Lelepa Island Tour Vanuatu (Who To Book With?)
A tour of Lelepa Island might be just what you need if you find yourself wondering how to spend a day in Vanuatu. This day trip offers a well-rounded experience filled with stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture.
When I was in Vanuatu we took a Lelepa island tour (well, actually we gate crashed one..) and it was one of our best days in Vanuatu! It looks like a bit of a tourist trap if you judge a book by its cover, but once you get past that it’s actually great food, epic snorkelling, and a fun way to meet other travellers.
But (unlike us) it’s a good idea to make a booking – especially during cruise ship seasons!
Here a write up of what to expect on the tour, the best tour operators I found (including the one I used!) and my tips on doing the Lelepa Island tour while your in Vanuatu.
1️⃣ Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours (Best Overall) [Jump To Review] or [Book Now]
This company provides well-organized tours and comprehensive itineraries. The multiple stopovers at key attractions, like Turtles Bay and Eton Beach, provide varied and interesting experiences.
2️⃣ Lelepa Island Tours (Who I went with!) [Jump To Review] or [Book Now]
For a rich cultural experience and a well-balanced itinerary, I suggest Lelepa Island Tours. You’ll snorkel and have an opportunity to relax on the island’s beaches.
3️⃣ Atmosphere Tours and Transfers (Best Value) [Jump To Review] or [Book Now]
The team at Atmosphere stands out for having knowledgeable guides and detailed historical tours. The inclusion of UNESCO-listed sites adds a unique and educational element to the tour.
Continue reading to find out what to expect and the highs and lows to make the most of your visit.
Table of Contents
What is the Lelepa Island Tour?
The Lelepa Island tour is a full-day excursion that takes you from the main island of Efate to the smaller, picturesque Lelepa Island. This tour gives you the opportunity to explore pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, visit historical sites, and engage with local villagers.
Itinerary
A typical tour begins early in the morning, usually around 8 AM, when you are picked up from your accommodation in Port Vila. The drive to the starting point takes about 30 minutes.
Nb: We had scooters so actually met the tour at the boat ramp. This allowed us to negotiate down the price a little and saved taxing around between hotels for an hour.
Morning: Boat Ride and Snorkelling
Boat Ride: Once you reach the departure point, a boat will take you across to the island.
Snorkeling and Swimming: Your first stop will be at a secluded beach where you can snorkel in the warm waters with colorful marine life.
Exploring Fels Cave: Next, you’ll visit Fels Cave, known for its ancient rock paintings and historical significance. Your guide will share stories about the cave’s past and its importance to the local culture.
Lunch: BBQ
Around midday, you’ll enjoy a traditional island barbecue. You can also take this time to relax and soak in the island atmosphere.
Afternoon Activities
Village Tour: Post-lunch, you’ll visit a local village where you can interact with the residents, learn about their way of life, and maybe even participate in traditional crafts or activities, like weaving and dancing.
Beach Relaxation: The tour concludes with some leisure time on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the serene environment before heading back to Efate.
Return: By late afternoon, around 4 PM, you’ll be back in the major city.
The Good and the Bad
Lelepa is nothing short of amazing. I walked away with a well-rounded insight into the island. But I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t provide a glimpse of what you really should expect on arrival.
The Good
Stunning Natural Beauty: The clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush greenery make the island a photographer’s paradise.
Snorkelling: We saw turtles and massive schools of tropical fish. The reefs up here look a lot more healthy than other parts of Efate we visited so expect to see some good snorkelling on the lelepa tour.
(Too Much) Relaxation: The tour is well-paced, allowing ample time for relaxation and enjoyment.
The Bad
The village experience is a bit.. weird: Ok so this is just my option but I found the ‘come see a local village’ was really just being put in front of some souvenir shops in the hope that we spend money. And when the children get wheeled out to sing a song at the end .. its just a bit weird. Personally I’d prefer to support the village through a meal at a restaurant or having free roam of the town without being shown where the ‘optional’ sourvineers were.
Weather Dependent: Like many outdoor activities, the experience can be significantly affected by weather conditions. If you’re exploring between January and February, expect heavy rains that can dampen the experience. I would skip the tour if the weather is looking dicey.
Tourist Crowds: I visited during shoulder season and felt some parts of the tour were already a little crowded. There are multiple companies who operate tours here every (most) days so don’t expect to be alone on Lelepa island.
3 Best Tour Operators to Book With
Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours
Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours offers a fantastic Lelepa Island Trip, perfect for adventure seekers and relaxation lovers. You’ll explore pristine beaches, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, and discover hidden caves with friendly, knowledgeable guides. Enjoy learning about local culture and history while soaking in the island’s stunning natural beauty.
My take: I didn’t go with Tanna as they were full on the day we wanted to do the tour, but judging from their online reviews and other peoples comments they are probably the best operator on the island
Key Info
Lelepa Island Tours (Who I Booked With!)
Key Info
Atmosphere Tours and Transfers
Key Info
My Recommendation
I recommend booking with Lelepa Island Tours. Their commitment to providing a well-rounded experience, combined with their excellent service and attention to detail, makes them the best choice.
Although they’re slightly expensive, the quality of the experience justifies the expense. I also enjoyed the flexibility in activities and the opportunity to relax on the island’s beaches.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Lelepa Island Tour
1. Book Early and Customise!
I soon learned that the tours are popular (which is a given since I booked during peak season) and can fill up quickly. Book in advance to secure your spot.
Tours can also be easily customised. For example if you want to only do a half day, or you have your own transport.. let the booking agent know and you might be able to negotiate a better price.
2. Prepare for the Weather
Vanuatu’s weather can be unpredictable, particularly in summer when you can experience tropical storms. Bring a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and a hat.
There’s nothing worse than being cold and miserable, but I found the opposite. It was so hot i was sunned out by lunch time, and wished I had a long sleeve shirt to cover up with!
3. Stay Hydrated
Hot weather, lots of sun, vigorous exercise (snorkelling) and a long day all makes for a recipe for dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring your own drink bottle!
4. Bring 2 Towels!.
You’ll be in and out of the water all day. I took one towel to lounge on, and one towel to dry off with. This wa
5. Pack Light but Pack Well
A small backpack with essentials (water, towels, camera, etc.) is ideal. Heavy bags can be cumbersome. Also don’t be that guy who didn’t bring anything..
Conclusion
The Lelepa Island tour is undoubtedly a must-do when in Vanuatu. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the overall experience is incredibly rewarding. With careful planning and the right tour operator, you can ensure a memorable and enriching day.
Vanuatu Travel Planning Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Vanuatu?
100% YES! — Vanuatu’s healthcare system faces challenges, with limited hospital and medical facilities, and treatment costs, including pharmaceuticals, being expensive, often requiring immediate cash payment.
If anything serious happens to you, medical evacuation may be the only option and that’s EXPENSIVE.
If you DO get insurance, also be aware many policies won’t cover adventure activities like diving, climbing active volcanos, or scooter riding (as it’s a high risk activity)!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for these activities (Which are some of the main reasons I went to Vanuatu!)
🎫 Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Probably not! Many countries are entitled to 30 day tourist ‘visa on arrival’. However, some other countries do need a pre-approved Visa. Check the list of Visa exempt countries here
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Vanuatu?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
As always, talk to your GP or specialized travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in Vanuatu?
Cash is king in Vanuatu, but electronic payments have come a long way. You’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land.
Generally, street food stalls, mum-and-dad shops and small businesses will only take cash, whereas larger bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts will be perfectly happy taking card.
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make a payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exchange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the ATMs I tried (although the ATMs do charge a fee of 700VUV to withdraw from a foreign card – around $6 USD) which is annoying but unavoidable. Taking out larger sums at once will minimise the hit.
🚌 What’s the public transport like in Vanuatu?
In short – basic!
Local buses are just dudes in minivans who operate in the grey area between a bus and a taxi. Get in, say where you’re going and they’ll take you as far as they want, provided there are enough other people on board to make the trip worthwhile.
Domestic flights from Port Vila to the outer islands are irregular and unreliable. Even more so since Air Vanuatu went into receivership.
Unfortunately, hiring a car is your most effective way to get around, but it’s waay overpriced for what you get.
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Vanuatu?
Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and available to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourist SIM!) but they can be a little hard to come by. Your best bet is actually to buy a Vodafone or Digicell SIM at the Airport – yep, I can’t believe I’m saying that!). The sales assistant will get the SIM all set up and activated for you.
Another (better) option is the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Vanuatu?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the aggregators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Vanuatu?
Safest not to — tap water in Vanuatu may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not recommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing, or get water purification tablets.
I always use these Aquatabs and also recommend a Brita Water Bottle for as some of the tab water wasn’t exactly clear either!
I had the pleasure of going on the Lelepa Island Tour in Vanuatu, and it was truly unforgettable! The tour operators made everything seamless from start to finish. Their knowledge of the island’s history and culture added so much depth to the experience. The island itself was breathtakingly beautiful, with crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes. I highly recommend booking with this team if you’re looking for an exceptional, well-organized adventure. Their attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a memorable experience are truly commendable. Thank you for making my visit to Lelepa Island so special