Port Vila, Vanuatu cruises
Port Vila port guide
As you arrive in Port Vila, marvel in delight at the sight of the town’s colourful harbour. Beyond this you’ll find glistening lagoons and offshore islands, and idyllic views at every turn.
Free from skyscrapers and office blocks, Port Vila Harbour showcases the island's natural beauty. Not only this, but Port Vila is also the most important port in Vanuatu and lies at the heart of the country’s trade.
For thousands of years, the port of Port Vila has been occupied by Melanesian people, the indigenous population, and settlers of British, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese descent. This has earned Vanuatu the status of one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
With a charming blend of cultural tastes, beliefs, art, and cuisine, Port Vila is a vibrant town renowned for its restaurants, duty-free shopping, diving, fishing, and island adventures.
Here is our guide on everything you need to know about exploring the port town of Port Vila.
Top landmarks and sights in Port Vila
Ekasup Village
Located in the woods of Erakor, a trip to Ekasup Village brings you closer to the traditional way of life in Port Vila. Be treated to a closer look at how the Melanesian people have lived for over 3,000 years, and take lessons in farming, home economics, architecture, and medicament.
Underwater Post Office
Visit the world’s only underwater post office on Hideaway Island (known locally as Mele). At around three metres deep, the post office is open to snorkelers, scuba divers, and anyone who can hold their breath for long enough. Why not purchase a waterproof postcard on shore and swim out to mail home a unique souvenir?
Rarru Cascades
Rarru Cascades is a truly beautiful and peaceful setting you’re sure to treasure. Watch as water pours down over a natural ridge deep within the jungle and take a moment to breathe it all in. With rope swings, shallow areas, and spots to swim under the falls, this is certainly a spot to remember.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
Chief Roi Mata was a Melanesian ruler who once oversaw the islands that make up modern-day Vanuatu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises three sites – his residence, the place of his death, and his burial site. Visit Chief Roi Mata’s Domain to learn more about the local history and oral traditions.
Things to do in Port Vila
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
A modern Roman Catholic cathedral in Port Vila, this religious building welcomes guests for mass where they’ll be treated to a vibrant atmosphere full of joy and song.
Vanuatu Jungle Zipline
Zooming through rain forest, canyons, and across the ocean, the Vanuatu Jungle Zipline park brings a fun yet challenging activity that’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping. With 13 ziplines travelling over two kilometres, this is a unique opportunity to view Port Vila from above.
Duty-free shopping
Port Vila is well known for its range of duty-free stores which offer a great variety of products at low prices. Fung Kuei is the largest duty-free store in Port Vila, located on the waterfront. Housed in an iconic yellow building, you can easily spend an afternoon here browsing the range of spirits, fragrances, sunglasses, watches, sporting goods, and more.
The Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre was founded in 1959 and is the national cultural institution of Vanuatu. The museum houses many traditional artefacts and displays that promote the diverse cultures of the islands. From sand drawing to music, and customary practices to indigenous knowledge, here you can learn all sorts about the culture and history of Port Vila.
Eating and drinking in Port Vila
Local fruits, vegetables, seafood, and plenty of ‘laplap’ (a local delicacy made from grated yams, bananas, taro, manioc, or cassava and covered in coconut milk) can be found at the bustling Port Vila market. Sprawling with tasty snacks and fresh produce prepared by local vendors, the famous market is a great place to sample the true tastes of the island.
Other Ni-Vanuatu dishes include citrus-baked fish in coconut cream, poulet fish, Vanuatu coconut cake, and coconut crab. Coconut along with bananas, sugarcane, tropical nuts, and yams are key staples of a traditional diet in Port Vila. As families typically cultivate food in their gardens, these foods can be found in abundance.
The nation is well-recognised for its high-quality chocolate. Traditionally made by local Ni-Vanuatu people from cocoa beans grown on their land, you’ll find many chocolate-based products to try.
Getting around, Port Vila transport
Taxis are readily available in Port Vila, or, for those who enjoy walking, the area is generally flat land that can be explored on foot.
Typically, taxis are more expensive if they’re hailed from the street. For this reason, you may prefer to call and book ahead. It’s a short drive to the centre of town from the port, however a locally operated shuttle van is usually available. The route can also be walked – it’s roughly one mile.
Port Vila port facilities
The port itself at Port Vila is modest, offering some duty-free shopping, toilets, and a waiting area.
Port Vila quick tips
Currency
The Vatu is the local currency in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Card payments are widely accepted in most establishments however it is recommended that you carry some cash for small shops and family-owned businesses. You’ll find ATMs dotted around the centre.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Port Vila, neither is haggling or bargaining. For great service, a ‘thank you’ is often considered enough.
Weather
Port Vila has a tropical climate with wet and dry months, and it’s generally windy all year round.
Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 31°C during the summer, while the winter months reach lows of 17°C. Typically, the winters are short.