5 reasons to choose Tanna Island in Vanuatu for your next adventure

Tanna, a small island in southern Vanuatu, is home to one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, perfect for unforgettable escapades.

Vanuatu is an archipelago consisting of 83 islands in the South Pacific. Tanna, the sixth largest, measures just 40 km (25 miles) long and 19 km (12 miles) wide, yet offers a wealth of experiences amidst its lush, underdeveloped landscapes. Two-thirds of the island's 30,000 residents maintain traditional lifestyles in the mountains, living in thatched huts and cultivating crops in the fertile volcanic soil. The blend of resilient local customs, welcoming Pacific Islander hospitality, and the captivating beauty of nature make Tanna a prime destination for adventure seekers. Here are five ways to maximize your experience.

1. Dive into the enchanting Blue Cave

Tanna’s Blue Cave is a stunning showcase of nature's wonders. The entrance, nestled within a limestone cliff, is discreet and requires keen eyes (or a knowledgeable guide) to find. To enter, you’ll need to perform a shallow duck-dive during high tide to slip through the opening.

You’ll emerge into a hidden paradise.

Inside, a shaft of light filters through a top opening, casting a brilliant spotlight on the turquoise waters below. Smooth stones rise from the water's edge around the cave, providing ideal spots to relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera or a case for your smartphone—you’ll want to capture the beauty of this place.

2. Experience the fireworks from the edge of Mt Yasur volcano

Tanna’s most notable feature is its active volcano, Mt Yasur. A dense cloud of smoke perpetually hangs over the mountain, enticing brave souls to gaze into its fiery crater, ready for the eruptions that launch glowing lava as high as 200m (656ft) into the sky. At the base, a small visitor center serves as the starting point for 4WD rides up the 360m (1181ft) mountain, followed by a steep 10-minute trek to the crater's edge.

Arrive in the late afternoon to take in the sweeping views of lush plains and far-off mountains during daylight, then witness the breathtaking spectacle of lava bursts after sunset. Yasur demands your attention: follow local safety advice and take selfies carefully, as there are no guardrails along the rim.

3. Enjoy a soak in the hot spring at Sulphur Bay

Situated at the foot of Mt Yasur, Sulphur Bay boasts prime real estate for the local villagers. Lush palm trees line a beautiful stretch of white sand, flanked by the mountain on one side and a rugged red cliff on the other. At the base of the cliff, a shallow hot spring emerges, reaching a steamy 60°C (140°F) at its source but mellowing into a soothing temperature as it flows toward the ocean.

As the warm water cascades over you, scrub your skin with the fine black ash from the riverbed, then cool off with a swim in the refreshing sea. The spring serves as a constant source of hot water, and you might notice a few locals indulging in the same ritual. If you ask kindly, the villagers will gladly show you around their community.

4. Dive into snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the ocean's treasures

The waters surrounding Tanna are renowned for their clarity, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The only PADI-accredited dive center on the island, Volcano Island Divers at White Grass Ocean Resort and Spa, offers a variety of courses suitable for everyone from novices to experienced divers. After a brief assessment in the pool, you can seek out the flock of green turtles that often visit the resort's coral gardens, along with eels, spotted rays, and even dolphins. For those without diving certification, snorkeling is also available.

Divers can select from an array of shore and boat dive sites, including enchanting blue holes linked by swim-through passages, the wreck of the MV Jean Percy resting in 14m (46ft) of water after a reef collision, and Kamtiua Reef, where seasoned divers can experience dramatic drop-offs and swim alongside yellowfin tuna and barracuda.

5. Prepare for a warm reception in Yakel village

To truly understand Tanna’s traditional lifestyle, seemingly unchanged for ages, a visit to a mountain village is essential. Yakel, renowned from the Oscar-nominated film Tanna, is one of the island’s most esteemed kastom villages, honoring the traditional ways of life for visitors.

Following a rugged 4WD trek through the mountains, you'll be welcomed by community members performing a traditional dance, singing and stomping in rhythm while adorned in grass skirts and loincloths. After the lively display, let the locals guide you to their village, where chickens and pigs wander freely among the thatched homes.

The appeal of commerce has reached the villagers, so bring along some cash if you wish to purchase local crafts.

How to reach Tanna Island

Tanna's Whitegrass Airport is located less than an hour's flight south of the capital, Port Vila, with regular flights operated by Air Taxi Vanuatu.