You are going where? Where is Vanuatu located? That was the question my Mom asked when I told her I’m visiting the birthplace of bungeejumping, Million Dollar Point, Tanna volcano, and blue holes.
She still had no clue, so I decided to create a quick guide about the location of Vanuatu. The lesser-known island archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. Find all the details below.
BEST PLACES TO STAY in VANUATU:
• South Pacific Memories (cute bungalows close to Port Vila)
• Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Vila (beachfront resort with a private beach on Efate)
• White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa (on West coast of Tanna)
• Castle Tree House (basic accommodation with a view to Mt. Yasur)
• Deco Stop Lodge (I steyed here with a beautiful view over Luganville)
• The Espiritu (great stay on Espiritu Santo)
TOP EXPERIENCES in and around VANUATU:
• Efate island tour (nice intro to Vanuatu)
• Hideaway Island (send a postcard from underwater post office)
• Nagol Land diving on Pentecost (AMAZING!)
• Mt. Yasur hike (A MUST DO!)
• Yakel tribe and Mt. Yasur combo tour (it’s like stepping back in time)
• Millenium Cave tour (amazing experience!)
• Blue Cave and Champagne Beach (one of the best beaches in the world!)
Page Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Vanuatu is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is part of the region known as Melanesia and lies east of Australia, northeast of New Caledonia, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji.
The country consists of 83 volcanic islands scattered across the Pacific along the western edge of the Ring of Fire. Despite its remote location, it is known for its strong cultural traditions.
Still can’t quite place where is Vanuatu on the map?
Keep reading to discover exactly where, not long ago, cannibalism was still a part of their culture, where the most accessible volcano is, the happiest nation, and where the Republic of Vanuatu is on a map.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Where is Vanuatu
TL;DR / KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Formerly known as New Hebrides, Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is part of the region known as Melanesia in Oceania.
● When searching for Vanuatu on the world map, look for a Y-shaped archipelago east of Australia and northeast of New Caledonia, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji.
● The Vanuatu archipelago consists of more than 80 islands South of the Equator and has a tropical to subtropical climate.
📌 No time to read? Pin it for later!
Where are the Vanuatu islands located
To find where is Vanuatu located on the world map, start by looking at Australia and Hawaii. I always describe its position as roughly a quarter of the way between Australia and Hawaii.
If this description is not enough, locate the east coast of Australia.
Then move northeast into the South Pacific Ocean. Just east of Queensland, in the Coral Sea, you’ll find the Y-shaped Vanuatu archipelago running 1,300 km (807 mi) north-south across the South Pacific. It is a long stretch, but only a third of the length of the Japanese Archipelago.
There are no land borders with any country, making it entirely surrounded by Pacific waters.
Vanuatu lies about 1,750 km (1,090 mi) east of Australia, approximately 540 km (335 mi) northeast of New Caledonia, around 800 km (500 mi) west of Fiji, and roughly 1,200 km (750 mi) southeast of the Solomon Islands.
The country is made up of around 80 volcanic islands and is part of Melanesia, a subregion of Oceania that also includes Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
Vanuatu map and geographical details
Vanuatu is an independent country located between 15° and 21° South of the Equator and 166° and 171° East of the Prime Meridian, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
Time in Vanuatu is 11 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +11). The country does not observe daylight saving time.
The total land area is around 12,189 km² (4,706 mi²), which is slightly larger than Connecticut or Qatar, and a bit smaller than Montenegro if you want a quick comparison.
Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with warm temperatures year-round, volcanic islands, rainforests, and coral reefs, it is a year-round destination
The islands of Vanuatu sit right on the boundary of the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates, which explains a lot about what you’ll find here. The region sees regular seismic activity, with risks including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Out of 83 islands, most are mountainous and volcanic in origin, with narrow coastal plains and steep interior terrain. Only 65 of the islands are inhabited.
The highest point, Mount Tabwemasana on island of Espiritu Santo, rises to 1,879 m (6165 ft).
Active volcanoes are a real presence here. Mount Yasur on Tanna Island has been erupting continuously for centuries, and it’s genuinely one of the most accessible active volcanoes on earth. Other active volcanoes include Ambae, Ambrym, and Lopevi.
The population of Vanuatu is around 320,000 people, living mostly on the islands of Efate, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna. The capital city, Port Vila, is located on Efate. Those, alongside Malekula and Pentecost, are the best islands to visit in Vanuatu.
The country enjoys a tropical climate. There are two main seasons: a hot, humid season from November to April (which also brings more rainfall and possible cyclones), and a cooler, drier season from May to October. The best time to visit is typically during the dry season, when humidity is lower and conditions are ideal for outdoor adventures.
Vanuatu has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Melanesian traditions, with over 100 local languages spoken — one of the highest linguistic densities in the world.
The best things to include in your Vanuatu itinerary are Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna Island, the blue holes of Espiritu Santo, seeing N’gol Land diving, snorkeling at Million dollar Point, and experiencing traditional village life.
General facts about Vanuatu
POPULATION
320.000 (2021)
GOVERNMENT TYPE
Republic
CURRENCY
Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
LANGUAGE
Bislama, English, French
CAPITAL
Port Vila
MAIN RELIGION
Christianity (83%)
COUNTRY CODE
+678
TIME ZONE
UTC +11
where is Barbados Island
Now that you know where is Vanuatu …
Vanuatu is an island country with 83 islands, stretching in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean.
So, the next time someone asks you where the major islands of Vanuatu are, you’ll know exactly where to point! Somewhere between Australia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands in the heart of the Pacific.
This pacific islands are known for its active volcanoes, turquoise blue holes, rich Melanesian culture, and some of the most untouched landscapes in the Pacific. From traditional village life to world-class diving and dramatic volcanic scenery, Vanuatu is a destination that truly feels off the beaten path.
Have a look at my other Vanuatu travel guides to discover the best islands to visit, how to get there, when to go, what to pack, interesting facts, and unforgettable experiences to include in your Vanuatu itinerary when planning your dream South Pacific adventure.
➤ Read more Vanuatu travel guides
• Ultimate Vanuatu itinerary: How to Spend 12 Days in Vanuatu
• Epic Nagol Land Diving Pentecost Island Tour: Vanuatu Bungee Jumping
• Vanuatu Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown
• Vanuatu Quiz: Test your knowledge about Vanuatu islands
📌 Like it? Pin it!
