Mount Yasur Volcano Tour with Local Guide & Pickup

Summary

Afternoon Volcano Adventure on Tanna Island

You’ll cross Tanna Island’s ash plains with a local guide, climb right up to Mount Yasur’s rim as it spits fire into the sky, and share coffee while watching dusk settle over Vanuatu. With hotel pickup and transfers included, you’ll get close enough to feel the volcano’s energy — something you’ll remember long after leaving Tanna.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand so close to a volcano you can actually smell the ash? That’s how our afternoon started on Tanna Island — just this weird mix of nerves and excitement as our driver wound up the bumpy road toward Mount Yasur. The air got heavier, almost metallic, and I kept catching whiffs of something burnt but not unpleasant. Our guide, Joseph, laughed when I asked if it always smelled like this. “Only when she’s awake,” he said, nodding at the mountain like it was an old friend.

I didn’t expect the walk across the ash plain to feel so soft underfoot — kind of springy, like walking on flour that’s been left out in the sun. The wind picked up little clouds of dust around us, and you could hear these low rumbles from the crater even before we saw anything. There was a family from Port Vila with us; their youngest kept stopping to scoop up handfuls of warm black sand. Joseph pointed out some plants growing right in the ash, which honestly seemed impossible. He told us stories about how his grandfather used to bring people here before there were roads — I liked that part more than I thought I would.

When we finally reached the rim, I just stood there for a minute because… well, it’s hard to describe. The sky was starting to turn pink behind us and then suddenly — boom — a burst of orange shot up from inside Mount Yasur. You could feel it in your chest. Everyone went quiet except for one guy who whispered “wow” under his breath (I think we all felt that). Someone handed me a cup of sweet coffee; it tasted smoky too, or maybe that was just the air clinging to everything by then.

The drive back felt quieter somehow. Maybe it was just everyone thinking about what they’d seen — or maybe we were all still listening for those rumbles in our heads. I keep thinking about Joseph’s stories and how normal this all seemed to him. It made me wonder what else I’ve missed by not asking enough questions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt Yasur Volcano Adventure

• Climb Mount Yasur's smoking rim

Top questions

How do I get to Mount Yasur from my hotel?

The tour includes hotel pickup and transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle on Tanna Island.

Is this Mount Yasur tour guided?

Yes, a local guide leads the group during the visit to Mount Yasur volcano.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

Coffee or tea is included at the volcano site as part of your experience.

What should I wear for visiting Mount Yasur?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking on ash plains; weather can be warm but windy near the rim.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How long does it take to reach Mount Yasur from most hotels?

The drive varies depending on your location but typically takes around 1–1.5 hours each way on Tanna Island.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Tanna Island, all entry fees and taxes covered, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, guidance from a local expert throughout your visit to Mount Yasur volcano, plus coffee or tea served at the site before heading back down together.