to Mount Yasur

You reach Tanna by flying from Port Vila airport on the main island of Efate, arriving into tiny Whitegrass Airport which is no more than a tin hut .

Whitegrass is on the western side of the island close to the island’s main town, Lenakel. From the airport you’ll need to arrange a driver to take you over the central hills to the eastern side of the island.

Your accommodation will usually be able to arrange transfers, or you can haggle a price at the airport.

It is possible to stop at the base of the volcano on the western ash plains and climb up. Officially, you’re only meant to access the volcano through the eastern side entrance at the visitor centre.

If your accommodation messes up your transport and you don’t get chance to explore the ash cone on foot then you’ll be missing out.

Visiting Mount Yasur

In order to preserve the natural environment of the volcano and to maintain visitor safety by controlling visits, entrance is now via a visitor centre where you will climb into the back of a pick-up truck for a ride up the trail through the jungle to just below the crater.

The  trail is being improved with concrete but it is still a very bumpy ride . The idea of a single defined vehicle route up through the jungle side is to prevent trucks damaging the scenic western side and to prevent accidents when people try to drive up the ash cone.

In reality there’s nobody there to stop anyone continuing to tackle the western slopes, but most organised tours will take you via the main entrance.

Restricting access via the official visitor centre is also an attempt to ensure safety.  When the volcanic activity is strong, you won’t be allowed in .

A visitor centre, safety monitoring, and a purpose built road up to the rim all comes at a cost, and that cost is the very high entrance fee of 10000VT, or about £65. That’s per person.

What time to visit Mount Yasur

The best time to see Mount Yasur is in darkness. Typically this means arriving at the visitor centre for 4pm.

Is it safe to visit Mount Yasur?

Perhaps the first thing many people want to know from a Mount Yasur Guide is whether it’s safe to vist.

If activity is too high, you won’t be allowed in, and that would suck. Activity was low enough that I was allowed in, but high enough that the higher viewing areas were off-limits, due to the risk of lava bombs landing there.

Despite the apparent risk, it is still immensely frustrating not to be allowed up to see into the crater.

From the lower side you can’t see over the crater rim, so you only get to witness the top part of the lava bombs arc into the sky and you miss all the steaming and exploding that’s going on lower down.

It’s still a fantastic experience when it gets dark and the red glow becomes apparent, but I still get jealous when I see other people’s photos from the better vantage point.

As frustrating as it is, you have to know that an active volcano is a risky place to be. When you’re there you would happily ignore any safety rules to get a better viewpoint, regardless of how logical and sensible you are.

Logic and sense goes out of the window and you just want to get a better view. You’re only there once, it’ll be fine.

This is why it’s a good thing that the operators strictly enforce the rules and don’t give in to all the people complaining and asking to be allowed to get closer. Go on, just once, just for me.

It must be hard for the staff to stand their ground and say no, and when you see what happened to the tourists in New Zealand recently you understand why this is necessary.

I urge you to read our full guide looking at Is Mount Yasur Safe? which gives you full details on the risks, the exclusion zone, activity levels, the eruption history, and all the other facts you should know before you visit.

Mount Yasur tour itinerary

A typical tour itinerary staying in the better resorts on the west of Tanna looks like this. Most will pick you up from your hotel on Efate for the outbound flight:

• 1200: Depart Port Vila
• 1300: Arrive in Tanna and transfer to accommodation
• 1500: 4×4 Safari to Mt Yasur
• 1600: Arrive at Mt Yasur visitor centre
• 1700: Arrive Mt Yasur crater rim
• 1900: Leave Mt Yasur
• 2030 Arrive at accommodation
• 0700: Breakfast
• 0800: Depart Tanna
• 0900: Arrive Port Vila

If you’re staying overnight near Yasur then you’ll go straight there from the airport. Your return flight will also be later because you’ll need to allow an hour and a half for the return journey over the mountain to get back to the airport.

Heading out of town is your only chance to visit the market and the small grocery stores to get supplies for your stay.

You will need to pick up plenty of bottled water because there will be no safe water for drinking or washing at your accommodation if you’re staying on the western side.

Late afternoon is the time to head to the volcano. At the visitor centre you’ll be “treated” to an annoying “cultural” show, which is just a waste of time and an attempt to justify the very high fee.

Jump into the back of a pick-up truck for a very bumpy ride up to just below the crater rim. There is a Vanuatu Post mailbox if you want to drop in a postcard , and then it’s a short walk to the rim.

There are no barriers or safety rails, but the guides will give strict instructions about where you are allowed to go, and threaten that if anyone ignores the rules then the whole group will be forcibly removed.

When activity is low, you’ll be allowed to walk up to the higher west side which gives a better view down into the crater and the three vents that take turns spitting out red lava. When the activity is higher, you won’t be allowed to go up there.

Some time after darkness you’ll be forced to leave. The route back down to the waiting pick-up trucks will now be in complete darkness , as will the rest of your journey back to your accommodation, so take a torch .

Back down at the visitor centre you’ll be offered a token refreshment but you’ll be better off heading out to find your driver in the darkness.

What to take to Mount Yasur

• A tripod if you want any decent shots in the darkness, or to capture long-exposure shots of the lava bombs
• A warm coat
• Sturdy footwear
• A postcard if you want to send one from the Volcano Postbox

Note that Mount Yasur is not suitable for young children. No drones are allowed. Some people say they were allowed to fly drones after paying a 10000VUV fee, but when I visited we were told that drones were banned. You should ask first down at the visitor centre.

Tips for visiting Mount Yasur

Here’s a few things I now know should be in a Mount Yasur guide having learned the hard way.

Prepare for cold and wet weather at the crater after dark.

Take a tripod, and a torch.

If staying in village bungalow accommodation, pick up supplies near the airport before you cross the island.

Wherever you’re staying on Tanna, make sure you pick up bottled water near the airport because there are no shops once you leave the area of Lenakel town.

It’s also a good idea to take hand sanitizer and wet wipes, and expect limited access to electricity and sanitation.

Be prepared for a bumpy and slow ride in pick-up trucks over poor roads. Also be prepared for travel difficulties after rain.

Be warned that if activity at the volcano is high, you won’t be allowed to close to the crater, or maybe not allowed in at all.

Ashboarding

It is possible to go ashboarding on the western side of the volcano where most of the ash falls. Arrange it with your accommodation provider. Apparently the ash is very soft. Expect to pay around 10000VT. 

Where to stay at Mount Yasur

If booking a package tour you will have a few choices, mainly the better quality and more expensive hotels on the west of the island near the airport. Choices close to Mount Yasur are very basic village bungalows with limited facilities but offering an authentic island life experience.

A good choice if you want a view of the volcano is Volcano Island Paradise .

David Attenborough and the Tanna Island cargo cult

In a fascinating documentary from 1960, David Attenborough visits Tanna and encounters the John Frum cargo cult. Below is a video with some clips from the original programme, showing what Mount Yasur looked like in 1960.

The full episode is available at the  internet archive .

https://youtu.be/rbZ0lKyh3RA

Best time to visit Mount Yasur

Like Fiji, proximity to Australia makes Vanuatu a very busy place during Australian school holidays. 

High season is May to July and best avoided if you want cheaper prices and less busy conditions. On the other hand if you want the best weather and minimal risk of disruption due to rain, then this is the time to go, but book well ahead.

August to October has decent weather and is less busy. Cheapest prices and quieter times come at the expense of increased cyclone risk in the wet season from November to March. Great for a bargain but be prepared to be flexible because rain can affect transport.

The journey across Tanna is improving every year as a proper sealed road is built, but most of the journey is on dirt roads which can be very difficult in wet conditions.

Volcano activity can be higher after rains. This means it would look more dramatic, but also means an increased risk of visits being cancelled if the geologists decide activity is too high.

Best air tours to Mount Yasur

There are two main providers offering air tours from Efate to Tanna and Mount Yasur: Air Taxi Vanuatu, and Unity Airlines.

The best choice with Air Taxi Vanuatu is their overnight tour to Mount Yasur .

Our pick with Unity Airlines is also the  overnight tour .

All air tours get booked up well in advance. They’re all similar prices. The price varies according to your choice of hotel but expect to pay around £450 per person. Note that this includes your flights from Efate to Tanna, all transfers, accommodation, breakfast, and the entry fee for the volcano.

The volcano entry fee is around £65. Cheap accommodation in a village bungalow like Volcano Island Paradise would be around £40. Transfers between the airport and your bungalow, and your bungalow to the volcano, would total around £100.

Add around £100 for your flights from Efate to Tanna.

If you want to stay longer, or if your budget is tight, then the DIY option will save you £150, or more if you negotiate transfer prices for the whole vehicle instead of per person.

On the other hand, if air tours are available on your dates then the price is really very good considering the added volcano flypast, better accommodation, and ease of planning.

How much is a tour of Mount Yasur?

For an overnight air tour from Efate to Mount Yasur including transfers, entrance, and accommodation, expect to pay around £450 per person.

What is the Mount Yasur entry fee?

Around £65 per person.

What’s the best time to visit Mount Yasur?

Mount Yasur eruptions look most dramatic in darkness so visit in the evening. Go up to the crater before dark.

How do you get to Mount Yasur?

Fly from Port Vila on Efate, to Whitegrass airport on Tanna, about 40 minutes. Then take a four-wheel drive pick-up truck to Mount Yasur, about 90 minutes. At the visitor centre, trucks are provided to take you up to just below the crater rim.

Any active volcano carries risk, but Mount Yasur has been erupting at a low level for hundreds of years. Eruptions are usually small and the volcano crater can usually be approached safely. Activity is monitored and visits are not allowed when volcanic activity is higher than the lowest 2 levels.

Who flies to Mount Yasur?

Air Vanuatu have flights most days between Port Vila on Vanuatu’s main island, Efate, and Whitegrass airport on Tanna Island. Tour operators with air tours from Port Vila are Air Taxi Vanuatu and Unity Airlines.

Best Vanuatu and Mount Yasur tours

Tanna: Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon into Sunset Guided Tour 

Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon Guided Tour – Tanna Island

3 Night Tanna Island Adventure Package Including Mount Yasur

Discover Blue Lagoon, Cascades & Swim with Turtles in Vanuatu from Port Vila

Full-Day Vanuatu Round Island Tour from Port Vila

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

Private Daily Mini Van Hire – Including Tour Guide

Vanuatu: Blue Lagoon, Turtle Sanctuary, and Buggy Adventure

Port Vila: Mele Cascades and Waterfall Tour

Best books and guides

The best and most comprehensive guide book for Vanuatu is the Lonely Planet Guide to Vanuatu and New Caledonia .

A better value option is the multi-country Lonely Planet South Pacific guide.

An interesting and very funny read before your trip is Getting Stoned with Savages by Maarten Troost who is most well-known for his best-selling and equally brilliant The Sex-lives of Cannibals .

Get more from your trip

About the author.

Alistair Todd