Things to Do in Port Vila in March

Sailing out from Port Vila's harbor on the Major Tom, you leave the town's shoreline behind, the water shifting from turquoise near the reef to a deep, absorbing blue. The schooner's sails catch the steady breeze, and the scent of salt spray mixes with the tropical aroma of a grilled lunch prepared on deck. You will hear the snap of canvas and the gentle slap of waves against the hull before anchoring at a secluded cove to snorkel among coral gardens teeming with parrotfish and angelfish.

The journey to Rarru Cascades leads you inland from Port Vila, along roads lined with dense, dripping foliage that opens suddenly to reveal a series of limestone waterfalls. You will feel the cool mist on your skin before you see the main cascade, its water thundering into a deep, jade-green pool good for a swim. The experience often concludes with the opportunity to sample kava, tasting the earthy, slightly numbing traditional drink in a quiet village setting.

This kayaking tour begins on a calm, tea-colored river that winds silently through a mangrove forest, where you can hear the distinctive clicks and rustles of crabs scuttling among the tangled roots. The humid air carries the rich, muddy smell of the estuary, and your paddle dips quietly into the still water, disturbing little as you glide beneath a canopy of green. Guides point out secretive birdlife and explain the ecological role of this important buffer zone between land and sea around Port Vila.

The Discovery Bush Walk immerses you in the sounds of the jungle just outside Port Vila, the chatter of myna birds, the distant coo of fruit doves, and the crunch of volcanic soil underfoot. You will smell the damp, fertile earth and the occasional sweet fragrance of a tropical blossom as your guide points out medicinal plants, towering banyan trees, and the intricate patterns of spiderwebs beaded with moisture. The feel of the cool, shaded air under the dense canopy provides a welcome respite from the open heat.

This round-island tour circles the entirety of Efate, letting you see the dramatic shift from the busy markets of Port Vila to the rugged, coconut palm-fringed coastlines of the north and east. You will feel the van's tires rumble over dirt roads past traditional nakamal meeting grounds, stop to taste just-opened coconuts, and spend time at Blue Lagoon, seeing its impressive, luminous shades of azure water. The day culminates with a lunch at Top Rock, where you can feel a steady ocean breeze and hear the waves crashing on the cliffs far below.

This tailored tour feels like being shown around by a knowledgeable friend, weaving together highlights and lesser-known stops based on the group's interests. You might find yourself handling fresh vanilla pods at a plantation, smelling their heady, sweet scent, then later standing before ancient tam tam drums, feeling the carved wood worn smooth by time. The day often includes a stop at a viewpoint overlooking Port Vila's harbor, seeing the yachts bobbing like toys in the vast, blue expanse of Mele Bay.