port vila shore tours

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Excursions & Tours

The Best of Vanuatu

Vanuatu Culture and Snorkeling Combo

Vanuatu Adventure and the Blue Lagoon

Vanuatu Exploration and Coffee

Port Vila Tours in Vanuatu, Efate Island

Port Vila is the harborside capital and main hub of Vanuatu, on Efate island. Its small downtown is home to colorful market stalls selling produce and local handicrafts. The National Museum of Vanuatu, inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, displays artifacts such as slit-gong drums and outrigger canoes. The town is a base for diving and trips to Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall with rock pools in a rainforest.

Port Vila, Vanuatu

ShoreExcursions.com offers an excellent variety of independent shore excursions in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Explore the Breathtaking Port Vila, Vanuatu – Unforgettable Shore Excursions Await!

Discover paradise on earth.

Experience the beauty of Port Vila, Vanuatu, like never before with our exceptional shore excursions. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this tropical haven, where crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and a vibrant culture blend seamlessly to create a slice of paradise. Our carefully curated tours will take you on an unforgettable journey, allowing you to explore the best that Port Vila has to offer.

Unveiling Nature’s Masterpiece

Indulge in the breathtaking natural wonders of Port Vila with our shore excursions. Dive into the azure depths of the Pacific Ocean and discover an underwater wonderland teeming with vibrant marine life. Snorkel alongside colorful coral reefs, swim with graceful sea turtles, and witness the ethereal beauty of tropical fish darting through the pristine waters. Or embark on a mesmerizing rainforest adventure, where hidden waterfalls cascade down ancient volcanic rocks, and rare flora and fauna thrive in a rich, untouched ecosystem. Our expert guides will unveil the secrets of this ecological paradise, ensuring an experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s masterpieces.

Cultural Immersion and Authentic Encounters

Uncover the vibrant culture of Port Vila as you engage in immersive experiences that connect you with the heart and soul of this enchanting destination. Embark on a cultural village tour and witness traditional ceremonies, vibrant dances, and the captivating sounds of the island’s music. Engage with friendly locals, learn about their customs, and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. Delight your taste buds with a culinary journey, savoring the tantalizing flavors of Vanuatu’s cuisine. From exotic fruits to delicious seafood, every bite tells a story of the island’s heritage and flavorsome traditions.

Tailored Experiences for Every Adventurer

Thrilling Adventures for the Adrenaline Junkies

Calling all adventure seekers! Our shore excursions in Port Vila offer an array of thrilling activities that will get your heart racing. Strap on your snorkeling gear and explore the vibrant underwater world, or take to the skies and soar above the pristine landscapes on a ziplining adventure. For the daring souls, conquer the cascading waterfalls with canyoning or embark on an off-road safari through rugged terrains. Whether you’re a seasoned adrenaline junkie or simply looking to step out of your comfort zone, we have the perfect adventure waiting for you.

Family Fun and Unforgettable Memories

Create cherished memories with your loved ones as you embark on family-friendly shore excursions in Port Vila. From leisurely catamaran cruises to secluded islands to interactive wildlife encounters at the local sanctuaries, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Let the kids be captivated by the playful dolphins or take part in a hands-on cultural workshop where they can learn traditional arts and crafts. Our carefully designed family experiences ensure that every member of your group, young and old, will have an unforgettable time together.

Your Gateway to Tranquility and Relaxation

Serenity by the Shores

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover pure tranquility on our serene shore excursions. Allow the gentle sea breeze to caress your face as you unwind on pristine white sandy beaches. Soak up the sun, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or indulge in a pampering session at a luxurious beachside spa. As the waves gently lap the shore, let all your worries melt away, leaving you in a state of pure relaxation and rejuvenation.

Unraveling Vanuatu’s Hidden Gems

Venture beyond the beaten path and uncover the hidden gems of Vanuatu on our exclusive shore excursions. Traverse through remote villages, where time seems to stand still, and gain insights into the traditional way of life. Explore secluded caves adorned with ancient rock paintings or embark on a scenic hike to witness panoramic views that will take your breath away. Our expert guides will reveal the secrets of Vanuatu’s hidden treasures, ensuring an experience that is as enlightening as it is enchanting.

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THE 10 BEST Port Vila Tours & Excursions

Tours in port vila.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Shopping Tours
• Photography Tours
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Port Vila Full Day Tour - Experience the Real Vanuatu

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

3. Hideaway Island Escape, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Experience

4. Hideaway Island Combo Day Trip with Yumi Tours

5. Vanuatu Buggy Adventure with Yumi Tours

6. Vanuatu Jungle - The Big Zipline Trek Tour from Port Vila

7. Discover Cascades & Turtle Experience with Yumi Tours

8. Vanuatu Skybridge

9. Half Day Tour in Blue Lagoon and Eden

10. Major Tom -Sailing Day Cruise, with Snorkeling & Lunch

11. Blue Lagoon & Eden on the River - Half Day Trip with Yumi Tours

12. Full-Day Efate Round Island Trip with Yumi Tours

13. 83 Islands Distillery & Sightseeing of Port Vila with Yumi Tours

14. Full-Day Vanuatu Cultural, Blue Lagoon & Eden On The River Tour

15. Adventure Quad Combo Excursion with Yumi Tours

16. Two Hour Port Vila Town Tour with Pick up included

17. Glass Bottom Boat tour and Snorkelling Adventure - Port Vila

18. Small Group River Kayaking Tour from Port Vila

19. Turtle Encounter with Yumi Tours

20. Horse Riding in Port Vila with Yumi Tours

21. Cultural Experience & Blue Lagoon with Yumi Tours

22. Pele Paradise Full Day Tour

23. Private Daily Mini Van Hire Including Tour Guide

24. Port Vila Sunset Harbour Cruise

25. 4 Hour: Private Tropical Trio Excursion (with Hotel Pickup)

26. Bridges of Eden: Guided tour including swimming in the river

27. Mele Cascades and Waterfalls (3 Hour Guided Tour)

28. Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, Swing and Skybridge Combo with Transfer

29. Chocolate Factory Combo Trip with Yumi Tours

30. Discovery Bush Walk from Port Vila

What travellers are saying.

Aqua Quad Safari

Port Vila is an adventure lover’s paradise. Get ready for the ride of your life on this fast, furious and thrilling Aqua Quad adventure. Take turns driving your own water mobile around Port Vila’s stunning islands, scenic beaches and pristine coves. View million-dollar waterfront mansions with yachts anchored in the harbour before heading out on a sea exploration. First stop is Ifira Island, home of the indigenous owners of Port Vila Bay for a rare insight into the local way of life. Traditionally, only guests personally invited by the chief could visit the island. Enjoy a swim before continuing to the outer harbour and Paradise Cove, a stunning coral-shrouded location with crystal clear tropical waters. This is the halfway point and time to switch drivers and start heading back to Port Vila via Malapoa Peninsula and Fatmaru Bay.

• Guests will be picked up from the wharf and travel by minivan to the start location.
• All guests will be required to participate in a safety briefing and sign a liability waiver.
• The tour is approximately 90 minutes with two guests per water mobile who share driving equally.
• Minimum age - 8 years. Each minor must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minimum age to drive - 18 years and must present a valid driver’s license. Minimum height – 110 cm. Maximum weight – 110 kg.
• Please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, bring a hat, plenty of bio-degradable sunscreen and bottled water.

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• Vanuatu’s Culture
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Vanuatu’s Landscapes

• Vanuatu’s Beaches
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In every part of our vast country you’ll find unique experiences to make your dream holiday come true. Learn More

Things To Do

• Port Vila: Mele Cascades
• The Summit Gardens Vanuatu
• Ekasup Village
• Blokart Vanuatu
• Pele Island
• Edge Vanuatu
• Wet N Wild Adventure Park
• Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
• JoJo Beach Club
• Iririki Island
• Santo Blue Hole
• Blue Cave Tour
• Underwater Post Office
• Club Hippique
• The Vanuatu Cultural Centre
• The Secret Garden
• Bluewater Island Resort Aquarium
• Millenium Cave, Luganville
• Nanda Blue Hole / Jackies Blue Hole, Luganville

Port Vila Cruise Ship Shore Tours

• Port Vila Round Island Tour
• Dany Island
• Mount Hope Waterfall, Luganville
• SS President Coolidge, Luganville
• Port Olry Beach
• Santo Island Dive and Fishing, Luganville
• Vanuatu Seaplanes, Luganville
• Paradise Tours Santo, Luganville
• Velit Bay, Luganville
• Aquamarine Dive Center
• Day Spa Moyyan
• Allan Power Dive Tours
• Fanla Festival (ROM Festival)
• Bellevue Ranch
• Million Dollar Bay, Luganville
• Cave Kava Bar and Coconut Crab Sanctuary, Luganville
• Fiesta Sportfishing Charters, Luganville
• Mount Yasur
• Mystery Island
• Yakel Village
• Blue Hole Number Two
• Siviri Cave
• Lenuanatuaiu Waterfall
• Louniel Beach

Accommodation

• Eratap Beach Resort & Spa
• The Havannah Vanuatu
• Iririki Island Resort Vanuatu
• Warwick Le Lagon Vanuatu
• Ratua Island Resort Vanuatu
• Holiday Inn Vanuatu
• Aquana Beach Resort
• Le Life Resort Vanuatu
• Pacific Lagoon Apartments
• White Grass Ocean Resort Tanna
• Nasama Resort Vanuatu
• The Moso Vanuatu
• Deco Stop Lodge
• Friendly Beach Bungalows Tanna
• Turtle Bay Beach House/
• Cocomo Resort
• Fatumaru Lodge
• Tanna Evergreen Resort and Tours
• Ramada Resort Port Vila
• Nabelchel Bungalows
• Malog Bungalows
• Batis Seaside Guest House
• Lakatoro Palm Lodge
• Ameltoro Bungalows & Restaurant
• Nawori Sea View Bungalows

Vanuatu’s Cities

Vanuatu icons.

• Mt Yasur Volcano
• Champagne Beach
• Cascade Waterfalls
• SS Coolidge
• Blue Planet Logistics

Vanuatu Islands

• Espiritu Santo
• Vanuatu’s Major Events
• Custom Chief Day
• John Frum Day
• Lakona Bay Kastom Festival
• Kiwanis Charity Race
• Saint Andrew’s Day Cultural Festival
• Walter Lini Day

Malekula Island

• Cultural & Sightseeing Tours
• Bungalow & Guesthouse Accommodation
• Malekula Treks & Adventures

Before you go

• Planning a trip to Vanuatu?
• Useful Tips
• Health and Safety
• Customs and Quarantine

Plan Your Visit

• Find a Travel Specialist
• Find Flights
• Find Accommodation
• Special Offers

While You’re Here

• Getting Around Vanuatu
• Road Safety in Vanuatu

On a cruise and stopping over in Port Vila? Why not book an Atmosphere Tour and discover the beauty of the Island, get to know the local culture and learn about their history? You’ll depart the island with rich and beautiful memories of this tropical paradise.

Atmosphere Inbound Tours is an indigenous Ni-Vanuatu company with a dedicated team of drivers and tour guides who will inspire you with their passion, knowledge of and love for their country intertwined with their contagious sense of humour.

There are lots of Atmosphere Cruise Tours to choose from:

• Cruise Ship Cultural & Blue Lagoon & Lololima Cascades Tour
• Cruise Ship Cultural & Blue Lagoon Tour
• Cruise Ship Cultural & Lololima Cascades Tour
• Cruise Ship Cultural & Marine Conservation Tour
• Cruise Ship Cultural & Snorkeling Tour
• Cruise Ship Cultural Tour
• Cruise Ship Lololima Cascades & Duty Free Shopping & City Highlights Tour
• Cruise Ship Cultural, Blue Lagoon & Turtle Sanctuary Tour
• Round Island Tour

Atmosphere Cruises start 45 minutes after the incoming cruise ship actually berths and finish 1 hour before scheduled departure time.

So make the most of your stopover—experience and appreciate the true wonder of Vanuatu!

For any questions about Port Vila Cruise Ship Shore Tours or to make a booking at the best possible rate, contact us on the form below, we are open 24 hours 7 days

CALL US NOW!

Speak with a Vanuatu Travel Expert 24/7

Vacation Consultants are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For Immediate Assistance email at [email protected]

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Top 10 Tours

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• Saint Andrew’s Day Cultural Festival

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SHORE EXCURSIONS FOR Port Vila, Vanuatu

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Cruises to Port Vila

Part port, part village, part paradise.

Port Vila has seen more history and change than many towns ten or even a hundred times its size. when it comes to culture, tradition and history, this is a city with an incredible depth of each.

Port Vila is the trading centre and capital of Vanuatu. It’s perfectly located around a beautiful harbour on the south-western coast of the island of Efate. Here you’ll find a mix of cultures – Melanesian (Indigenous Ni-Vanuatu), French, English, Chinese and many others.

Header photo © David Kirkland

At A Glance

44,000 (2009 census)

English, Bislama and French

Parliamentary Republic

Port Vila Shore Tours

Most popular.

Guest favourites, the most booked Shore Tours at this port

Our handpicked Shore Tours are a must for any guest.

What To See

Ekasup cultural village.

Experience ancient Melanesian culture, customs, an introduction to traditional medicine and trapping of game. Discover how villagers preserve or prepare their food on a daily basis without electricity and hear tales of cannibalism from the not-so-distant past.

Cascade Waterfalls

Cascade Waterfalls is an accessible, 50m high waterfall with naturally eroded rock swimming ponds set amidst jungle-like rainforest. For the truly adventurous, consider abseiling down the waterfall! Join one of our Shore Tours to discover the magic of Vila.

Travel further afield

Port Vila is a spectacular natural harbour, yet it only represents a small part of the entire island of Efate. Beaches, cliffs, villages and spectacularly dense jungle and villages await discovery by land, air or sea. We have a number of tours available to help you explore this magnificent place.

More About Port Vila

Your ship will dock at Port Vila main wharf. A short drive to Port Vila main street.

GETTING AROUND

A taxi stand is available outside the port gates. Taxis can be identified by number plates starting with "T" and buses with a "B". We recommend negotiating your taxi fare before embarking.

Vila’s climate is tropical. The average mid-day temperature is 29 degrees in summer and 25 degrees in winter. It can also be very humid at times. The wet season is from December to March. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.

Credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted in larger stores, restaurants and some cafes. Some shops may accept Australian dollars but will only be able to give you change in Vatu. You will not be able to exchange your Vatu for Australian dollars once back onboard.

Satisfy your cravings with a gourmet meal at a licensed restaurant, a simple snack, a great coffee or Vanuatu’s national dish, laplap - a unique “packet” of local vegetables and meat or fish marinated in coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground. Quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products or sandwiches to be taken off the ship, however commercially packaged confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

Vila has everything from duty-free goods, and competitively priced indigenous arts, to great crafts and clothing. The Vanuatu Handicraft markets are also quite good. Most shopping is located along Lini Highway in the centre of town. Any souvenirs that are made of plant material or animal products must be declared to quarantine authorities on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Plant material such as certain seeds and animal products including feathers may be restricted or need to be treated at the owners’ expense on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Bargaining is not customary in Vanuatu.

COMMUNICATION

There are public telephones in downtown Vila. Mobile coverage is generally available as long as global roaming is selected prior to leaving home. WiFi is available in most of the restaurants and Internet Cafes may also be available in Port Vila.

WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat. You are also advised to bring sunscreen, bottled water and an umbrella during the wet season. Ni-Vanuatu are quite conservative, so please dress modestly. Wearing swimwear downtown is not acceptable. Nude or topless bathing is not permitted on any beach.

To observe the local customs of the south pacific islands a respectful dress code is required. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or pool and should be of a modest nature. G-strings, thongs and mankinis should not be worn. Topless sunbathing is also not permitted at anytime. When exploring the Islands and the local communities casual clothing should be worn. As a visitor to these beautiful islands please respect the wishes of local residents.

SHORE TOURS

There are a range of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in Port Vila. Tours can be booked onboard at the Shore Tours desk and are subject to availability. Passengers are required to meet at a specific location for each Shore Tour departure. Please refer to your tour ticket for the correct time and place.

ENVIRONMENT

Coral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effort to preserve its natural beauty and habitat please avoid touching it in all circumstances. Furthermore, just as with Australia’s beaches, blue bottles can visit occasionally in the summer months. During your time ashore we also ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please ask permission before you take photographs of Ni-Vanuatu (indigenous people).

Next Cruises To Port Vila

Average temperature & rainfall.

• Mystery Island

Did You Know?

The most northern islands of Vanuatu were first named by Europeans in 1768. French explorer, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville called them Les Grande Cyclades. Six years later, Captain James Cook chartered many of the islands in the archipelago and gave them the collective name New Hebrides, which remained in atlases for more than two hundred years.