The Best Beaches in Vanuatu
With over 80 islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, the archipelago nation of Vanuatu boasts some of the world’s most pristine and picturesque beaches. From famous resort beachfront to remote, undiscovered shores, Vanuatu’s beaches offer powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or pure relaxation.
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Blue Lagoon, Efate Island
Considered Vanuatu’s most famous beach, Blue Lagoon is located on the island of Efate, just 20 minutes from the capital city of Port Vila. True to its name, Blue Lagoon’s waters display an intense azure color that must be seen to be believed. The narrow beach stretches over a kilometer, with plenty of large trees providing ample shade. The area has good facilities with shops, cafés and resorts nearby.
Water activities like snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and boating can all be easily arranged. Visibility underwater is excellent thanks to an offshore passage in the reef, which continually flushes new seawater into the lagoon. It’s an ideal beach for families looking for a convenient getaway.
Coco Beach Resort, Espiritu Santo Island
Over Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo, lies the Coco Beach Resort, widely considered one of the nation’s best beaches and hotels. The resort offers different types of accommodation mere steps from the beachfront, ranging from rooms to overwater bungalows on stilts over the turquoise lagoon.
The shallow, protected beach offers safe swimming conditions for kids and adults. Snorkeling equipment and non-motorized water sports like kayaks are free for guests. Several excellent scuba diving sites are offshore in deeper waters, and world-class sport fishing is available from December to April. The resort’s beachside restaurant serves delicious fresh local seafood and produce meals.
Breakas Beach Resort, Pentecost Island
Sitting on a romantic, crescent-shaped white sand beach on remote Pentecost Island is the lovely Breakas Beach Resort. The intimate, eco-friendly resort blends traditional Melanesian design with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi. Guests stay in spacious, beachfront bungalows offering sublime ocean views through private decks.
The calm, clear waters allow good swimming and snorkeling opportunities to spy on beautiful tropical fish. Guests can also enjoy cultural village visits, jungle hikes to scenic waterfalls, or kayaking adventures to secluded bays along the coast. It’s a great spot to experience Vanuatu’s natural scenery and culture.
Rentapaua, Tanna Island
Adventurous travelers should head straight for Tanna Island in southern Vanuatu to discover the remote and rugged beach at Rentapaua. Part of customary land owned by the locals, Rentapaua offers untouched golden sand lined by soaring palm trees, surrounded by dense rainforest.
The consistent groundswell produces head-high waves, making it a famous surfing beach for experienced riders. Cool off afterward by swimming in crystal clear waters with colorful fish and coral gardens teeming with marine life. Nearby volcanoes and waterfalls add incredible photo opportunities in pristine nature devoid of crowds.
Barrier Beach Resort, Tanna Island
Also located on Tanna Island is the Barrier Beach Resort, adjacent to Vanuatu’s only marine sanctuary. Guests can feed giant sea turtles from the beach or spot dolphins frolicking in the bay. The less protected side of the bay offers bodysurfing waves for surfing enthusiasts.
Visitors stay in traditional thatched roof bungalows along a narrow white sand beach framed by towering green cliffs covered in jungle foliage. It’s an atmospheric spot far from daily stresses where you can spend evenings around a beach bonfire under the stars. The utter relaxation and tropical beauty make Barrier Beach Resort exceptional.
Paradise Cove Resort, Nguna Island
Off Vanuatu’s northeastern coast lies the tiny island of Nguna, home to the aptly named Paradise Cove Resort. This adults-only boutique resort is dedicated to providing couples with a romantic atmosphere and lots of privacy. Guests stay in spacious beachfront villas with king-sized beds and large sundecks overlooking the sea.
The protected west-facing bay keeps prevailing winds away, creating superb snorkeling and swimming conditions. The resort’s gourmet restaurant serves five-star international cuisine featuring fresh seafood and organic fruits and vegetables grown onsite. It’s a picture-perfect hideaway tailor-made for honeymooners or couples celebrating special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches in Vanuatu for families?
Blue Lagoon near Port Vila and Coco Beach Resort on Espiritu Santo Island are excellent beach options for visiting Vanuatu families. Both offer safe swimming areas for kids, plenty of water activities, restaurants, and convenience due to their proximity to the country’s main airports and cities.
What are the best surfing beaches in Vanuatu?
The consistent waves along Rentapaua Beach on Tanna Island and Barrier Beach Resort on the east coast of Tanna near Port Resolution attract avid surfers worldwide. These remote beaches surrounded by jungle remain primarily undiscovered by tourists.
What are some excellent snorkeling and diving beaches?
The protected turquoise lagoons of Blue Lagoon, Coco Beach Resort, and Breakas Beach Resort all provide excellent visibility for snorkelers and divers. Each area contains healthy surrounding coral reefs home to extensive varieties of tropical fish and marine life.
What beach would you recommend for a honeymoon or romantic getaway?
With its adults-only policy, beachfront villas, and emphasis on privacy, Paradise Cove Resort on Nguna Island is tailored explicitly for romantic escapes. Other charming, peaceful options for couples include Breakas Resort and Barrier Beach Resort.
Conclusion
From world-famous resort beaches and lagoons to remote, undiscovered shores, Vanuatu offers unique beach experiences to suit all interests and needs amongst its 80+ tropical islands. With so much diversity spanning underwater tropical wonderlands, consistent surf, and stunning sunsets in isolated locales, travelers searching for that quintessential South Pacific paradise need look no further than the beaches of Vanuatu.
