From Volcanoes to Custom Law: 30 Unique Vanuatu Facts

30 Stories, Secrets, and Facts About Vanuatu That Aren't in the Guidebooks

Pack your reef shoes and your sense of adventure—we’re off to Vanuatu, a Pacific paradise that most travelers haven’t even heard of (yet). Located between Australia and Fiji, this island chain is a magical blend of volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, coral reefs, and one of the richest indigenous cultures on Earth.

But don’t let the chill beach vibes fool you—Vanuatu is one of the most fascinating places on the planet, where you'll find boiling lakes, land-diving tribes, and even underwater post offices (seriously).

Let’s kick off your crash course with the first 10 facts that prove Vanuatu is unlike anywhere else.

🌋 Fact 1: Vanuatu Has One of the World's Most Active Volcanoes—And You Can Hike It

Welcome to Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible active volcanoes on Earth. Located on Tanna Island, this fiery beast erupts multiple times an hour, launching lava into the night sky in a dazzling show of natural power.

You can hike right up to the crater rim (with a local guide), where you’ll feel the rumble under your feet and watch sparks fly just meters away. It’s intense, surreal, and completely unforgettable. No filters needed—this is Mother Nature at her rawest. It’s not every day you can casually watch the Earth explode before dinner.

🌊 Fact 2: It's Home to the World's Only Underwater Post Office

Yes, really. Just off Hideaway Island near Port Vila, you’ll find the world’s first and only underwater post office—and it’s fully functional.

Don a snorkel or scuba mask, swim out to the submerged booth, and drop in your waterproof postcard. It gets stamped and delivered like any other letter, but with way more style. It's a must-do for ocean-loving travelers and makes for one epic souvenir. And yes, it’s officially recognized by Vanuatu Post. Send a message from below the sea? Check that off your bucket list.

🌴 Fact 3: Vanuatu Has Over 80 Islands, but Only About 65 Are Inhabited

This Pacific nation is actually an archipelago of 83 islands, scattered across hundreds of kilometers of ocean. But here’s the twist—many of them are completely untouched, with no permanent residents, no roads, and no tourist infrastructure.

You can take boat trips to uninhabited islands for picnics, snorkeling, or camping, and feel like you’ve been cast in your own personal version of Cast Away. Whether you’re after luxury or Robinson Crusoe vibes, Vanuatu’s diverse islands offer a wild mix of remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful escapes.

🧗‍♂️ Fact 4: The Original Bungee Jumping Was Invented Here

Long before New Zealand made bungee famous, the people of Pentecost Island were diving from towers using vines tied to their ankles in a tradition called Naghol, or land diving.

Every year between April and June, men build 20–30 meter high wooden towers, then leap off in a powerful display of bravery, fertility, and cultural identity. The vines stop them just before they hit the ground. It’s a sacred rite of passage, and considered the origin of modern bungee jumping. Seeing it live is spine-tingling—and deeply moving.

🐠 Fact 5: Vanuatu Has Some of the Clearest Diving in the World

With coral reefs, underwater caves, WWII shipwrecks, and marine life in every color imaginable, Vanuatu is a scuba diver’s dream. Visibility often hits 30+ meters, especially around Espiritu Santo and Efate.

Don’t dive? No worries—snorkeling here is next-level, with coral just off the shore in many spots. You can swim with sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and technicolor fish, all in bath-warm water. It’s raw, real, and never overcrowded. Whether you're a PADI pro or just want to float face-down in the reef for hours, Vanuatu's waters deliver the magic.

🗿 Fact 6: Villages Here Still Use Traditional Shell Money

While Vanuatu has its own currency (the Vatu), some outer islands—especially Malekula and Pentecost—still use shell money for ceremonies, dowries, and land agreements.

These traditional currencies are made of hand-carved shell discs, strung together in necklaces. They’re not just beautiful—they hold deep cultural value and are passed down through generations. In a world rushing toward digital everything, Vanuatu shows that ancient systems still have power. It’s a fascinating look at how tradition and modern life coexist on the islands.

🌈 Fact 7: Some Waterfalls Here Are Hidden in the Jungle—and You Can Swim in Them

Vanuatu is waterfall central. Head to Mele Cascades, near Port Vila, for a network of falls and natural pools you can swim in. But if you’re into the off-grid vibe, venture to Lololima Falls, Millenium Cave, or even Tavendrua Falls on Espiritu Santo—where you’ll need a guide, a hike, and a sense of adventure.

Most of these are untouched, crystal-clear, and surrounded by lush tropical jungle. No crowds, no fences—just you and the sound of water crashing into rock. Don’t forget your GoPro and some reef shoes—you’re going to want to stay a while.

🔥 Fact 8: There Are Hot Springs Just Steps From the Ocean

On Ambrym and Efate, you’ll find geothermal hot springs bubbling just meters from the beach. Some are natural ocean-fed pools warmed by volcanic energy, others are more traditional springs in the forest.

Locals use them for bathing, cooking, and even relaxing social time. You can soak your tired hiking legs, sip coconut water, and listen to the waves at the same time. It’s like nature built her own beachfront spa. These hidden geothermal gems are just another reason Vanuatu is the South Pacific’s best-kept secret.

👣 Fact 9: There's a Village That Worships Prince Philip

Yes, that Prince Philip. On the island of Tanna, a small community in the village of Yaohnanen believes the late Duke of Edinburgh was a divine spirit—a descendant of an ancient mountain god who would one day return to them.

It may sound bizarre, but it’s rooted in a complex blend of belief, colonial history, and cultural symbolism. When Prince Philip heard about the devotion, he actually sent signed portraits to the villagers—and even met with some of them in the UK. It’s one of the most surreal cross-cultural stories in modern history.

🌄 Fact 10: You Can Hike to a Boiling Lake Inside a Volcano

On Ambrym Island, you can trek through black lava fields and ancient forest to reach Lake Fanteng, a boiling, sulfuric lake nestled in the caldera of a massive volcano. This alien-looking landscape is one of the most active volcanic zones in the South Pacific.

The hike is wild—like stepping onto another planet. Along the way, you’ll pass steam vents, ash plains, and maybe even a lava flow (depending on activity). This isn’t a walk in the park—it’s a full-blown volcanic expedition. Raw, dangerous, and epic in every way.

🪖 Fact 11: You Can Dive a Sunken Luxury Liner from WWII

Ready for a real-life sunken treasure? Off the coast of Espiritu Santo lies the SS President Coolidge, a massive American luxury liner turned troop ship that sank in 1942 after hitting friendly mines during World War II.

Today, it’s one of the largest and most accessible shipwreck dives in the world. You can explore cargo holds, cannons, jeeps, and even a spooky porcelain statue nicknamed “The Lady.” It’s an eerie, unforgettable underwater museum teeming with marine life. Whether you're an experienced diver or just a history fan, this is a Vanuatu must-do that feels like time travel beneath the sea.

🏝️ Fact 12: Some Islands in Vanuatu Are Disappearing

Rising sea levels and climate change are a real threat in Vanuatu. Low-lying islands like Tegua and Mataso have already experienced land loss, forcing villagers to relocate. In 2005, Vanuatu became the first country to relocate communities due to rising sea levels—a haunting glimpse of our future.

But here’s the beautiful part: local communities are leading the charge in climate adaptation, building sea walls, planting mangroves, and advocating on the global stage. It’s both sobering and inspiring—and another reason to explore these islands while they’re still above water.

🔮 Fact 13: Magic and Custom Law Still Shape Daily Life

In many parts of Vanuatu, especially on the outer islands, kastom (custom) law still guides how people live, resolve disputes, and connect with ancestors. Magic, spirits, and traditional ceremonies aren’t just historical—they’re everyday life.

You'll hear stories of sorcerers, spirit stones, and protective spells, and see chiefs leading village decisions instead of politicians. This deep cultural connection to land, lineage, and the spiritual world makes Vanuatu feel timeless—like it’s dancing to a rhythm the rest of the world has forgotten. Travel here with respect, and you might just feel it too.

🍽️ Fact 14: Yes, Vanuatu Has a History of Cannibalism

Not long ago—less than 100 years—some tribes in Vanuatu practiced ritual cannibalism. The most infamous stories come from Malekula Island, where enemy warriors were sometimes killed, cooked, and eaten as part of tribal warfare or spiritual ceremonies.

Today, that history is acknowledged openly and without shame—cannibalism was part of custom, not savagery. Museums like the Malekula Cultural Centre and guided tours explain the practice in depth, including the skull shrines still found in jungle caves. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a raw and honest window into human history and cultural evolution.

💦 Fact 15: The Blue Holes of Vanuatu Are Natural Swimming Pools from a Dream

Imagine deep, crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by jungle, glowing in electric shades of turquoise and sapphire. These are Vanuatu’s blue holes—formed by underground springs that bubble up through limestone, creating deep freshwater swimming spots.

Nanda Blue Hole, Matevulu, and Riri Blue Hole on Espiritu Santo are the most famous, and trust us—they’re even bluer than your Instagram filter. You can swing into them from jungle vines, snorkel in gin-clear water, or just float in silence. It’s like nature built you a private, enchanted swimming pool. Unreal doesn’t even begin to cover it.

🎭 Fact 16: Every Island Has Its Own Language

Here’s a mind-blower: Vanuatu holds the world record for most languages spoken per capita. With around 300,000 people and over 110 distinct languages, it’s a linguistic patchwork like nowhere else.

Each island, sometimes each village, has its own dialect. And yet, people communicate using Bislama—a Pidgin English that’s full of charm and local flavor. Example: “mi stap” = I am here. It’s not just a way to talk—it’s a piece of identity. For language lovers, Vanuatu is pure gold. For travelers? Don’t stress—most people also speak English or French with a warm island smile.

🧭 Fact 17: Vanuatu Was Once Ruled by Two Countries at the Same Time

From 1906 to 1980, Vanuatu (then called The New Hebrides) was ruled in a rare and confusing dual colonial system by both France and the United Kingdom.

That meant two governments, two police forces, two schools, two currencies—and a whole lot of chaos. Islanders called it the “Pandemonium” (true story). After years of political pressure, Vanuatu finally gained independence in 1980, and today it stands proud as one of the most culturally independent and resilient nations in the Pacific. But if you see signs in French, English, and Bislama? Now you know why.

🧱 Fact 18: You Can Visit Villages with Ancient Stone Fortresses

On Malekula Island, deep in the jungle, you’ll find the remains of ancient stone fortresses, used by tribes for protection during headhunting raids and inter-village warfare.

These dry-stone walls, sometimes hidden beneath vines and moss, are centuries old—and some are still being preserved by local communities. Walking through them is like entering a Pacific medieval world. With a guide, you’ll hear the stories of warriors, rival clans, and the powerful chiefs who once ruled from behind these walls. It’s wild, raw, and a side of island history you won’t find on a postcard.

🧿 Fact 19: Some Tribes Believe Volcanoes Are Gods

On Tanna and Ambrym Islands, volcanoes aren’t just natural features—they’re living spirits. Locals believe these fiery mountains, especially Mount Yasur, are inhabited by powerful ancestral gods.

Visitors are often asked to respect the volcano by following traditional rules: no loud noises, no pointing, and no disrespectful selfies. Ceremonies are held to honor the volcano, and some believe that when Yasur rumbles, it’s the spirits speaking.

This spiritual worldview shapes how people live and think. So while tourists see adventure, locals see sacred connection—and that’s what makes this place so deeply meaningful.

🥁 Fact 20: Custom Dances Are More Than Performance—They're Sacred Rituals

On many islands, you’ll see “custom” (kastom) dances performed with feathers, body paint, grass skirts, and pounding drums. But these aren’t just for tourists—they’re encoded stories, passed down through generations.

The dances often tell tales of creation, migration, war, harvests, or spirits, and are part of larger ceremonies that might mark births, deaths, or seasonal changes. Some dances are even restricted to certain tribes or genders. Watching one live, especially in a village setting, is goosebump-inducing—a rhythm from the past echoing into the now. This isn’t just culture—it’s living memory, set to a beat.

🔱 Fact 21: Kava Is More Than a Drink—It's a Ceremony of Connection

In Vanuatu, kava isn’t just a way to chill—it’s a deeply spiritual ritual. Made from the root of the kava plant and pounded into a muddy, peppery drink, it's used to bring people together, resolve conflicts, and connect with ancestors.

It’s traditionally drunk in silence, especially in outer island nakamals (kava houses), where speaking after your first shell is considered disrespectful. Men and elders gather nightly to talk, share wisdom, or just sit in thought. For many, kava is a sacred bridge—a way to settle the body and awaken the spirit.

🥥 Fact 22: Copra (Dried Coconut) Is a Lifeline in Rural Economies

Forget tourist dollars—on many outer islands, the economy runs on copra, the dried meat of coconuts used to produce coconut oil. Families dry coconut flesh under the sun, pack it in sacks, and sell it to buyers who send it off to Asia or Australia.

It’s tough, physical work, often done without electricity or machines. Yet, for many ni-Vanuatu people, it’s the main source of income to pay for school fees, fuel, or basic supplies. It’s not glamorous, but copra is a pillar of local survival—and a quiet reminder that island life requires real hustle.

📻 Fact 23: Radio Is Still the Main Source of News for Many Communities

In a world obsessed with smartphones, much of Vanuatu still relies on shortwave or solar-powered radios to get national news, weather alerts, and emergency broadcasts.

Especially during cyclone season, when internet and power lines go down, radio is a lifeline. In villages where roads wash out and signals disappear, hearing a familiar voice on the radio is both comfort and survival. Stations like Radio Vanuatu broadcast in Bislama, French, and English, helping bridge the country’s huge linguistic diversity. In the islands, sometimes the most powerful signal is the simplest one.

🌱 Fact 24: Traditional Farming Systems Are Climate-Resilient by Design

Ni-Vanuatu people have been practicing sustainable, regenerative farming for centuries. Using intercropping, composting, and seasonal planting, they grow taro, yam, manioc, and island cabbage in ways that naturally regenerate soil and avoid pests.

These “gardens” are often far from home and take hours to reach by foot. Still, they provide most of the family's food, and are passed down through generations. After cyclones or droughts, families often rely on wild plants and backup food gardens hidden deep in the bush. This ancestral food knowledge is one reason Vanuatu stays strong in crisis—even when aid is slow to arrive.

📚 Fact 25: Many Children Walk Hours to Reach School

Education in rural Vanuatu is a journey—literally. In outer islands like Ambrym or Malekula, kids walk 1–3 hours (each way!) through jungle trails, rivers, and steep hills just to attend primary school.

Some students stay in boarding houses or with relatives closer to schools, especially during cyclone season. Schools are often simple wooden buildings with minimal materials, yet learning is deeply valued. Parents sacrifice to send children to school, and kids carry that responsibility with pride. It’s a daily reminder that education is not taken for granted—it’s earned with every step.

🧒 Fact 26: Storytelling Is the Main Way Knowledge Is Passed Down

Forget textbooks. In many villages, oral storytelling remains the most respected form of education. Elders tell kastom stories under banyan trees or by the fire, passing down everything from creation myths to medicinal plant knowledge, taboo laws, and clan histories.

Stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re living archives, shaping identity, land ownership, and morality. Children learn who they are, where they belong, and what the ancestors expect of them through these spoken traditions. In Vanuatu, every elder is a library—and every story is a key to the future.

⚠️ Fact 27: Domestic Violence Is a Major Social Issue Being Faced

Behind the paradise postcards, Vanuatu grapples with high rates of domestic and gender-based violence, especially in rural areas where support systems are limited.

Local organizations and women-led groups like Women’s Centre Vanuatu are working tirelessly to offer counseling, legal aid, and safe spaces for women and children. There’s also increasing effort to blend custom law and modern justice, bringing chiefs and elders into prevention efforts. It’s a complex, ongoing challenge—but there’s real momentum for change, driven by brave voices inside the community, not just outside pressure.

🥾 Fact 28: Most Islanders Live Without Running Water or Electricity

Outside Port Vila and Luganville, many families still live without electricity, piped water, or flush toilets. Water is collected from rain tanks, rivers, or hand-dug wells, and cooking is done over open fires. Nights are lit by solar lanterns, candles, or nothing at all.

But this doesn’t mean people live poorly—it means they live differently. There's a deep focus on community, self-reliance, and natural rhythm. Life moves slower, but it’s rich with connection, purpose, and resilience. For many visitors, it’s a humbling reminder of how much we rely on systems that islanders have learned to live without.

🐍 Fact 29: The Deadly Sea Snake of Vanuatu Is… Completely Harmless

You might freak out if you see a black-and-white banded sea snake (called Laticauda colubrina) slithering through the water—but take a breath. Despite being extremely venomous, this snake is shy, slow, and non-aggressive, with tiny fangs that rarely pose any threat to humans.

Locals respect them and call them “snek blong solwota.” They're considered spirit protectors in some island traditions. You’ll often see them cruising reef flats or sunning on rocks. So yes, they’re deadly—but only if you’re a fish.

🤝 Fact 30: Community is the Foundation of Everything

In Vanuatu, the strength of the village outweighs the individual. People live in tight-knit communities where sharing food, helping build houses, and looking after each other’s kids isn’t kindness—it’s the norm.

There’s no such thing as being alone. Need to build a roof? The whole village shows up. Someone sick? Aunties and uncles rotate care. This communal spirit, or “wantok system”, is what gets people through cyclones, droughts, and hard times—not money or systems, but each other.

It’s one of the most powerful, non-touristic truths you’ll ever witness—and one of Vanuatu’s greatest gifts.

🌺Vanuatu: Where Resilience is Culture and Community is Everything

Behind the beaches and volcanoes, Vanuatu is a land of stories, strength, and soul. It’s a country built not just on coral and coconut trees—but on ancestral wisdom, community survival, and fierce cultural pride.

This isn’t just a destination—it’s a living lesson in how to stay grounded while facing the modern world. Whether you're drawn by adventure, culture, or curiosity, Vanuatu doesn’t just welcome you—it teaches you.