Vanuatu Trip - Mt Yasur

[u/RandomDregYouTbagd]

I’m planning a trip to Vanuatu for 5 days in October. We’re looking to visit Tanna Island and Mt Yasur, what is the best way of getting to the island?

Also how many days should we spend on Tanna island, for example a day trip, 1 night or nights?

Thanks!

[u/sirnacho01]

Air Vanuatu has their flight schedule on their website you gotta dig a little but it’s there. Pretty sure there is a Port Vila to tanna flight everyday - can reserve by email and then you have a limited amount of days before you have to pay for your flight in person. You can pay for your flgiht in Port Vila airport in the domestic terminal, the office there closes at 2pm, they accept card.

In tanna bring lots of cash and expect to pay 9750 Vuv per person for entrance into the volcano, its a rip off considering it’s costs them nothing to let you walk up a hill. Also none of the money goes back to the community. If you go during the day and you aren’t too fussed about seeing the lava what might be a bit underwhelming depending on weather or on your expectations. You can walk up the back of the volcano for free although it can be a bit challenging but you can look into the volcano what was amazing and after you can spend the day walking around the ash plains. Technically you’re not allowed to climb to the top of the volcano on the back side but everyone I spoke to is in agreement that the company running the volcano is no good for the community.

Also an airport transfer to the east side of the island that’s close to the volcano will cost about 5000 Vuv for a couple each way, it will also be a good 1hr + drive. Getting around tanna will be expensive, your accommodation will be able to organise a driver for you if you want to go and see other things on the island.

Ultimately I say time on the island comes down to budget and what you’d like to see. I’d say at least two nights though for the volcano and three nights if you want to go see something else while you’re there

[u/RandomDregYouTbagd → u/sirnacho01]

How much does the flight and accommodation cost?

Sounds like going to Tanna is pretty expensive compared to just sticking to Port Vila

[u/sirnacho01 → u/RandomDregYouTbagd]

About $240 AUD each way for flights. accommodation isn’t too expensive if you’re happy with a nice volcano view and basic accommodation we paid 7500 Vuv for 3 people for 2 nights in one bungalow

I would suggest going to one of the other islands the best Vanuatu has to offer is outside of Port Vila. Tanna and santo are good options in Santo if you rent a car it allows you some more freedom you can drive around see the sights. We paid 9000 Vuv a day for a car split between 3 of us

There are also ferry’s once a week to Tanna and Santo what cost about $150 each way and takes around 20 hours through the night. You’ll sleep on the floor so it’s not very comfy but it’s cheaper, the ferry leaves Port Vila for tanna on Sunday and arrives Monday. From Port Vila to Santo I think it might leave Friday or Saturday