mount yasur tour from port vila

• Tours & Dates
• Destinations

Adventure Volcano - Yasur Volcano Travel

• 4 days for observation of the active volcano Yasur
• Close meeting of the traditional life and culture of the Vanuatu people
• Relax on paradise beaches

Tanna Island & Yasur volcano

Arrival info:.

The tour starts and ends in the capital Port Vila on Efate Island where international flights arrive (usually from Brisbane or Sydney in Australia or via Aukland New Zealand). Participants normally arrange their own flight tickets, but on request we can help with that.

Additional info

Physical requirements.

Hiking up Yasur Volcano is easy and takes about 1 hour from the accommodation (possibility to shorten even that using 4x4). Longer and more challenging hikes can be done on request.

Arrival on Vanuatu (Port Vila, Efate Island)

Flight to tanna, day-trip to port resolution beach & yasur volcano.

Custom dances of Imao - John Frum village - Yasur

Flight tanna - port vila, free afternoon, end of tour, tour dates & prices, prices for tours at custom dates on request.

• Domestic flights (return) Efate (Port Vila) - Tanna Island
• All transfers as described in the itinerary
• Accommodation on Tanna island in spartanic bungalows in the rainforest near the volcano
• 2 nights in hotel in Port Vila (1st and last day)
• 1 day trip (return transfer) to Port Resolution transfer
• 1 day trip (return transfer) to John Frum village
• 1 evening return transfer to Yasur volcano
• Full board from arrival on Tanna island to last night in Port Vila, including drinking water
• Half board on Tanna Island
• Entry fees for Yasur volcano (unlimited number of visits)
• Experienced local guide for Tanna Island & Yasur volcano
• Professional volcanologist guide from our team

Not included:

• Travel to and from Vaunatu (see details section)
• Drinks and meals not mentioned as included
• Additional transfers & extra excursions if requested

AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!!

"Hi there Tom, First up - AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity Yasmin is a fantastic guide and what can I say about the crater lakes? Unbelievable! Everyone has been absolutely raving about the photos I bought back-hopefully you'll get some business off the back of it, you guys deserve it." (Kat S. from Brisbane, about the Vanuatu volcano expedition )

One of the best volcano trips you can ever think to do is this one." Volcanoes in the South Sea

... the most outstanding holiday of my entire life ( Vanuatu Volcano Expedition ).

"Hi Tom, ... , I was on the May Vanuatu expedition. I have to say that it was the most outstanding holiday of my entire life."... "Tom, You're welcome to quote me by name, but I should add a bit more. I've done several expedition tours with various outfits over the years, and VolcanoDiscovery is clearly the best that I've encountered." (Bruce V., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano Expedition ).

Thank you for the wonderful trip to Vanuatu

"Dear Tom, Thank you for the wonderful trip to Vanuatu. We enjoyed the challenging trekking and picturesque scenery very much. Special thanks should go to our professional and charming guide Yashmin." (Larissa, Russia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea tour on Vanuatu )

the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job!

"Hello Tom: the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job! I came back fitter than before and looking forward to the next trip. Yashmin has convinced me to put Guatamala on the list!" (Richard H., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano tour )

Your Vanuatu Volcano tour was a fantastic mix...

"Dear Yashmin and Tom Thank you for a wonderful, awesome holiday. Holidaying with volcanoes was Craig's wish holiday and it definitely lived up to his expectations. ... Your Vanuatu Volcano tour was a fantastic mix of hard core volcanoes and cultural Vanuatu life . I really enjoyed the time we spent in Endu while we both found the volcanoes amazing. Yashmin thank you for your quiet persistent handling of the Air Vanuatu troubles. I am going to email them some feedback, but this will probably not make much difference. Thank you again. I am not sure if other volcano tours are in our future, but if they are are we will do them with you. Shellie" (Shellie B., Australia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea Vanuatu volcano tour)

"I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu" Vanuatu Expedition

" Just wanted to let you know I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu on your volcanoes in the south sea tour. After a few hiccups at the beginning Ulla and Basti were able to get things sorted and we set out on our adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, seeing the 2 things that I had always wanted to see...... boiling lava and an exploding volcano! If Yasur was in my backyard I would love to watch it every night! It also made a big difference to share the adventure with friendly, easy going people from around the world. Ulla and Basti were fantastic, very accommodating and nothing was ever too hard. This was my 2nd tour with volcano discovery, Volcanoes of Java being my first last year. I would recommend either of these trips to anyone who is seeking a volcano adventure." Kristy W (Australia)

a cool trip in a really cool group - Vanuatu expedition

"Back home. It was a cool trip in a really cool group. Thanks to Ulla Lohmann and above all also Basti everything went smooth despite logistic challenges on location. The experience of both gave us a great insight into the culture and people of Vanuatu. The video from this trip will this time be a professional one, as the SWR film team was with us. In November, you can see an impression from this tour on "Länder, Menschen,Abenteuer". Perhaps you'll see me in there as well." (Alexander Günther, Hanover, Germany)

...What a genuinely life changing experience!... ( Ambrym volcano tour )

"Wow Tom! What a genuinely life changing experience! I'm speechless!!! Yashmin and the guides were first class and I am forever grateful for dealing with such experienced people! I want to go again! Thanking you Tim J C." (Australia)

"I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu" (Andrew about the recent Expedition to Vanuatu )

"Hello Yashmin, and everyone at Volcano Discovery! ... Thank you for running the Vanuatu tour, and explaining everything volcanic, and helping to keep us safe on the mountain and healthy in the jungles. None of us went for a lava swim so I guess it's a success? Also, thanks for putting the flashing parking lights on the hills at Maroum because for a while I was concerned we wouldn't find our way back. But I think our local guides could have walked up and down blindfolded, they were amazing. Thanks for loaning me your jacket when I thought I would freeze to death - it was a privilege to wear that logo for just a few hours. :-D Also thank you for helping me to understand that cultural immersion is the main value of travel. I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu. Not to mention the poulet fish is superb! I may even have a taste for camping, Camenbert theory, and cassava that I didn't have before." (Andrew M., Australia)

"Hi, I liked the Vanuatu trip, I think it was pretty professionally run and I would travel with Volcano Discovery again it's a good company and the people that travel on it are all nice..." (Antony, Australia about the Volcanoes in the South Sea expedition to Vanuatu)

Es war SUPER ( Trip to Vanuatu )

"Hallo Tom, kurze Naricht nach der Reise: es war SUPER!!!!! ...bien cordialement Gilles" (Sarregueminnes)

Feuerberge der Südsee - Rückmeldung

"So urteilte ein Kunde über die 14 tägige Reise, welche als Expedition ausgewiesen wurde. Das Reiseprospekt informierte im Voraus hervorragend über die zu erwartende Erlebnisse. Die Durchführung der im Prospekte angegebenen Ankündigungen war vorbildlich. Alle Fahrzeuge bzw. Flugzeuge, die für die Transfers erforderlich waren bis auf einmal pünktlich, was unter den gegebenen Umstände ( auf Ambrym und Tanna existieren keine asphaltierten Strassen bzw. keine funktionierende Infrastruktur) eine ausgezeichnete Leistung darstellt. Zugleich blieb es jedoch möglich unter bestimmtem Umständen und mit Zustimmung der Reiseteilnehmer, dort wo das gewünscht wurde vom Reiseplan abzuweichen. Für die Reiseleitung konnte die Fernseh-Moderatorin und Fotojournalistin Ulla Lohmann verpflichtet werden. Aufgrund Ihrer außergewöhnlichen Kenntnisse der Südsee und deren Bewohner konnte Sie nicht nur viel Wissenswertes vermitteln, sondern wegen Ihren vielen früheren Kontakten mit den Insulaner Tabus durchbrechen und der ganzen Gruppe von neun Personen die Warmherzigkeit dieser Insulaner näher bringen. So waren Besuche bei den verschiedenen Dorfbewohnern einer der Höhepunkte dieser rundum gelungener Reise. Ihre hervorragenden Kenntnisse als Photographin und Hobby Vulkanologin führte zu mehreren sagenhaften Besuchen der Feuerberge mit gigantischen Ausblicken , die von den Besuchern – auch mit ihre Hilfe – auch fotographisch zu absoluten Höhepunkte werden konnten. Auf den ältesten Expeditionsteilnehmer – immerhin deutlich über 60 Jahre alt – wurde stets Rücksicht genommen ohne das dies zu Einschnitte für die Jüngeren führte. Ich kann diese einmalige Reise jeden Vulkan – bzw. Südsee Liebhaber nur empfehlen. " (G. Franquinet, Teilnehmer der Pilotreise Mai 2009)

"Hi dear volcano lovers, ... I also wanted to thank everybody for making this tour so great! Especially our professional and charming Ulla, for guiding us around Vanuatu, and Tom for the initiative/organization. Hope we'll meet again sometime, miss you all, Ronny" ( Vanuatu expedition )

Requested tour:

Name and (billing) address of the main traveler (person responsible for the booking):, you can enter the names of up to 3 additional participants in your booking:, additional information:.

Tanna Volcano Tour

From: $ 610.00

Tour is available every day.

Adult: X $777 AUD - Day Tour

Children (11 years and under): X $520 AUD - Day Tour

Adult: X $800 AUD - Overnight tour @ Yasur View lodge (Budget)

Adult: X $910 AUD - Overnight tour @ Evergreen Resort (Budget)

Children (11 years and under): X $610 AUD - Overnight tour @ Evergreen Resort (Budget)

Adult: X $1118 AUD - Overnight tour @ White Grass Resort or Rockwater Resort (Recommended)

Children (11 years and under): X $700 AUD - Overnight tour @ White Grass Resort - No kids allowed at Rockwater Resort (Recommended)

Description

• Reviews (0)

Mount Yasur on Tanna, an island in the Tafea Province of Vanuatu, is the world’s most accessible active volcano.

It is believed that Captain Cook, the famous English explorer, was attracted to Tanna by the glow of Yasur in 1774.

Mount Yasur is also revered by the John Frum cargo cult movement of Sulphur Bay as they believe that Manehivi (aka John Frum), the messenger, who promised them riches resides in there.

More recently segments of the movie, Chinese Zodiac, starring Jackie Chan were filmed there. And we at Atmosphere are proud to have been the actor and his entourage’s preferred airport transfer operator in Port Vila!

That aside, if there is one thing in this life that you must and can do – it is a visit to the active volcano on Tanna.

The sound and sights of an erupting volcano are a surreal experience that can only be had by being there in person!

Atmosphere offers competitive day and overnight packages to Tanna from Port Vila.

Our packages cover return airport transfers in Port Vila & Tanna, return airfares, tour guide and entrance fees to the volcano, and accommodation for our Overnight Tour option (at  Tanna Evergreen Resort  or  Whitegrass Resort ), or the new iconic, sophisticated-Eco Rockwater Resort if applicable.

Please contact us for details.

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Vanuatu volcano tours: what’s the best way to visit tanna volcano.

• Post published: 20 June 2018
• Post category: Oceania/South Pacific / Vanuatu

Exploring the lands of an active volcano to watch explosions of lava… How does that sound? Tanna volcano (Mount Yasur) is the main tourist attraction of the island and one of the best things to do in Vanuatu . There are many Vanuatu volcano tours organised to bring tourists to the summit of Mount Yasur, known as the world’s most accessible active volcano. Is it worth it? And what’s the best way to experience Tanna volcano? These tips will help you plan your trip to Mount Yasur.

What you will find in this article about Tanna volcano:

• what to expect from your Tanna volcano tour, including comments on the tour itself and the transport to get there
• a list of the different options to experience Tanna volcano (day and overnight tours, hiking, scenic flights) with estimated costs (including Tanna volcano tour price, transport, flights, accommodation)
• additional tips on when to go and things to bring to maximise your Tanna volcano experience

What to expect from Vanuatu volcano tours in Tanna

Tanna volcano and the overall island didn’t disappoint. Watching an active volcano lighting the sky in red is an incredible view and probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I felt my entire body vibrating every time the volcano woke up.

Standing near a crater with explosions sending hot rocks over your head is one of the most impressive sights in anyone’s life.

Despite being the country’s main tourist attraction, they have kept Tanna volcano summit untouched with no fences and no signs, which adds a thrill to the experience. It should be on every adventure seeker’s adrenaline bucket list .  Is it safe for visitors?  The edge of the crater of an active volcano has, of course, its amount of hazards. But accidents remain rare. You should be fine if you go there with a knowledgeable guide, follow instructions and use common sense. I believe the main threats come from the projectiles. If a big explosion happens, don’t panic and make sure you face the crater to see the rocks flying in the air that could potentially hit you, and move accordingly.

Although having access to an active volcano is incredible, I found the Tanna volcano tours disappointing.

They all offer the same experience to reach the summit. There is actually only one operator that manages the volcano. With their monopoly, they tripled the entry fee in a few years. I feel it is fair to pay to visit such a unique site. When you compare the price to other Vanuatu volcano tours, it puts it in perspective. But we are not talking about the same duration here.  In my opinion, the reason why Tanna volcano tour price is perceived as incredibly expensive is due to the tour not delivering the experience you may wish for that price.

I regretted there was no option offered to tailor the experience closer to our adventurous travel style. Everybody leaves from the same place, at the same time, for the same experience. Should we have picked another volcano to visit? When I looked for other Vanuatu volcano tours that would include a trek to an active volcano, I only found Ambrym. It was a higher budget and with the volcano activity raised to 3 out of 5 when we were planning our trip, we found it risky to add it to the plan for that time.

I also doubt the profit made by the company running Tanna volcano tours is distributed to the surrounding communities or invested in protecting the environment – which is a major downside for me.

Culminating at only 361 metres above sea level, Tanna volcano is perfect for those who don’t like to make efforts. Visitors are taken in a 4WD to a car park near the summit. As far as I know, it’s the only one of the Vanuatu volcano tours that allow an approach for anyone. You only have to walk a few minutes to enjoy the show. But you share the place with dozens of other people as a reminder that you are at the top of the most accessible active volcano in the world indeed.

In some ways, it reminded me of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia , sometimes considered one of the seven summits . You can catch a chairlift almost to the top or opt for an 18-kilometre walk across the ridges and the nearby mounts. Guess which alternative I preferred…

So I wished a more challenging (and by this, I don’t mean risky!) option was offered to reach the top of Mount Yasur. The cost of petrol was often mentioned as a justification for the excessive cost of transport. So why not save this car trip for some visitors? It would also allow to spread the numbers of visitors at the top and give a more intimate experience.

Thinking of hiking Tanna volcano without a group tour?

During my online research and while I was there, I found nothing that indicated that you are not allowed to go by yourself to see Mount Yasur craters from close. However, it does not sound safe to tackle an active volcano without local knowledge: the explosions, the lava and the sulphur clouds are dangerous. Tracks exist: I found a map of this two-hour treck that someone did in 2017 for example, but they do not seem to be accessible for tourists.

While we were diving in Santo, we met a couple of French people who – after doing the tour – thought it was okay to hike Mount Yasur by themselves. They described being caught by security guards at the top and treated like brigands, threatened to be brought to the police until they accepted to pay the volcano tour amount.

So it does seems the company organising the tours owns the access to the place. They only allow visitors on their tour to reach the summit.

Thinking of negotiating transport costs to Tanna volcano?

The airport is on the west side of the island and Tanna volcano is on the east. So you will need to drive for 1.5 hours across the island to reach it. Although they are making improvements on the roads, they are still in poor condition and only recommended for experienced drivers. Petrol is expensive on this remote island and that’s how they justify the hefty transfer cost of 5,000 VT one way for a private transfer.

It is tempting to try to lower this expense when you know that’s almost ten times what locals pay when they share a ride in a pickup. We did not manage to get public transport or a discount rate.  It seemed only private transfers were possible for tourists to go to the east coast . Apparently, a group of drivers is controlling the prices.

The only way we found to reduce the transport cost to Tanna volcano was to be lucky and team up with another group of travellers . The driver did not divide the 5,000 VT by the number of people but made us pay the 2,500 VT for two as we agreed before knowing we would be five in the truck, plus a couple of locals. Anyway, we felt this was a fair price for us, and we were the lucky ones inside the car. The ride at the back – although very scenic – looked extremely uncomfortable with all the potholes and the cold wind.

There is no possibility of hiring a car in Tanna . No bikes were available for visitors at the accommodations where we stayed although it would be a great way to cover the shorter distances between the points of interest in the Tanna volcano region. Be ready to walk a lot or pay each time you want to go somewhere. The most efficient way is to ask your hosts to organise and negotiate transport for you. It’s a good idea to confirm the price with the driver directly as we were twice asked for a different amount than the one we were told by our host – and once the price even doubled!

Tanna volcano tours: options and budget estimate

I have compiled an overview of the different Tanna volcano tour options I found. They are sorted by estimated price, from the cheapest to the most expensive. I have added comments from my personal experience to help you choose the best option for you. Although Tanna volcano tours are expensive, Mount Yasur stays the most accessible active volcano in terms of price, length, and difficulty if you compare it to other Vanuatu volcano tours.

We opted to stay overnight near Tanna volcano (#1). I would have loved to combine this with a scenic flight (#3), but it was out of our budget.

1. Overnight stay near Tanna volcano

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 65,000 vt.

35,000 VT (return from Port Vila)

+ 5,000 VT (airport transfer with a group – return)

+ 5,000 VT (accommodation)

+ 20,000 VT (Tanna volcano tour fee)

I believe this is the best way to visit Tanna volcano. You will have time to experience it in different ways than just reaching the top to see the eruption. We could hear the volcano all day and all night long. After a while, you get used to it. And we were excited every time we could glimpse the dark cloud or the lava.

The summit of Mount Yasur is not the only beautiful place to visit to enjoy Tanna volcano, and you actually miss out a lot if you choose to only do a day trip to Tanna volcano.

Hiking the ash plain of Tanna Volcano

We spent hours walking in the canyon shaped by a river through the ashes at the base of Mount Yasur. I had never seen such a landscape. It was stunning.

I would place this walk in the must-do list when in Tanna, as much as going to the top of the volcano.

You get a peek of the canyons when you drive from the west to the east of Tanna. But it is a very different feeling to walk there with the volcano snoring in the background and the stones it once spat all around us. I felt tiny.

Be careful of the quicksands in the river when you cross it. One step you’re okay, the next one your entire leg is in the sand!

This day was one of the highlights of my trip to Vanuatu, and surprisingly, it nearly didn’t incur any cost. We walked all day and ate from the local fruits we bought for a few hundred vatus on the side of the road after leaving our accommodation, and snacks we had from Port Vila.

Visiting villages and exchanging with the locals

The region of Tanna volcano is remote, and villages in the area had a more traditional lifestyle than many villages we saw in Efate and Espiritu Santo . It is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Ni-van culture and taste the local products they grow in their gardens.

Of course, that’s something you can do elsewhere in Vanuatu. But it was also interesting to seize the opportunity to learn about the influence of Mount Yasur – the old man in a local language – in the region. It shapes a lot the looks of the villages, with their dark alleys and lush vegetation. The ash ground also impacts agriculture. In the past, the volcano had a significant role in their way of life.

In Etapu village, they used to cook on two holes that create steam when you place fire at the entrance. They call it the “volcano nose” which gave its name to the village. Near Port Resolution, they have small hot springs near the bay that they can use for cooking too.

Watching the eruption of Tanna volcano from your room

Don’t expect the resort style near the volcano on Tanna. Accommodations are basic, most of the time traditionally built with bamboo and leaves. You won’t have access to a hot shower, and there is often no electricity except to charge your phone or camera. I loved the simplicity, and it was actually cosier than I expected with mosquito nets and very clean beds.

We chose to spend one night in a treehouse with a view of the volcano (5,000 VT). It kept us entertained for hours.

Treehouses are popular in the area and provide a fun experience with a great view. However, be aware that the steps to the room can be uneven and a bit hard for unfit people and not a good idea if you always need a nighttime bathroom break. Our location was ideal. It took 15 minutes to walk to the Ash Plain and even less to the entrance of the volcano. We were told it would take one hour to walk to Sulphur Bay and a bit more to Port Resolution. It was convenient not to be dependent on paying trucks every time we wanted to go somewhere. To book, check out Tanna Tree Top Lodge *.

For our two other nights, we opted for a more authentic experience in a village (around 2,800 VT).

We loved our time with the chief Jack and his family in Etapu village *, between the volcano and Port Resolution (allow a 30-minute walk to the entrance of the volcano). Jack introduced us to people from a more remote village in his community. We were lucky to be the only tourists there at that time. Sharing their everyday life for a short while was exciting. Jack was also helpful to arrange transfers and tours as we needed.  Check out Island of Fire here *.

There are many options for accommodation near Tanna volcano.  When you make your choice, keep in mind that either you will have to walk or pay for a transfer wherever you want to go. Homestays are a perfect combo for a budget and authentic experience, but they can be isolated. Unfortunately, the pins on the maps I found online to indicate the hotel locations were not always accurate. I highly recommend reading the reviews and the details to get a better idea of where you are booking and what budget to expect for transfers.

Ash-boarding

I am quite confident that a vast majority of you have never tried sand-boarding on the ashes of an active volcano. Although I could not find it listed in my travel insurance adventure activities , it was tempting. You can hire a board from Tanna Tree Top Lodge *. We ended up not having time to do it as we got caught up in discovering local traditions in villages.

2. Overnight stay at a resort

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 78,000 vt.

+ 10,000 VT (accommodation with airport transfer)

+ 33,000 VT (Tanna volcano tour fee incl. transfer)

If you are not an outdoor lover and need a level of comfort with a hot shower, you will have to stay on the west coast of Tanna island. You can book a tour from your resort that will arrange the transport and the visit to Tanna volcano. We had a lovely stay at the locally owned Rocky Ridge Bungalows *. They offer a simple room with a private bathroom, a hot shower, and a terrace with a sea view. If you want to upgrade, check out the White Grass Ocean Resort * or the Rockwater Resort *.

If you want to experience more of Tanna in the comfort of a resort and without spending time organising your trip, check out this 4-day tour package that you can book online for $630*  per person (+flights).

3. Scenic flight from Port Vila

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 90,000 vt.

It was out of our budget, but seeing an active volcano from the air must be an incredible experience. The small planes only have window seats and look perfect to enjoy the best views. Check out Air Taxi Vanuatu .

With this option, you will only see the volcano from the air. You will not land on Tanna and miss out on the opportunity to summit the world’s most accessible volcano. Standing near the volcano and feeling the earth vibrating at each explosion is part of the experience that you don’t get from the plane. If you want to upgrade, it will take you the full day, and the package is around 5,000 VT extra per person. I believe it is a better deal than just the flight by itself unless you have very limited time. Indeed, with only the scenic flight, you will be back for lunch at your resort in Port Vila.

4. Day tour from Port Vila (incl. scenic flight)

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 100,000 vt.

The usual Air Vanuatu flight from Port Vila to Tanna does not provide spectacular views over the volcano. And the timing does not allow visitors to reach the volcano without spending a night on the island. You will have to book with a different operator. Check out Air Taxi Vanuatu and Unity Airlines .

If the weather or the volcano conditions do not allow the scenic flight, you receive a discount.

You will be at the top of Mount Yasur by lunchtime. Unfortunately, you will miss out on watching the incredible show of molten magma in the dark. It is an additional 7,000 VT per person to upgrade to stay overnight with a scenic flight.

5. Overnight stay at a resort (incl. scenic flight)

Estimated cost of this option for a couple: 114,000 vt.

That’s an 18,000 VT difference per person for a scenic flight compared to the #2 option of flying with Air Vanuatu. So if #2 is your preferred option and you have the budget, the scenic flight could be a fantastic and memorable addition to your Tanna volcano experience. Check out Air Taxi Vanuatu and Unity Airlines .

Extra tips for your Tanna volcano tour

The best time to visit tanna volcano.

If you plan to join a Tanna volcano tour as a day trip and you are flexible with the day, check the weather forecast before booking. Fog and heavy rain can have a massive impact on the experience. In case of heavy rain or other inopportune weather, the tour may even get cancelled. You will reduce the risks of unfavourable weather by avoiding the wet season between November and April. I also read that the volcano is more active during the wet season, between late February and April.

A few days after our visit, tourists got stuck on the island because of heavy rain. Our inability to forecast Nature is part of its beauty. Some days, the eruption is not as impressive. On other days, it is a bit too much and tours may be cancelled. They rank the Tanna volcano activity on a scale from 0 to 4. You can check the level here . It was at level 2 when we visited Tanna, described as moderate eruptions. Access to the summit remains open but it is too dangerous to access the crater. If it reaches level 3, the tours are cancelled and they evacuate the area at level 4.

Sunset and sunrise volcano tours are the best as you will see the volcano both in the dark and with daylight.

Withdraw cash in Port Vila

There is an ATM on Tanna in Lenakel, but that’s a detour. Hence, it is better to withdraw cash in Port Vila. Try to have small notes by going to the supermarket, for example, so you can pay the exact amount. We often met people who could not give the money back from our big notes given by the ATM.

There is no ATM on the east side of the island and payments are cash only. You will also need 200 VT for the airport departure tax. Allow around 1,500-2,000 VT for a meal in the west of the island and around 750-1,000 VT in the east.

Multiple Tanna volcano tour participation

There is a discount for joining Tanna volcano tour a second time, and it is free the third time.  Make sure you ask about the conditions to avoid bad surprises. Some people were told you had to visit it multiple times on the same day to benefit from the price reduction, and I read a review from someone who was asked to pay full price for his fourth time, but I could not confirm this with the tour operator.

Things to bring on your Tanna volcano tour

The transfer from the west to the east of the island is beautiful but uncomfortable, especially if you are in the back of a pickup. Temperatures in winter in Tanna can be cold so make sure you bring a warm jacket and a windstopper. A rain jacket and a scarf can also make a pleasant difference. Glasses can save the trip to protect your eyes if there are ashes flying around.

It’s only a very short walk from the car park to the volcano, but it is recommended to wear enclosed shoes. The rocks can be painful, and it is safer to be able to move quickly. It can be helpful to have a torch or a headlamp when travelling to this remote area, although your phone light may be enough.

You will have better photo results if you use a tripod for your camera when photographing the volcano at night. Don’t use a flash and play with your time of exposure and your aperture for exciting results.

You can sometimes buy local snacks on the side of the road, but not always. If you have food with you, don’t leave it in a bag in your room as it could attract rodents. It is better to protect it in a container. Ask your host for advice if you are unsure.

Travel insurance

It is always a good idea to purchase travel insurance to explore Vanuatu. It will make things easier if an incident happens and will give you peace of mind to enjoy your volcano tour to its fullest. Click here to get a quote from the travel insurance provider we chose for our Vanuatu trip .

Are you covered for adventurous activities by your  travel insurance ? I recommend double-checking to avoid bad surprises if an incident happens. Adventurous activities are often extra. Some travel insurance like  WorldNomads * and Covermore * make it easy to include adventurous activities.

Have you participated in a Tanna volcano tour? Share your experience in the comments below!

Information gathered in this article is from our personal experience in June 2018 and feedback from other travellers. If you experienced something different when visiting Tanna volcano or believe something is missing or inaccurate, please leave a comment below.

Where is Tanna volcano Mount Yasur?

Tanna is one of the most southern islands of Vanuatu archipelago near New Caledonia , not too far from Australia’s east coast and the north of New Zealand .

Tanna volcano is located on the east of the island. It takes between 1 to 1.5 hours to drive there from the airport to the west.

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Thank you for writing this up! So hard to find good info, especially now it looks like the tours are basically cartels.

Thank you for sharing the info!! 🙂

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Guide to Tanna

Welcome to Tanna, an island of cargo cults, coffee and black sand beaches — where kastom thrives under the smoking eye of Mt Yasur.

In 1774, the red glow from Mt Yasur drew Captain Cook to Tanna, a jungle-covered island in the southern Vanuatu archipelago. It’s a mysterious place, home to the world’s most accessible active volcano, the strange cargo cults of John Frum and Prince Phillip, herds of wild horses, and dozens of blue waterfalls, hidden deep in the Middlebush forest.

• Driving across the Tanna ash plains
• Climbing the smoking rim of Mt Yasur 
• The traditional local kastom
• Walking along the black sand at Louniel Beach
• Snorkelling and diving the island’s fringe reefs
• Swimming inside the Blue Cave 
• Lounging in the hot springs at Port Resolution

How To Get There

You can fly to Tanna direct from Vanuatu’s capital of Port Vila. Flights from Port Vila to Tanna take around 45 minutes. From there, it’s a short drive from White Grass Airport to most of Tanna’s resorts.

Useful Tips

• For warm weather and low chance of rain, it’s best to visit Tanna between June and October.
• Book a guided Tanna island volcano tour when climbing Mt Yasur, and check any government safety warnings beforehand.
• The best way to get around Tanna is to organise private transfers through your accommodation, but minibuses and local trucks also depart regularly from Lenakel. 

Things To Do & Top Attractions In Tanna  

Swim in tanna’s famous blue cave.

The Blue Cave on Tanna is something from idle daydreams and desktop screensavers. It’s a hidden grotto, cut deep into the sea cliffs on the western side of the island. Visitors can only reach it by swimming along a secret sea passage. Inside is a curved rock cathedral, where light beams through a hole in the ceiling, illuminating an electric blue swimming hole (some say, Vanuatu’s best swimming hole). Nothing around but sparkling sunlight and the sound of jostling water. If you’re worried about swimming through the sea passage, just wait for low tide: you’ll be able to wade through without diving underwater.

Climb the Bubbling Active Volcano, Mt Yasur

Vanuatu’s Mt Yasur is the most accessible active volcano in the world. The Tannese people can’t remember a time when it wasn’t rumbling away, spitting lava and ash into the air. The 10-minute crater rim hike is probably Tanna’s most iconic experience, especially at sunset, when the lava glows red and lights up the surrounding sky. You don’t need to be particularly fit: four-wheel drive  vehicles can park within 150 metres of the rim. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can also spend the day ash boarding down the slopes . There are no safety rails or viewing platforms at Mt Yasur, so it’s best to climb with an experienced local guide. Make sure to check local government warnings, too — they keep a close eye on Mt Yasur’s volcanic activity.

See the Giant Banyan Tree in Leitouapam

No-one really knows the age of Tanna’s Giant Banyan Tree . It was already ancient when Captain Cook landed on the island in 1774. The tree itself is massive: over 100-metres wide and 80-metres high, spreading whippy, Tarzan-like roots throughout the surrounding jungle. To reach the Giant Banyan Tree, just ask your hotel or guesthouse to arrange a tour to the village of Leitouapam. From there it’s a bumpy four-wheel drive journey through the dense jungle. The villagers of Leitouapam own the Giant Banyan Tree and charge a small entrance fee for visitors: 1500VUV per adult and 700VUV for each child. Children under four can visit for free.

Experience Traditional Melanesian Kastom

Kastom is a complicated phenomenon. It’s a Pijin word that covers traditional Melanesian religion, art and mysticism, passed down through oral history and local legend. It’s hard to find living, breathing kastom villages these days, but they still exist on Tanna. For visitors, this is a chance to experience Melanesian life the way it’s always been - and to see Vanuatu’s culture and traditions as they were before white settlement, mass tourism and the arrival of modern technology. In villages like Yakel , Ikunala and Imaio , there are no schools, shops, TV or internet, just an unbroken culture spanning back thousands of years. Travellers are welcome in Tanna’s kastom villages, but it’s always best to visit with a local guide .

Laze in the Hot Springs of Port Resolution

Port Resolution is where you’ll find Tanna’s whitest beaches, its bluest water, and most of the island’s best bungalows. It’s also the gateway to the ash plains of Mt Yasur. Yachts and cruise boats drop anchor off the coast here, and travellers spend their days lounging in the natural Iwea hot springs or snorkelling the marine sanctuary and coral reefs around Yewao Point. It’s a popular spot with surfers too: if you walk along the coastal track toward Yankaren Para, you’ll find some of the best surfing in Vanuatu, with deep swells and smooth, rolling breakers. There’s a truck that runs between Lenakel and Port Resolution on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, or you can organise a private charter in town.

Visit Local John Frum Villages 

A tiny island in the Pacific is probably not where you’d expect to see locals singing American battle hymns, running Old Glory (the flag of the USA) up the flagpole and marching barefoot with bamboo ‘rifles’ slung over their shoulders. Welcome to the strange ‘cargo cult’ of John Frum , an imaginary figure who’s believed to bring prosperity to Vanuatu in the form of airdrops and western technology. John Frum is sort of a spiritual hangover from the Second World War, when many American troops were stationed in the archipelago, bringing food, jeeps, radios and other modern luxuries. There are several John Frum villages on Tanna (Namakara is one of the more popular). Try to visit on Friday nights, when the big dances take place.

Sleep Among the Treetops 

Imagine waking up 20-feet above the ground, walking out onto your private tree-top verandah and seeing the summit of Mt Yasur, smoking in the early morning light. It’s just another morning at the Tanna Tree Top Lodge . This quirky bungalow accommodation sits inside the forest canopy, just 500m from the Mt Yasur park entrance. All the rooms run on solar power, and breakfast is free, but just be aware that there’s no hot water on the property (those morning showers are fresh). Still, the view is worth it. While other travellers have to organise four-wheel drive  transport to Mt Yasur, you’ve got the volcano right on your doorstep.

Snorkel and Dive the Island’s Fringe Reefs 

Tanna has some of the clearest water and best snorkelling in the Vanuatu archipelago, and it’s become a popular spot for divers and snorkellers . Fringe reefs surround the island, studded with deep rock pools, drop-offs and coral gardens, home to schools of fusiliers and drummer fish, green sea turtles, yellowfin tuna, mackerel, and even the occasional dugong. There are plenty of good dive sites, no matter your level of experience. Some of the best spots include the Blue Holes (a series of tunnels and sinkholes on the outer reef), The Fijian (a sailing wreck that sunk in 1916), and House Reef (a purpose-built jetty that attracts turtles, moray eels, reef sharks and blue spotted rays).

Walk the Black Sand Beaches of Louniel

Tanna’s beaches range from the sugar-white postcard variety to long stretches of black volcanic sand — a legacy of Mt Yasur, rumbling and smoking just nearby. There are several of these beaches scattered around the island, and some of them, like Lowakels Cove, have nearby bungalow accommodation . Louniel Beach is probably the most famous, sweeping for several kilometres along the northeast coast of the island. Iwaru Beach is also popular, fringed by jungle hinterland just south of Lenakel.  

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Mount Yasur Guide – Visiting Vanuatu’s spectacular active volcano in 2020

Mount yasur guide 2020.

When you think of Pacific islands you’re probably not picturing Vanuatu. Instead of world-class luxury spa hotels on pristine beaches, Vanuatu is a more rugged and natural place that rewards those with an adventurous spirit willing to work a little harder.

Instead of being transferred to your overwater villa by seaplane or speedboat, getting to the active volcano at Mount Yasur on the tiny island of Tanna requires riding in pick-up trucks on very rough terrain .

Then you’ll be hiking through the undisturbed rainforest , and spending a night in a basic hut with electricity only from a car battery recharged by solar panels. And maybe some rats to keep you company. Very

In this Mount Yasur guide we’ll give you all the facts for planning your trip.

Mount Yasur Facts

Discovered in 1774 by James Cook, at least as far as Europe was concerned, Mount Yasur is a 361 metre high volcanic cone on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. The crater is 300 metres wide and 100 metres deep.

It was the glow of the volcano that attracted Captain Cook’s attention when his ship brought Europeans to Vanuatu for the first time.

Vanuatu is a chain of volcanic islands in the South Pacific west of Fiji, a thousand miles from Australia.

Yasur means Old Man.

Mount Yasur is a stratovolcano, which means that it is made up of layers of hardened ash and lava from previous eruptions. The steepness of the slope indicates that the lava doesn’t flow far.

Mount Yasur has been erupting regularly for at least several hundred years, usually a few times every hour. Eruptions are typically small blasts of lava bombs a few tens of metres into the air and the volcano can usually be approached safely.

The lava bomb blasts are often accompanied by a cloud of volcanic ash and gas.

Here’s a video of the journey across Tanna Island and the nighttime eruptions at Mount Yasur:

https://youtu.be/-YeIO6iX6tc

Ways to visit Tanna Island and Mount Yasur

There are three ways to see Mount Yasur:

Do it yourself

Arrange your own flight in, get a ride across the island in a local car probably arranged by your accommodation, and stay overnight on the eastern side.

An overnight package tour

Another way is to book a package tour which will include flights from Efate, transfers to the volcano, and overnight accommodation. Some will return you to accommodation on the western side of the island where the facilities are better but prices are higher.

A daytime package tour

A third option is a package tour without an overnight stay. This will mean that you get to see into the crater from the air on your scenic flight, but you’ll miss seeing the volcano in darkness, which would be a real shame.

Either of the first two options should mean that you get to see the volcanic activity at the crater rim in the darkness, which is when it is the best sight.

A package trip has the advantage of a scenic flight over the volcano. allowing you to look down into the crater , and some tours allow you to explore the ash plain around the cone and climb up to the crater. The aircraft used on these tours give everyone a window seat.

The package tours are more expensive and may be fully booked, so booking your own flight and accommodation can be cheaper.

However, you won’t get to see the volcano from the air, and your experience on the ground will vary according to the knowledge and attitude of your host.

My driver was an awkward bugger and had made other arrangements with other people, so despite the fee I’d paid for the service, I did not get to explore the ash plain around the base of the volcano on foot and had to hurriedly snap photos from a moving pick-up truck.

When you go with a driver organised by your accommodation you’re just getting some local guy with a truck who only cares about getting you to your destination and getting paid.

When you go with an organised tour package, you’re accompanied by guides whose job is to give you a good experience. I did the self-organised option because it was low season, I had limited time due to flights in and out of Vanuatu, and there wasn’t a tour available on my dates.

I would recommend taking the organised package tour because of the chance to see the crater from above and to spend time down on the ash plain. The DIY option was significantly cheaper, but I think the tours end up giving you more for your money with a lot less effort.

How to get to Mount Yasur

You reach Tanna by flying from Port Vila airport on the main island of Efate, arriving into tiny Whitegrass Airport which is no more than a tin hut .

Whitegrass is on the western side of the island close to the island’s main town, Lenakel. From the airport you’ll need to arrange a driver to take you over the central hills to the eastern side of the island.

Your accommodation will usually be able to arrange transfers, or you can haggle a price at the airport.

It is possible to stop at the base of the volcano on the western ash plains and climb up. Officially, you’re only meant to access the volcano through the eastern side entrance at the visitor centre.

If your accommodation messes up your transport and you don’t get chance to explore the ash cone on foot then you’ll be missing out.

Visiting Mount Yasur

In order to preserve the natural environment of the volcano and to maintain visitor safety by controlling visits, entrance is now via a visitor centre where you will climb into the back of a pick-up truck for a ride up the trail through the jungle to just below the crater.

The  trail is being improved with concrete but it is still a very bumpy ride . The idea of a single defined vehicle route up through the jungle side is to prevent trucks damaging the scenic western side and to prevent accidents when people try to drive up the ash cone.

In reality there’s nobody there to stop anyone continuing to tackle the western slopes, but most organised tours will take you via the main entrance.

Restricting access via the official visitor centre is also an attempt to ensure safety.  When the volcanic activity is strong, you won’t be allowed in .

A visitor centre, safety monitoring, and a purpose built road up to the rim all comes at a cost, and that cost is the very high entrance fee of 10000VT, or about £65. That’s per person.

What time to visit Mount Yasur

The best time to see Mount Yasur is in darkness. Typically this means arriving at the visitor centre for 4pm.

Is it safe to visit Mount Yasur?

Perhaps the first thing many people want to know from a Mount Yasur Guide is whether it’s safe to vist.

If activity is too high, you won’t be allowed in, and that would suck. Activity was low enough that I was allowed in, but high enough that the higher viewing areas were off-limits, due to the risk of lava bombs landing there.

Despite the apparent risk, it is still immensely frustrating not to be allowed up to see into the crater.

From the lower side you can’t see over the crater rim, so you only get to witness the top part of the lava bombs arc into the sky and you miss all the steaming and exploding that’s going on lower down.

It’s still a fantastic experience when it gets dark and the red glow becomes apparent, but I still get jealous when I see other people’s photos from the better vantage point.

As frustrating as it is, you have to know that an active volcano is a risky place to be. When you’re there you would happily ignore any safety rules to get a better viewpoint, regardless of how logical and sensible you are.

Logic and sense goes out of the window and you just want to get a better view. You’re only there once, it’ll be fine.

This is why it’s a good thing that the operators strictly enforce the rules and don’t give in to all the people complaining and asking to be allowed to get closer. Go on, just once, just for me.

It must be hard for the staff to stand their ground and say no, and when you see what happened to the tourists in New Zealand recently you understand why this is necessary.

I urge you to read our full guide looking at Is Mount Yasur Safe? which gives you full details on the risks, the exclusion zone, activity levels, the eruption history, and all the other facts you should know before you visit.

Mount Yasur tour itinerary

A typical tour itinerary staying in the better resorts on the west of Tanna looks like this. Most will pick you up from your hotel on Efate for the outbound flight:

• 1200: Depart Port Vila
• 1300: Arrive in Tanna and transfer to accommodation
• 1500: 4×4 Safari to Mt Yasur
• 1600: Arrive at Mt Yasur visitor centre
• 1700: Arrive Mt Yasur crater rim
• 1900: Leave Mt Yasur
• 2030 Arrive at accommodation
• 0700: Breakfast
• 0800: Depart Tanna
• 0900: Arrive Port Vila

If you’re staying overnight near Yasur then you’ll go straight there from the airport. Your return flight will also be later because you’ll need to allow an hour and a half for the return journey over the mountain to get back to the airport.

Heading out of town is your only chance to visit the market and the small grocery stores to get supplies for your stay.

You will need to pick up plenty of bottled water because there will be no safe water for drinking or washing at your accommodation if you’re staying on the western side.

Late afternoon is the time to head to the volcano. At the visitor centre you’ll be “treated” to an annoying “cultural” show, which is just a waste of time and an attempt to justify the very high fee.

Jump into the back of a pick-up truck for a very bumpy ride up to just below the crater rim. There is a Vanuatu Post mailbox if you want to drop in a postcard , and then it’s a short walk to the rim.

There are no barriers or safety rails, but the guides will give strict instructions about where you are allowed to go, and threaten that if anyone ignores the rules then the whole group will be forcibly removed.

When activity is low, you’ll be allowed to walk up to the higher west side which gives a better view down into the crater and the three vents that take turns spitting out red lava. When the activity is higher, you won’t be allowed to go up there.

Some time after darkness you’ll be forced to leave. The route back down to the waiting pick-up trucks will now be in complete darkness , as will the rest of your journey back to your accommodation, so take a torch .

Back down at the visitor centre you’ll be offered a token refreshment but you’ll be better off heading out to find your driver in the darkness.

What to take to Mount Yasur

• A tripod if you want any decent shots in the darkness, or to capture long-exposure shots of the lava bombs
• A warm coat
• Sturdy footwear
• A postcard if you want to send one from the Volcano Postbox

Note that Mount Yasur is not suitable for young children. No drones are allowed. Some people say they were allowed to fly drones after paying a 10000VUV fee, but when I visited we were told that drones were banned. You should ask first down at the visitor centre.

Tips for visiting Mount Yasur

Here’s a few things I now know should be in a Mount Yasur guide having learned the hard way.

Prepare for cold and wet weather at the crater after dark.

Take a tripod, and a torch.

If staying in village bungalow accommodation, pick up supplies near the airport before you cross the island.

Wherever you’re staying on Tanna, make sure you pick up bottled water near the airport because there are no shops once you leave the area of Lenakel town.

It’s also a good idea to take hand sanitizer and wet wipes, and expect limited access to electricity and sanitation.

Be prepared for a bumpy and slow ride in pick-up trucks over poor roads. Also be prepared for travel difficulties after rain.

Be warned that if activity at the volcano is high, you won’t be allowed to close to the crater, or maybe not allowed in at all.

Ashboarding

It is possible to go ashboarding on the western side of the volcano where most of the ash falls. Arrange it with your accommodation provider. Apparently the ash is very soft. Expect to pay around 10000VT. 

Where to stay at Mount Yasur

If booking a package tour you will have a few choices, mainly the better quality and more expensive hotels on the west of the island near the airport. Choices close to Mount Yasur are very basic village bungalows with limited facilities but offering an authentic island life experience.

A good choice if you want a view of the volcano is Volcano Island Paradise .

David Attenborough and the Tanna Island cargo cult

In a fascinating documentary from 1960, David Attenborough visits Tanna and encounters the John Frum cargo cult. Below is a video with some clips from the original programme, showing what Mount Yasur looked like in 1960.

The full episode is available at the  internet archive .

https://youtu.be/rbZ0lKyh3RA

Best time to visit Mount Yasur

Like Fiji, proximity to Australia makes Vanuatu a very busy place during Australian school holidays. 

High season is May to July and best avoided if you want cheaper prices and less busy conditions. On the other hand if you want the best weather and minimal risk of disruption due to rain, then this is the time to go, but book well ahead.

August to October has decent weather and is less busy. Cheapest prices and quieter times come at the expense of increased cyclone risk in the wet season from November to March. Great for a bargain but be prepared to be flexible because rain can affect transport.

The journey across Tanna is improving every year as a proper sealed road is built, but most of the journey is on dirt roads which can be very difficult in wet conditions.

Volcano activity can be higher after rains. This means it would look more dramatic, but also means an increased risk of visits being cancelled if the geologists decide activity is too high.

Best air tours to Mount Yasur

There are two main providers offering air tours from Efate to Tanna and Mount Yasur: Air Taxi Vanuatu, and Unity Airlines.

The best choice with Air Taxi Vanuatu is their overnight tour to Mount Yasur .

Our pick with Unity Airlines is also the  overnight tour .

All air tours get booked up well in advance. They’re all similar prices. The price varies according to your choice of hotel but expect to pay around £450 per person. Note that this includes your flights from Efate to Tanna, all transfers, accommodation, breakfast, and the entry fee for the volcano.

The volcano entry fee is around £65. Cheap accommodation in a village bungalow like Volcano Island Paradise would be around £40. Transfers between the airport and your bungalow, and your bungalow to the volcano, would total around £100.

Add around £100 for your flights from Efate to Tanna.

If you want to stay longer, or if your budget is tight, then the DIY option will save you £150, or more if you negotiate transfer prices for the whole vehicle instead of per person.

On the other hand, if air tours are available on your dates then the price is really very good considering the added volcano flypast, better accommodation, and ease of planning.

How much is a tour of Mount Yasur?

For an overnight air tour from Efate to Mount Yasur including transfers, entrance, and accommodation, expect to pay around £450 per person.

What is the Mount Yasur entry fee?

Around £65 per person.

What’s the best time to visit Mount Yasur?

Mount Yasur eruptions look most dramatic in darkness so visit in the evening. Go up to the crater before dark.

How do you get to Mount Yasur?

Fly from Port Vila on Efate, to Whitegrass airport on Tanna, about 40 minutes. Then take a four-wheel drive pick-up truck to Mount Yasur, about 90 minutes. At the visitor centre, trucks are provided to take you up to just below the crater rim.

Any active volcano carries risk, but Mount Yasur has been erupting at a low level for hundreds of years. Eruptions are usually small and the volcano crater can usually be approached safely. Activity is monitored and visits are not allowed when volcanic activity is higher than the lowest 2 levels.

Who flies to Mount Yasur?

Air Vanuatu have flights most days between Port Vila on Vanuatu’s main island, Efate, and Whitegrass airport on Tanna Island. Tour operators with air tours from Port Vila are Air Taxi Vanuatu and Unity Airlines.

Best Vanuatu and Mount Yasur tours

Tanna: Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon into Sunset Guided Tour 

Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon Guided Tour – Tanna Island

3 Night Tanna Island Adventure Package Including Mount Yasur

Discover Blue Lagoon, Cascades & Swim with Turtles in Vanuatu from Port Vila

Full-Day Vanuatu Round Island Tour from Port Vila

Full-Day Vanuatu Cultural, Blue Lagoon & Rarru Rentapao Tour from Port Vila

Private Daily Mini Van Hire – Including Tour Guide

Vanuatu: Blue Lagoon, Turtle Sanctuary, and Buggy Adventure

Port Vila: Mele Cascades and Waterfall Tour

Best books and guides

The best and most comprehensive guide book for Vanuatu is the Lonely Planet Guide to Vanuatu and New Caledonia .

A better value option is the multi-country Lonely Planet South Pacific guide.

An interesting and very funny read before your trip is Getting Stoned with Savages by Maarten Troost who is most well-known for his best-selling and equally brilliant The Sex-lives of Cannibals .

Get more from your trip

About the author.

Alistair Todd

Mt. Yasur Volcano full day Tour including blue Cave

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All Fees and Taxes
• Entry/Admission - Blue Cave
• Entry/Admission - Mount Yasur
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Option 1 Tanna Evergreen Resort & Tours, H64F+8G7, Iuiak, Vanuatu
• Option 2 White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa, H65F+CXF, Saltwater Rd, Lenakel, Vanuatu
• Option 3 Alofa Beach Bungalows, F6XR+VGJ Tanna Island, Lenakel, Vanuatu
• Option 4 Tanna Tree Top Lodge, Unnamed Road, FC4P+V8C, Loanengo, Vanuatu
• Our pick up time for this tour is at 8h30am. You will firstly visit the blue cave, secondly we go for lunch then finally our departure to the volcano at 2h00pm. We drop you off at around 8h00pm.
• White Grass Airport, G6XF+22X, Imanaka, Vanuatu
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You’ll have 4 starting options Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Blue Cave Stop: 3 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Mount Yasur Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• sophiejW9811NO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Tour in Tanna! Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Charlie, our tour guide Sophie and her brother were absolutely incredible, they made us feel like family and went above and beyond the entire day. We were able to see a side of Tanna that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. We were also taken back to their home where we experienced a beautiful authentic lunch and view into their life. I couldn’t recommend this company enough. Read more Written 21 October 2023
• Kaelaych 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour Travelled to Tanna with family, and toured with Charlie and Ken for two days. They were friendly and knowledgeable. The volcano was definitely a highlight, but all the activities were great. Read more Written 29 July 2023
• xiaoxiaoonline 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely fantastic! 20 June. Beyond expectation! We had a wonderful time on this tour. My wife and I are on Honeymoon and we chose this tour as our first tour of Tanna Island. The tour is a full-day tour and all the stops that we visited are well prepared. We made our first stop at the Yakel Village, had a chance to know how locals lived traditionally, joined their dance, and had a wonderful time there. Unfortunately, the road to the waterfall was damaged by the cyclone, though we won't able to get close the guide still tried to get us as close as possible. The guide arranged a sunset Volcano tour so we had a couple of hours before we head to the volcano, and our lovely guide introduced a secret hidden beach right behind where we had lunch. The volcano tour is spectacular and unforgettable. We took about 1.5 hours drive to the entrance of Mount Yasur, where the volcano tour is then handled by another agent who takes ownership of the volcano tour. When you get to the top of Mount Yasur, you'd be able to see the hot lava blown out and feel the booming Mount Yasur. Absolutely amazing day! Read more Written 25 June 2023
• dannz99 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Way to Experience Tanna The best tour guide, such an incredible way to see such a beautiful island. Seeing Mount Yasur is should be on everyone’s bucket list - a ‘must see’! Thanks William & team. Read more Written 14 April 2023
• Mbi7777 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic tour I had a great time on this tour. I was picked up promptly and the lovely driver shared lots of facts about Tanna on the drive to the volcano. The volcano itself was amazing!! Highly recommended. Read more Written 16 September 2022
• KarinEmma 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spectacular Awesome experience! Incredible to be standing at the rim of the volcano in activity. Keep in mind you must ascend part of the volcano on foot. Read more Written 11 March 2020
• stephanie t 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceeded expectations We flew from Port Vila on the 9.30am flight to the 2nd most southern island in Vanuatu’s archipelago Tanna to visit the world’s most accessible active volcano. “Accessible” - well that’s debatable! We travelled from the haven of our picturesque hotel (Evergreen Resort) over terrain resembling something from what I would imagine the moon to look like...desolate, eerie, dark & lifeless. Boulders, smaller craters & fine ash litter the landscape that was once lava, molten and plumes of sulphur escaping from the earth. We were completely in the hands of God’s different kind of beauty; grumbling, banging and exploding from inside the earth to the surface. Having previously been a thrill seeker- bunngy, sky-diving,hot air ballooning, flying in helicopters and ultra small aircraft, this was equally exhilarating... if not more! Standing on the rim my 9 year old learnt quickly about the word and feeling of “adrenaline”. Mount Yasur took our breath away. Evergreen Tours were great for us however maybe not for everyone. We travelled the 1.5 hours in a ute (seats 4 inside) and 3 outside - literally on the back in the ute's tray. My daughter and I loved this however some may not be as keen as we were. It doesn't matter who you travel with to get to the entrance of the volcano site, once you are there the site is run by another company who have 100% ownership and coordination of the land. It is extremely well organised, safety is of their concern and they are very accommodating and helpful. Read more Written 20 November 2019

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Mt. Yasur Volcano full day Tour including blue Cave provided by Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours

Stand on the very edge of a live volcano

Experience earth’s majestic power.

The majesty of live volcanoes is so overwhelming. If you haven’t seen one yet, you simply must.

See the glory of a volcano by night

Feel earth’s raw power..

Wondering what it’s like standing in front of a live volcano? As they say — if you don’t go, you’ll never know…

Our Top Tours

Land diving, tanna volcano overnight, mt yasur day tour, testimonials, what our customers say.

Hi Simon, just wanted you to know that our Air Taxi Vanuatu day tour to Tanna Island volcano  was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. I decided on the Mt Yasur Day Tour  as I had already booked and paid for our accommodation in Port Vila. I heard the night tour to the volcano however was more spectacular so recommended your Overnight Tour to Yasur Volcano  to my daughter as she was due to visit Vanuatu soon after me. Well, talk about an amazing adventure – we haven’t stopped talking about it! So thanks again from all of us for a very special Tanna Volcano experience and please give our regards to all your friendly staff.

Sydney, Australia

We had a great trip to see Mount Yasur with AirTaxi. The volcano itself is fantastic as were the people who took us on the adventure. Special thanks to our kiwi pilot Louis who got us there and back safely and smoothly. He was a super friendly guy with a lot of interesting information to share about the area and aviation in general, as well as giving us some insider travel tips. Thanks also to Benjamin our driver and Mari our tour leader at the volcano; they were passionate, tailored the experience to our preferences and generally made the day a lot of fun.

Exceptional Adventures Await You

Beautiful beaches.

crystal-clear water

Friendly people

Big smiles!

Coral reefs

Snorkel & dive

Live volcanoes

Look down into the mouth

The city from above

aerial tours

Unique Customs

Land-divers of Pentecost

Tropical waterfalls

Unspoilt nature

Amazing sunsets

Night tours.

Light it up!

Price Beat Guarantee

While we believe we offer the best prices for tours to Tanna Volcano, if you are quoted a better price from another operator for a similar Tour to Tanna, we will happily beat it!

Easy & Quick Booking

Get in touch by phone, email or using our quick-and-easy online enquiry form, and we'll help you get everything organised.

Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon Guided Tour Tanna Island

• All Fees and Taxes
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Local Guide
• Hotel Transfers
• Entry/Admission - Mount Yasur
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Option 1 Tanna Evergreen Resort & Tours, H64F+8G7, Iuiak, Vanuatu Just wait there and we will pick up at 2h00pm. You can contact us by WhatsApp or by call. You can be assisted by the hotel staffs.
• Option 2 White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa, H65F+CXF, Saltwater Rd, Lenakel, Vanuatu Just wait there and we will pick up at 2h00pm. You can contact us by WhatsApp or by call. You can be assisted by the hotel staffs.
• Option 3 Alofa Beach Bungalows, F6XR+VGJ Tanna Island, Lenakel, Vanuatu Just wait there and we will pick up at 2h00pm. You can contact us by WhatsApp or by call. You can be assisted by the hotel staffs.
• Option 4 Tanna Tree Top Lodge, Unnamed Road, FC4P+V8C, Loanengo, Vanuatu Just wait there and we will pick up at 2h00pm. You can contact us by WhatsApp or by call. You can be assisted by the hotel staffs.
• We can pick-up from any hotel located on Tanna Island, Vanuatu. Hotel pick up starts at 2:00pm, to coordinate an exact meeting time please call the supplier directly to confirm your pickup/meeting time and location - you can find the suppliers details on your ticket confirmation.
• Tanna Airport, Tanna Island Vanuatu
• Lenakel Wharf, Tanna Vauatu
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You’ll have 4 starting options Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Mount Yasur Stop: 4 hours - Admission included This afternoon tour visit's the Island's most famous natural attraction where you will climb the smoking rim of Mount Yasur the worlds most accessible volcano, take in the majestic surrounds as the volcano rumbles away and lights up the sky. This is an unforgettable bucket list adventure, and one of Vanuatu's most memorable and iconic tours. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Trickyfly 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles I'm in love with Tanna This was an amazing adventure we did the blue caves in the morning went to a local restaurant for lunch, this was followed by a local village tour and we were shown how to make Kava then on to the volcanoes what a day filled with amazing experiences. Read more Written 22 November 2023
• sophiejW9811NO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Tour in Tanna! Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Charlie, our tour guide Sophie and her brother were absolutely incredible, they made us feel like family and went above and beyond the entire day. We were able to see a side of Tanna that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. We were also taken back to their home where we experienced a beautiful authentic lunch and view into their life. I couldn’t recommend this company enough. Read more Written 21 October 2023
• penguin1604 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles MUST HAVE for family (Blue cave) On the way to the blue cave, there were many dolphins swam with us . My kids get very excited. When arrived at the entrance, it was high tide time, my kids don’t have any dive experience, the staffs were very friendly and helped them to get in, one by one . The view inside is AMAZING ! and very safe for young children to swim ( Volcano) The driver can drive anyway , on cliff or through the driver , it was unbelievable! During day time, it’s bit too smoky to see. Once it gets dark the volcano has magnificent view . ( remember to bring a warm jumper with you ) Read more Written 28 September 2023
• Kaelaych 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour Travelled to Tanna with family, and toured with Charlie and Ken for two days. They were friendly and knowledgeable. The volcano was definitely a highlight, but all the activities were great. Read more Written 29 July 2023
• xiaoxiaoonline 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely fantastic! 20 June. Beyond expectation! We had a wonderful time on this tour. My wife and I are on Honeymoon and we chose this tour as our first tour of Tanna Island. The tour is a full-day tour and all the stops that we visited are well prepared. We made our first stop at the Yakel Village, had a chance to know how locals lived traditionally, joined their dance, and had a wonderful time there. Unfortunately, the road to the waterfall was damaged by the cyclone, though we won't able to get close the guide still tried to get us as close as possible. The guide arranged a sunset Volcano tour so we had a couple of hours before we head to the volcano, and our lovely guide introduced a secret hidden beach right behind where we had lunch. The volcano tour is spectacular and unforgettable. We took about 1.5 hours drive to the entrance of Mount Yasur, where the volcano tour is then handled by another agent who takes ownership of the volcano tour. When you get to the top of Mount Yasur, you'd be able to see the hot lava blown out and feel the booming Mount Yasur. Absolutely amazing day! Read more Written 25 June 2023
• dannz99 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Way to Experience Tanna The best tour guide, such an incredible way to see such a beautiful island. Seeing Mount Yasur is should be on everyone’s bucket list - a ‘must see’! Thanks William & team. Read more Written 14 April 2023

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Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon Guided Tour Tanna Island provided by Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours