Rainforest cascades, hot springs, reefs and island walks within a day trip of Port Vila.
Within a short drive of town you can swim under a waterfall, soak in a hot spring and snorkel a reef in the same day. These are the nature stops people ask about most.
Where: About 20 minutes’ drive from Port Vila, through Mele village.
Turquoise rock pools, hidden caves and gushing channels in the rainforest: Efate’s most famous waterfall. Also written “Mele Maat Cascades”.
✓ Visited on: Blue Express Day Tour #2
Where: Inland Efate (Rentapau area).
A greener, wetter side of the island away from town.
✓ Visited on: Blue Express Day Tours #1, #2 and #4
Where: Efate (reached by a jungle trek with a guide).
A tiered waterfall with small drops, swimming pools and limestone caves.
Where: On the Rentapau River, about 20 minutes’ drive south of Port Vila.
Tropical gardens with botanical signs, a river walking circuit and swimming holes in the Rentapau River. Entry and opening days are set by the venue.
Where: Eastern Efate near Eton.
A vivid turquoise, ocean-fed swimming hole under tropical trees.
✓ Visited on: Blue Express Round Island Tour and Day Tours #1 and #4
Where: Efate (on the Round Island route).
A natural hot-water stop that contrasts with Efate’s cool lagoons.
✓ Visited on: Blue Express Round Island Tour
Where: Off Mele Bay, a short boat ride.
Snorkel straight off the beach over a coral reef, with a dive centre on the island.
Where: North coast, about 30 km from Port Vila.
Warm, sheltered water for snorkelling and diving, plus a daily boat cruise to secluded coves.
✓ Visited on: Blue Express Round Island Tour
Where: North of Efate, 10 minutes by boat from Emua Wharf.
A protected reef declared in 2003, with white beaches and island villages.
Where: Off the north and northeast coast.
A small island off the north coast with caves and ties to the story of Chief Roi Mata, usually visited by boat.
Where: A 136 km road that circles the island.
The classic Efate road trip, passing lagoons, villages and views of the offshore islands. Most visitors do it on a guided round-island day.
✓ Visited on: Blue Express Round Island Tour
Explore more: Beaches & Lagoons · Culture & Local Life · Tours & Transfers
Hearty food after a hike, with options for families and vegetarians.