Experience Adventure in Vanuatu with Backpacking or Island Hopping
Are you in the mood for adventure? Perhaps you seek a unique way to experience the natural beauty in Vanuatu? You’ll find several options to help you enjoy this tropical paradise.
This beautiful tropical island country of Vanuatu lies spread out like a string of emeralds against the azure backdrop of the South Pacific. As you can imagine, one of the best ways to see these islands is from the air, or explore them on foot by backpacking.
Backpacking in Vanuatu
Backpacking through the Vanuatu islands is an amazing experience, great for adventurous traveler. Many of the islands are uninhabited, meaning that you can camp where you like, unless you find yourself in a national park or reserve. Of course, the only way to reach these uninhabited islands is by a boat or an airplane.
However, even backpacking through populated islands like Efate and Espiritu Santo can be an exciting way to get to know the locals. You will find them warm and welcoming; many villages have a communal guesthouse for travelers (these are often very affordable or even free). If you are charged for the accommodations, do not haggle, unless they are far out of line (for example, more expensive than a hotel room).
Island Hopping in Vanuatu
However, for the adventurous sort, island hopping is the best way to enjoy your stay. What’s island hopping, you ask? Simply put, it’s visiting one island, perhaps staying the night in a bungalows or camped on the beach and then moving on to the next island. This form of travel allows you to enjoy each island and islet in Vanuatu, or as many as you can during your time in the islands.
Adventurous Island Hopping
Island hopping is perhaps best suited for those with the craving for adventure. Many of the islands in Vanuatu archipelago are uninhabited, yet still feature the swaying palm trees, verdant jungles and pristine white beaches of the other islands. Island hopping can help you enjoy as many of these jewels as possible. Explore the jungles, enjoy the beach, bath in the ocean or rivers… It’s the life of adventure you crave. One of the best islands with which to begin is Espiritu Santo; you’ll find virgin forest, the ruins of WWII US troops, such as crashed planes and abandoned Quonset huts and more. You’ll also find 2 active volcanoes for the very adventurous.
Island Hopping for Couples
Are you looking for a romantic getaway in the midst of the South Pacific? Island hopping can give you that, as well. Island hopping for romance is somewhat different than adventure hopping. The premise is the same, however. Visit one of the uninhabited islands and pack a picnic lunch for the beach; explore secluded lagoons and inlets, or walk hand in hand through coconut groves and the water’s edge. You’ll find no more romantic spot in the universe.
How to Do It
So, you’re sold on the idea of island hopping, but are unsure of how to accomplish it? You can do so very easily. Local charter aircraft can put you down almost anywhere. Alternatively, charter a sailboat and enjoy the trip that much more. You can easily cruise the waters between many of the islands in only a few hours, giving you a broad range of destinations every day. For the romantically minded, there are charter cruises that will even provide you with the picnic lunch, as well as set you down in the most secluded places possible.
