Ride at the Back of the Ute in Port Vila: Like the Locals

Hop in the back of a ute and travel Port Vila like a local family adventure.

This tour takes you through Port Vila and South Efate in the back of a ute, stopping at three swimming and snorkeling spots: Eton Beach, Eton Blue Lagoon, and Eden on the River. A local guide leads the 4 to 5 hour outing in an air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup included and entrance fees covered. The defining trait is the ride itself. Something legal and ordinary in Vanuatu but impossible in most countries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beach and river swimming activities

• Ride at the back of the ute
• Visit Eton Beach for swimming and snorkeling
• Swim at Eton Blue Lagoon
• Swim at Eden on the River

The experience

What makes this different is the ride. You sit in the open back of the ute, the way Port Vila residents travel every day, watching the island pass by without glass between you and the air. It's legal here and entirely safe, but it's the kind of thing you can't do at home, which is exactly why people book it. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and includes pickup from your hotel, so the logistics are already sorted.

The stops are built around water. Eton Beach is a sheltered bay with turquoise water and soft white sand, protected by a natural reef: good for swimming and snorkeling, especially at high tide when the corals around the reef are most visible. Eton Blue Lagoon sits nearby, a natural swimming hole ringed with trees, where you can swim in clear blue water and use the rope swings if you want. Eden on the River, on the Rentapau River in South Efate, is where the tour ends: you swim in the river itself, and the site has toilets and changing rooms on hand.

Your guide speaks English and travels with you the whole way. The vehicle is air-conditioned, so you have shelter when you need it, but most of the experience is in the open air at the back. Entrance fees to all three stops are included, and the tour is built for families and groups as much as solo travelers.

What’s included

• Private transportation in the ute.
• entrance fees to Eton Beach, Eton Blue Lagoon, and Eden on the River.
• an air-conditioned vehicle for shelter.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full outing.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day18 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 17:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (21 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 60 years) · Youth (13 to 20 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Yumi Tours & Transfers Vanuatu

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably. The open-back ride is the main event here. Book this if you want the experience of traveling the way locals do, not a standard tour in a closed vehicle.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 20 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What's the water like at Eton Beach and the Blue Lagoon?

Eton Beach has crystal-clear turquoise water protected by a natural reef, with soft white sand and calm, warm conditions ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Eton Blue Lagoon is a natural swimming hole with stunningly blue, clear water, rope swings, and excellent snorkeling around the protective reef, especially at high tide when the corals are most visible.

Can I snorkel on this tour?

Yes. Both Eton Beach and Eton Blue Lagoon are set up for snorkeling, and the marine life and vibrant corals around the protective reef are the main draw at high tide. Eden on the River is for river swimming rather than snorkeling.

Is riding in the back of the ute actually safe?

Yes, it's 100% legal in Vanuatu and entirely safe. It's the everyday way locals travel around Port Vila, which is why the experience is possible here. Something you cannot do in Australia or most other countries.

What facilities are available at the stops?

Eton Beach and Eton Blue Lagoon both have natural shade from trees and greenery. Eton Blue Lagoon has toilets, changing rooms, and picnic areas. Eden on the River also has toilets and changing rooms on site.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours total, including pickup from your hotel and time at all three stops.