Efate Island: Full-Day Round Trip with Blue Lagoon & Kava

Swim at Blue Lagoon, meet chiefs, sip kava and taste island coffee

You’ll swim in Efate’s Blue Lagoon, hear wild stories from chiefs at Pepeyo Cultural Village, soak in mud baths, taste island-grown coffee, and finish with kava shared among locals. Expect laughter, new flavors, and those small moments that make Vanuatu feel close even after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Efate island tour highlights

• Bus trip from Port Vila to Pepeyo Village
• Village welcome by chief and warriors
• Learn about traditional hunting methods
• Swim at Blue Lagoon swimming hole
• Lunch at Sara Beach restaurant
• Relax at Nasinu hot springs and mud bath
• Photo stop at Klems Hill lookout
• Visit Tanna Coffee Factory and taste coffee
• Enjoy a bowl of kava and learn its significance

The experience

We rolled out of Port Vila in a minibus that still smelled faintly of last night’s rain: windows fogged, laughter from the back seat. Our guide waved at every second person we passed (I swear he knows half the island). First stop was Pepeyo Cultural Village. I didn’t expect to be greeted by warriors in woven skirts and face paint: one of them handed me a carved stick and grinned like he knew I’d fumble it. The chief told us stories about cannibal days and showed us how they test if fish are safe to eat (ants are apparently the real experts here). The jungle felt thick around us, damp earth and woodsmoke everywhere.

After that, we bounced along muddy roads until the trees opened up to this shockingly blue swimming hole, the Blue Lagoon. I thought it’d be cold but it was perfect. Soft sand underfoot, kids from another group doing cannonballs off a rope swing. My hair still smells like salt hours later. Lunch was at Sara Beach: local food cooked the traditional way (I meant to ask what each dish was but got too busy eating). It’s funny how you start feeling slower here, like time doesn’t push so hard.

The mud bath at Nasinu hot springs was next. I’m not usually into spa stuff but smearing warm mud all over my arms felt oddly satisfying, and apparently good for aches (my knees thanked me after all those bus bumps). We stopped for photos on Klems Hill. Honestly, my pictures don’t do the view justice. At Tanna Coffee Factory, I tried their roast black: strong enough to wake up anyone who nodded off after lunch. One of the locals laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Bislama. I probably butchered it.

We ended the day sitting cross-legged with locals, sharing kava under the palm trees. The first sip numbed my tongue more than I expected (our guide said that’s normal), but everyone smiled and talked about how kava keeps people connected here. Sometimes travel just sneaks up on you: little moments that stick longer than you think they will.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise ship port in Port Vila, entry to every stop along Efate (including Pepeyo Cultural Village and Blue Lagoon) a traditional lunch at Sara Beach restaurant, plus tastings of local coffee and kava before heading back.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

Do we visit Blue Lagoon on this tour?

Yes, the tour stops at Blue Lagoon so you can swim there.

What kind of lunch is served?

You’ll have a break at Sara Beach restaurant for local cuisine prepared traditionally.

Are there cultural experiences included?

Yes, you’ll visit Pepeyo Cultural Village to meet locals and learn about traditions.

Will there be opportunities to try local drinks?

You’ll get to taste local coffee at Tanna Coffee Factory and try kava with locals at the end of the day.

What should I bring for swimming or mud baths?

Packing swimwear and short pants is recommended for both Blue Lagoon and Nasinu hot springs stops.