Overview to Vanuatu: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
The island nation of Vanuatu is an archipelago of some 83 islands scattered around the South Pacific. Volcanic in origin, swathed in dense rainforest and made up of a seemingly endless stream of one stunning beach after another, they are an idyllic vision of a tropical paradise.
Out at sea, the reefs are a veritable kaleidoscope of marine life. Naturally, many travelers come for the diving and snorkeling, and the reefs (and numerous wrecks) of Efate and Espiritu Santo contain some of the best dives in the world.
But the country also has a rich tribal history which attracts a number of travelers with an interest in social anthropology. The main islands of interest are Estate, Espiritu Santo, Tanna and Pentecost, each providing a series of experiences and attractions that are utterly unique.
Traditional cultural ceremonies and celebrations are still on show and visitors are welcome to participate and join in the fun. A notable example of this is the Tannese Nekowiar and Toka ceremonies, which last for several days without a break.
Vanuatu is also home to some of the more unusual of the world’s religious cults. These include ‘cargo cults’ and the worship of John Frum; on the southern island of Tanna, the Yaohnanen tribe even worship the member of the British Royal family, Prince Phillip!
The islands are also extremely popular amongst naturalists and ecotourists due to the dizzying variety and beauty of flora and fauna. Whether sea kayaking or trekking through the forests, the feeling of having the whole place pretty much to yourself is an exhilarating one.