Tanna Island: 7 Unforgettable Experiences on This Vanuatu Gem!

Tanna Island, a hidden gem in Vanuatu, offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. What a terrific sight! You just witnessed the eruption of Mount Yasur, one of the several active volcanoes in the world.

Aren’t you tempted to plan a trip immediately? If so, you have to look for ways to reach Tanna Island.

Where is Tanna Island?

It is floating in the South Pacific Ocean, as a part of the Vanuatu islands chain. You must have heard of Melanesia group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, just north of Australia.Tanna Island belongs to the Melanesia Islands group.

How to reach the island?

You can fly from the Australian city of Cairns, Queensland province. You have to cover a distance of 2500 km.

The flight from Cairns lands at Whitegrass Airport, Lenakel town on Yanna Island (alternative name of Tanna Island).

Don’t assume Cairns is the only gateway to Tanna Island. Here are several more cities in Australia, and New Zealand, from where flights go to Yanna Island.

Brisbane
Sydney
Darwin
Adelaide
Canberra
Melbourne
Perth
Auckland
Queenstown
Christchurch

That covers every major city in Australia and New Zealand. This implies Tanna Island receives quite a lot of international tourists, especially from Australia and New Zealand.

If you are wondering how you get to Tanna Island from the U.S. or U.K., read further.

Look at the following list of cities from where you can head to the land of Yasur Volcano.

Frankfurt
London
Los Angeles
New York
San Francisco

These flights (from New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the U.S.) invariably stop at either Fiji Island or Vanuatu Island.

Wow! You can visit two exotic islands on the same trip. Vanuatu flights reach in less than an hour on Tanna Island.

By the way, do you fancy being a seafarer for just one day? If so, you can book a seat on a weekly ferry from Port Vila, Vanuatu to Lenakel, Tanna.

The voyage takes 20 hours! I think it won’t be boring because, on the way, you can see numerous islands (inhabited, and uninhabited).

Overview of Tanna Island:

In this 40 km long island, about 31,000 people live. They are called as Tannese. It is also alright to call them Melanesians.

They are known to boast of a rich cultural heritage. Vibrant is the most appropriate word to describe their traditions and festivals.

How do you get around the island as a tourist?

Taxis are the main mode of transport. As such, the length of the island which is 40 km is not a big deal to go end to end on foot-right?

Alternatively, you can rent a car, and drive yourself to explore the islands’ beaches on all four sides.

If you are a single traveler, think of hiring a two-wheeler. It will work out much cheaper.

The best option is to join a guided tour to cover all the natural attractions on the island.

Languages spoken.

The locals speak English and French. However, when they communicate within themselves, they speak in Bilama, their native tongue.

Tanna Island: 7 Unforgettable Experiences

What are the main attractions on the island?

Yasur Volcano

The foremost attraction is to see the active Yasur Volcano. It is reported as easily accessible. The volcano’s mouth stands at just a little over 1100 feet! Yes, I would say the height can be climbed rather easily.

The crater from which, the mountain spews molten java measures 400 meters in diameter.

It is venomous only for two months, starting from February. If you are keen on watching a volcano erupt, rather than trekking up to its summit, plan your visit during February or March.

Scenic Beaches to see on the island

I have seen some pictures and a few videos. In my opinion, all the beaches on the island looked attractive to me. Nonetheless, I am shrinking my recommendations here.

Ireupiow Beach
Port Resolution Beach
Louniel Beach-here, the sand is black. In addition, the coconut trees that line the beach, add a rustic beauty to the place. Additionally, about 50 meters away, there is a spring that gives out fresh water!

The waves appear to be gentle, offering a swim-friendly ocean.

These beaches are more serene, but generally, you can’t find any amenities on the island’s beaches.

Blue Grotto

Wherever you see the blue caves, you will find it tough to take your eyes off. Even if you are terribly afraid of water, you will feel an irresistible urge to jump into the underwater cave.

Isn’t it surreal?

The corals and the school of fish were great to watch. You have to travel for an hour in a boat, to reach the mouth of the cave. If you are not afraid, get into the water.

As the boat goes on the northwest coast of the island, the sight of trees on the shore, and the fishing boats will look beautiful.

Stroll through Rainforest

As you saw in the video above, the forest looked lush and inviting. If you are a nature lover and have eyes to appreciate trees, wildflowers, and the sound of a forest, you will love to take stroll through the forest.

Guided forest walk tours are available, and it is safe to go with them.

There are half-day tours and full-day tours. Both of them include a trek on the Yasur mountain.

Wildlife watching

I perused the list of birds and animals that one can spot on Yanna Island. I am disappointed because there was no mention of any aquatic birds.

Of course, you can spot some Tanna Fruit Doves and the common Mynah. Bats can be seen hanging upside down in large numbers in the forest trees.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls on a tropical island would be invariably hidden amidst dense foliage. Two waterfalls can be seen here.

Lenuanatuaiu Waterfall
Nazareth Twin Falls.

What can you eat?

Plenty of seafood that is accompanied by mostly root vegetables such as yam, and taro.

Coconut is found in almost all the dishes. When you are on the island, remember to try Simboro, and Tuluk. Don’t be surprised if they place your order, which is wrapped either in banana leaves, or cabbage leaves.