Vanuatu, Tanna: More than just a stopover to visit Mt Yasur
Simon Penlington has visited Vanuatu three times and on each occasion has found new and beautiful experiences. He wants to encourage cruisers to spend more time experiencing the rich culture of Tanna, rather than just taking a two day stop-over to see Mt Yasur.
Published 6 years ago, updated 5 years ago
Tanna culture is rich and different to other places in the South Pacific and Port Resolution is very yacht friendly. Of course, the opportunity to stand on the edge of Mt Yasur and look into an active volcano pumping rocks into the air is a must, but Tanna offers more wonderful experiences which are all accessible from Port Resolution.
Mt Yasur volcano tours leave daily from Port Resolution Yacht Club at 3.00pm. Booking in advance is recommended, contact Werri at the yacht club on arrival.
You can also take an Island tour to visit traditional Kastom dances at Iabu Village (see photo left), view Mt Yasur from the ash plains or drive over to Lenekel on the western side and see Tanna from the highest point.
This trip also provides an opportunity to visit the bank, have lunch, return via the mountain waterfall, stopping off at a Kastom village to see a celebration dance if is being performed. You can also chill out and swim at white sandy beaches or dine at one of the many village restaurants.
Contact Jocelyn Jusu, Ph +(678) 7308067 or Sam Jusu, Paramount Chief, Ph +(678)734 2879 and email [email protected] for bookings and more information.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are available from Lenekel market if you are doing an island tour, but it is suggested to make contact with Jocelyn as a good starting point. Mountain spring water is also available at the yacht club.
Jocelyn can also show you traditional Tapanas food cooking and preparation as well as give you an opportunity to talk about Tanna kastoms.
An overnight stay at a treetop bungalow in the heart of the jungle (see photo right) is a beautiful excuse to spend a night or two on land. Jungle View Bungalows, contact Chief Justine, Ph +(678 )5438 8773, is one of the many available options.
If you are visiting Tanna during July, Independence celebrations run all week long commencing on 24 July with Children’s Day and finishing on the 30/31 July.
Simon Penlington
SV Nicha
All photos courtesy of Simon Penlington.
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Related to following destinations: Lenakel, Port Resolution, Tanna, Vanuatu
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Cruising Information
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