Vanuatu has a few surprises up its sleeve when it comes to the top beaches and swimming spots on the islands. If you thought your favourite would be Vanuatu’s famous blue holes, dotted with rope swings and full of tropical fish, you might be right. However, you may find it’s the black sand beaches of these magical volcanic isles that steal your heart and have you coming back with your family year after year. 

Top tip for visiting beaches in Vanuatu: most sites are maintained by locals and have a small charge per person which goes towards supporting their village, so remember to take cash with you. 

Port Olry, Espiritu Santo

Not only is Port Olry a fantastic swimming spot on Santo, but it also has great beachside cafes where you can sample the local seafood while looking out over the water. If you fancy venturing further than the pristine beach, hire a canoe or kayak and paddle out to the nearby islands where undisturbed reefs harbour some of the best snorkelling in Vanuatu. Located just north of Champagne Beach, you can beach hop all the way back to your hotel.

Champagne beach & Lonnoc beach, Espiritu Santo

Champagne Beach is one of Espiritu Santo’s most iconic destinations, famous for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its gently sloping shore and calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling, creating a serene tropical paradise.
Just a short distance away, Lonnoc Beach offers a more secluded experience with its equally stunning white sand and lush surroundings. Perfect for a peaceful day by the sea, Lonnoc Beach invites visitors to relax in its tranquil setting, away from the crowds.

Eton Beach, Efate

Sheltered by a reef a short distance out into the bay, the water at Eton Beach is calm and the colourful marine life below the surface impressive. The beach is sandy and the water fairly shallow along the shore, making Eton Beach a perfect location for both kids and adults who are new to snorkelling. The ideal time to visit is high tide, so check the tide times before setting off.

Hideaway Island, Efate

Hideaway Island, home to Hideaway Island Resort, is a five-minute ferry ride from Mele Beach on the island of Efate. The marine sanctuary surrounding the island protects the local underwater inhabitants who can be seen darting through the colourful coral gardens, thriving in the warm Pacific waters. Kids love snorkelling at Hideaway Island because it’s one of the only places in the world where you can post a letter under the sea. Yep, that’s right, an underwater post box that can be accessed right off the beach. If you want to learn to scuba dive, Hideaway Island is a great place to get started.

Lelepa Island, Efate

To the north-west of Efate, Lelepa Island is one of the islands that make up Port Havannah’s natural harbour. Made famous by Fels Cave, which has cave paintings dating back thousands of years, Lelepa Island also offers superb snorkelling with an abundance of tropical fish and an opportunity to find out more about the local people as you exchange stories at an afternoon tea in the traditional Vanuatu village.

Moso island, Efate

Moso Island offers a more off-the-beaten-path beach experience, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. With its pristine, untouched beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, it’s a haven for snorkelling and swimming. The peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds make Moso Island’s beaches feel like a private escape, surrounded by lush vegetation and serene ocean views.

Pele island, Efate

Pele Island is a hidden gem just off the coast of Efate, offering stunning, unspoiled beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Its soft white sand and gentle lagoons make it perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the vibrant coral reefs nearby are a haven for marine life. The island’s peaceful ambiance and natural beauty provide a relaxing, laid-back beach experience.

Black Sand Beach, Tanna

When you picture an idyllic island in the South Pacific, bright white soft sand, lush green palm trees and clear blue water probably come to mind. While Vanuatu has plenty of beaches just like that, perhaps one of the more intriguing places to swim on the islands are the black sand beaches of Tanna, created by one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes, Mount Yasur, which rises 361 metres above Tanna. The best black sand beaches include Louniel Beach on the north-east of the island and Iwaru Beach just 15 minutes south of the main village of Lenakel, both are also excellent surfing beaches.

Beach clubs

For beach club enthusiasts, you’ll mainly find two on Efate: the Banana Bay Beach Club and the Solwata Beach Club. Entrance fees may apply if you don’t make a purchase on site.

Outer islands

On outer islands, there’s no doubt you’ll find plenty of spots to sunbathe! Ask the locals, and they’ll show you some hidden gems.

Etmat bay, Efate

Just 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Port Vila, Etmat Bay is a peaceful, little-known beach that’s perfect for a refreshing swim. With its white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the lagoon’s beauty away from the crowds.

Hideaway Island, Efate

Hideaway Island, home to Hideaway Island Resort, is a five-minute ferry ride from Mele Beach on the island of Efate. The marine sanctuary surrounding the island protects the local underwater inhabitants who can be seen darting through the colourful coral gardens, thriving in the warm Pacific waters. Kids love snorkelling at Hideaway Island because it’s one of the only places in the world you can post a letter under the sea. Yep, that’s right, an underwater post box that can be accessed right off the beach. If you want to learn to scuba dive, Hideaway Island is a great place to get started.

Tony Beach, Gaua

Want to get off the beaten track and experience Vanuatu’s outer islands? Gaua is the place to go. Popular as a well-earned break after the three-day Lake Letas, Mount Garet and Siri Waterfall hike (not suitable for kids under 10), Tony Beach Paradise is a pristine snorkelling and swimming spot on the north coast of the island of Gaua. This rugged campsite offers picnic lunches or beach barbecues with fresh seafood, as well as one of the best kept secret swimming spots in Vanuatu.

Honeymoon beach, Efate

Located in Erakor, Honeymoon Beach is a peaceful stretch of soft sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby reefs are home to vibrant marine life, making it a great spot for underwater explorers. Whether you're a couple, a family, or traveling solo, it's the perfect place to unwind under the palm trees or enjoy an unforgettable sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vanuatu's beaches are less about long public promenades and more about distinct island settings. You will find powdery white sand on Santo, calm reef-sheltered bays on Efate, and striking black-sand coves on volcanic Tanna. Many swimming spots sit on customary land and feel local rather than resort-managed. That mix of colour, village care and reef water is what sets them apart.
Around Port Vila and parts of Santo, many beaches can be reached by taxi, hire car or a booked day trip. Even then, expect a small cash entry fee and simple facilities rather than open public parks. On outer islands, access often means a boat, a local guide or a stay at a nearby bungalow. Independent travel is easiest on Efate; elsewhere, ask your host before you set out.
Not every beach is public in the way visitors may expect. Much of the coastline is customary land, and communities care for popular sites in return for a modest fee. Ask permission, pay any custom charge, and do not assume resort-style open access. A polite greeting and cash in Vatu go a long way.