The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss

When have you ever had to wear a wetsuit to mail a letter? Well, there's a first time for everything. So suit up and dive down to Port Vila's Underwater Post Office - the world's one and only. No, you don't need to be an experienced diver to visit. And yes, the postcards are waterproof.

Other Fun Things to Do

• Don’t miss seeing the highlights of Port Vila. Visit the National Museum, art foundations and see the unique sand drawings. Learn about Vanuatu flora and fauna at the Secret Garden while enjoying some locally prepared refreshments. Finish your tour by visiting Mama’s Arts and Crafts market for souvenir shopping.
• Discover the real island of Efate on the Round Island safari tour. Take a walk through the rainforest to Iarofa Village where you can experience traditional customs, including the time-honored art of firewalking. Visit the WWII remnants as you head off to Havannah Harbour for a refreshing swim on the beach where "Survivor Vanuatu" was filmed. Don’t forget your camera!
• Whether you like to swim, snorkel or neither, don’t miss the unique opportunity to see the abundant underwater reef life from the Glass Bottom Boat. After you feed the fish, you can chose to either jump in for a swim and snorkel or just relax onboard and watch the fun below.
• Experience Port Vila from a different perspective. Take a breath-taking flight over the harbour, Iririki and Ifira islands and see lush rainforest and palm-fringed beaches.

Sporting Adventures

Diving is obviously an obsession here. And with the amazing visibility, deep-sea grottos and the plethora of underwater wrecks, including the sunken Star of Russia, it's really no surprise. You may, however, be surprised to know that Port Vila is home to two lovely 18-hole golf courses. So brush up on your swing - the views have been known to break concentration and a few hearts.

Shopping for Bargains

Bargain hunters and cool hunters, get ready for a shopping marathon. Vila is a duty-free port, so what better place to spend your souvenir savings? You'll find everything from champagne and crystal to stylish sarongs. And no trip to Port Vila would be complete without taking home a traditional headdress, a grass skirt and a little bit of that happiness they're dishing out. Which you'll be glad to know is free.

Get a Taste of Local Flavor

There are two Vanuatu specialties on the regional menu that you'll definitely want to sample. Laplap is a pudding-type dish created with mashed bananas, root vegetables and creamy coconut milk. It's combined with meat or fish, wrapped in leaves and cooked in an earth oven. Kava, if you don't already know, is an intoxicating drink made from aromatic kava roots. It's the island's alternative to alcohol. And the kava of Vanuatu is known for its potency.

Local Currency

The vatu is the currency in Vanuatu. Credit cards are usually accepted in Port Vila.

Weather in Vila, Vanuatu