Why you should plan an adventure to Tanna, Vanuat

Home to one of the world’s most accessible live volcanos, the tiny island of Tanna in Vanuatu’s south is ready-made for unforgettable adventures.

Vanuatu is an archipelagic country of 83 islands in the South Pacific. The sixth largest, Tanna is just 40km (25 miles) long and 19km (12 miles) wide – but visitors will find plenty to see and do among its minimally developed tropical landscapes. Two-thirds of the island’s 30,000 inhabitants live traditionally, deep in the mountains, where they raise their families in thatched huts and grow produce in the island’s rich volcanic soil. These resilient local traditions and warm Pacific Islander hospitality – in addition to the exciting allure of wild nature – make Tanna a top location for an adventure holiday. Here are five ways to get the most of it.

1. Squeeze your way into the magical Blue Cave

Tanna’s Blue Cave is a remarkable example of nature showing off. The cave is accessed via an unassuming entrance carved in a limestone cliff, and requires a sharp set of eyes (or preferably a tour guide) to spot. You’ll then need to roll into a shallow duck-dive at high tide to pass through the opening.

You’ll pop up in a secret paradise.

Inside, a ray of light beams through an opening at the top of cave, creating an intense spotlight on the turquoise water. Smooth rocks jut out of the water around the cave perimeter: perfect spots for sitting down and taking in the gentle lapping sounds. Don’t forget your waterproof camera or case for your smartphone, for you’ll want a visual memory of this place.

2. Watch the fireworks at the rim of Mt Yasur volcano

Tanna’s main calling card is its active volcano, Mt Yasur. A thick plume of smoke constantly hovers above the mountain, tempting visitors game enough to peer into its red-hot crater, poised for the intermittent eruptions that shoot streaks of glowing lava up to 200m (656ft) into the air. A small visitor center sits at the base of the mountain, from which guests get transported up the 360m(1181ft)-high mountain in 4WD vehicles. A steep 10-minute walk from the drop-off point leads to the crater rim. 

It’s best to arrive late afternoon to admire the elevated view across the green plains and distant mountains in the daylight, then watch…