Family Adventures in Vanuatu: Kid-Friendly Activities and Resorts for Families
Vanuatu is the perfect tropical getaway for you and your family. This island paradise is abundant with natural beauty and genuine Ni-Vanuatu hospitality that makes every moment feel special. Think exploring underwater marvels, jungles out of a storybook, beachfront fire shows and beautiful cultural experiences you and your kids will talk about for years.
Let’s dive in and find out why this diverse island nation is the perfect family-friendly holiday destination.
Family Fun Around Port Vila
Vanuatu’s vibrant and welcoming capital, Port Vila, is the perfect starting point for your family holiday, blending excitement with laid-back island charm. Centrally, you’ll find a number of bustling markets selling local produce, handmade clothing and jewellery. Venturing out, you’ll discover endless natural attractions, from the treetop-thrills of the Jungle Zipline to the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon and much more. A Port Vila holiday will certainly be unforgettable for the whole family.
If you’re thinking about making Port Vila your family holiday basecamp (something we’d highly recommend), finding the right accommodation is absolutely essential. As always, we’ve made that part easy for you with our selection of comprehensive holiday packages available in the region.
Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa is an Aussie favourite for good reason. This gorgeous resort is located at the edge of Erakor Lagoon and includes swimming pools, sun decks and a private beach.
There’s something for everyone here: enjoy the tennis courts, relax at the spa, or check out the activities centre to see what’s on offer. The 12-hole golf course is great for a casual game, and if you’re keen to get out on the water, you’ll have access to canoes, kayaks and catamarans. If all else fails for the little-ones, the Kids Club is bound to be a hit.
Iririki Island Resort is just minutes away from the town centre with a complimentary ferry. In addition to the usual kayaking and swimming, the resort boasts some of the best snorkelling spots in Vanuatu where you can explore the gorgeous sea-life in crystal clear waters.
Be sure to indulge in one of the multitude of treatments offered at the spa and cool off afterwards at the breathtaking four-level cascading family pool.
Don’t miss the amazing variety of evening shows. You and your family will be dazzled by the live music and fire dancing performances, every night of the week.
Jungle Zipline and Skybridge
Your trip to Port Vila wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Jungle Zipline. Get picked up in town and head into the jungle for an exciting day of fast-paced exploration. Glide across ravines and canyons, with amazing views of tropical greenery and the surrounding ocean.
If ziplining isn’t quite your speed, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the Skybridge. At 120m, it is the longest suspension bridge in the Southern hemisphere, and at a height of 66m, it’s the perfect vantage point to take in panoramic views of Mele Bay and even a seasonal waterfall.
The Beach Bar, Mele
Just outside Port Vila, The Beach Bar in Mele is one of those places where the whole family can kick back. Kids will love playing on the beach and paddling in the shallows, while you have a relaxing drink in the beer garden (not to mention their famous wood-fired pizza).
Tuesdays bring Movie Night on Port Vila’s biggest beachside screen: beanbags, stars, and popcorn included.
The main attraction, however, is the Friday night Fire Show. Watch the sand light up with an unforgettable performance by local talents of traditional fire dancing with staves, poi, fans and drumming.
Hideaway Island
Don’t miss a day trip to Hideaway Island, just a short boat ride from Port Vila. Safe, easy, and packed with fun, your kids will love this quirky holiday stop.
The calm, clear waters make it a top snorkelling spot for families. Even young kids can swim alongside colourful reef fish right off the beach. You can hire snorkel gear on the island, and the shallow reef means little ones won’t miss out on the action.
The world’s only underwater post office is sure to leave some lasting memories. Slip on a snorkel, dive a few metres, and post a waterproof postcard from under the sea. It’s a unique Vanuatu experience that kids will love.
If you’re not into snorkelling, explore the Island’s surroundings through scuba-diving, kayaking or paddling.
Blue Lagoon, Eton
Blue Lagoon is one of the best swim spots in Vanuatu; safe, accessible and with crystal-clear, electric blue water surrounded by lush jungle.
The calm, spring-fed lagoon is ideal for kids of all ages. The water is cool, refreshing, and shallow around the edges. You’ll love the rope swings, jumping off into the deep blue for hours of fun.
There are picnic tables, shaded areas, and basic facilities, so it’s easy to settle in for the day. Bring snacks, towels and a sense of adventure.
Espiritu Santo: A Natural Playground
Pristine white beaches, crystalline swimming holes and gorgeous snorkelling spots: A ‘Santo’ holiday might be just the thing for you and your family.
This island has a lot to offer, being the largest in the archipelago while also being surrounded by smaller islands, each with their own personality and offerings.
Whether you’re after adventure or just some family downtime, Santo’s got you covered.
Champagne Coast
The Champagne Coast offers one of the finest beaches Vanuatu has to offer (among many of the best beaches, might we add). The beaches here are safe and spacious, perfect for little swimmers, with shady spots for an afternoon picnic. Chances are, you’ll bump into some of the locals—not just the lovely people of Santo, but also the cows, who love to graze and walk along the beachfront like any other happy resident of Vanuatu.
Blue Holes
Santo is famous for its blue holes—natural freshwater swimming spots surrounded by jungle, similar to lagoons. Places like Nanda and Matevulu Blue Hole are not only breathtaking, but also great for families. The water is incredibly clear and cool, and rope swings offer endless fun. Some blue holes have basic facilities and picnic areas, so it’s easy to spend a few hours just swimming and soaking it all in.
Explore on Horseback
Set along the island’s beautiful east coast, Santo Horse Adventures lets you experience the island’s lush forests, beaches, and ocean views, all from the back of a friendly, well-trained horse. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced rider, the team here makes you feel right at home and matches you with a horse that suits your comfort level. Enjoy spotting local wildlife, wander through shady trails, or splash along the beach with the sea breeze in your face. They’ve got all the gear sorted, with safety being a top priority, meaning you and your little-ones will be well-looked after.
Dany Island
Just a quick boat ride from the mainland, Dany Island is a little slice of paradise and an absolute gem for snorkelling. The water’s crystal clear, the reefs are buzzing with colourful fish, and the current is nice and gentle, great for kids and beginners alike. Spend the day swimming, relaxing on the beach or just soaking up the island vibes.
The Raw Beauty of Tanna Island
For families looking for a bit of wild adventure, a Tanna Island holiday or day trip will definitely scratch that itch. Take a short flight from Port Vila and step into a world of volcanoes, black sand beaches and hidden caves.
Mt. Yasur
This famous active volcano is one of the most accessible of its kind. Its glow is said to have attracted Captain James Cook to the island during his voyage in the late 18th century.
Families can join a guided tour to the crater’s edge and watch as Mt. Yasur puts on the fireworks: gaze at glowing lava bursts and rumbling earth from one of the designated viewing areas. It’s exciting, educational, and something the kids will never forget.
Louniel Beach
With soft black volcanic sand and warm, rolling waves, Louniel Beach is a unique and unforgettable spot for families. Kids will love the novelty of sinking into the powdery dark sand, hunting for pumice stones and splashing around in the surf.
The beach stretches along the northeast coast of Tanna, backed by coconut palms and jungle greenery. It’s a bit of a drive to get there, but you’ll wind through gorgeous rainforest and amazing views of the entire coastline, with the aforementioned Mt. Yasur in the background.
Louniel Beach is peaceful, full of character and worth the trip.
Blue Cave
Even if snorkelling isn’t your thing, the Blue Cave is something you won’t want to miss. Reached by boat or road, it’s just a short swim into the cave. Once you’re in, the cave opens up into a stunning, light-filled space, with a natural skylight that beams sunlight down into the glowing blue water. It’s peaceful, surreal, and perfect for amazing holiday photos.
You don’t need to be a pro swimmer, but if you’re unsure about holding your breath for the short underwater entry, plan your visit around low tide, your tour operator can help with that. It’s a gorgeous experience that’s both relaxing and adventurous.
Pentecost Island: Jump In to Rich Cultural Experiences
In an island nation of vibrant, mixing cultures, natural marvels and serene island splendour, Pentecost still manages to stand out. Discover the birthplace of bungee jumping and gain an education on the rich traditions that inform the hearts and souls of its local people. The island is a gem of undisturbed beauty and will prove to be a highlight of your Vanuatu holiday.
The Land Diving Festival
If you’re visiting between April and June, you’re in for something special. Every Saturday during this season, villages across the island host the incredible Nagol Land Diving Ceremony.
Local men secure themselves with vines around their ankles before bravely leaping off of tall bamboo towers. The origin of this tradition is rather colourful, we’d urge you to research it yourself, or perhaps politely ask a local to recount the tale to you (parental discretion definitely advised). In summary, the legend says that a woman once jumped from a banyan tree to escape her husband. Originally, the ceremony was practiced by women, but over time it was co-opted by the men of Pentecost who felt the tradition was too dangerous for their wives.
The ceremony is intense, deeply meaningful and very unique. The whole event is family-friendly, with singing, dancing, and a welcoming village atmosphere that makes you feel part of something steeped in tradition and history.
Ready For Your Vanuatu Family Holiday?
Vanuatu is the ultimate family-friendly island getaway. Whether you’re after action, relaxation, or a bit of both, there’s something here for every member of your family.
Hoot Holidays offers a range of Vanuatu Holiday Packages so your family can relax and enjoy every second without any hassle. Read our Vanuatu Travel Guide for more information and contact us now to make this dream island escape your reality.
Images courtesy of the Vanuatu Tourism Office