Top Things to do in Efate
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Things to do in Efate, Vanuatu: The Best Nature & Parks
It was the site of three international versions of "Survivor," but time spent on Efate is anything but a struggle. Part of the island nation of Vanuatu, Efate is a tropical former territory of Britain and France, whose influences are still present in the island’s culture and cuisine. The capital city of Port Vila is a mosaic of restaurants, shops and museums, as well as the point of origin for many SCUBA, jet ski and parasailing excursions. Don’t miss the spectacular freshwater falls of Mele Cascades.
Restaurants in Efate
1. JoJo Beach Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
ROMANTIC ESCAPE - Welcome to JoJo Beach Club!Looking for a romantic escape in a stunning location close to Port Vila? Couples massage in the pavilion by the reef, bottle of bubbly, snorkeling the coral reef, double kayak, jacuzzi, afternoon tea, private beach areas, pool, loungers and your own private butler for the afternoon - all this for just you and your partner - your own private resort for the afternoon!
2. Cascades Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
A series of pools lead up to a 50 meter drop.
Reviewed By TiffanyW808 - North Carolina, United States
Don't be fooled by the first cascade you come to because there are many more with a little effort of a short walk. You'll see various cascades along the way to the big waterfall. You can take time to swim in them if you wish. I am just saddened that the land (cascades) no longer belongs to the native inhabits.
3. Mele Cascades
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,973 reviews
Mele Cascades Waterfalls is one of Efate's most popular natural attractions. Only 20 minutes drive out of town, a visit can be completed in just over two hours. There are bathroom facilities available , sitting area, a small cafe and bar on site for purchase of food and drinks. The area is local owned and run by locals. Revenue generated help pay wages for local employees, maintenance and upkeep of the area,community development for surrounding villages and sponsorship of social activities, most especially soccer development programs for youth. Note: Efate is currently experiencing severe El Nino and the once picturesque attraction has very low water levels. This is also causing drastic water supply shortage to villages and its people. To close the business would mean loss of income for many.
Reviewed By JenBeynon - Melbourne, Australia
We visited the Mele Cascades when we had a hire car for the day. Easy to find, entry fee is reasonable and as it was quiet Jason one of the staff was able to show us around, take photos and also made several things for the kids from the surrounding vegetation which they loved. He also showed us the Hideaway Island look out which branches off from the main path to the left on the way up (not signposted). Beautiful falls and wish we could have stayed longer and made more of a day of it.
4. Blue Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 846 reviews
Reviewed By donnalop
A short drive from Port Vila a visit to the Blue Lagoon is a must.A swim in the lagoon &relax in the beautiful surrounds makes a visit well worth it.Sun lounges by the lagoon to enjoy the tranquillity after a swim. Lots of tables &chairs for if you want to take your own picnic.Best to arrive early before the crowds,we were lucky enough to be the only ones there for an hour before visitors came.Beautiful & well maintained.
5. Eden on the River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By gosnm - Mallacoota, Australia
We loved Eden on the River as it was our kind of really relaxing afternoon. The gardens are well designed and maintained, and have little signs that tell you about the plants. The owner, Carolyn (Appologies if mis-spelt) also showed us around her veggie / fruit garden which we were really interested in. This was much more informative than the garden tour with the guide was. Many of the home grown fruit and veggies end up on the menu in the cafe - including the white Kumala which they use for hot chips. I’m not a usual kumara / sweet potato fan, but these were AMAZING chips, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and more potato flavoured than the orange varieties. The cafe also serves Tanna coffee in a plunger for 2 - lovely :) The river is stunning and has beautiful big clear pools. We borrowed 2 of the tire tubes and had loads of fun just floating around in the pools and sliding down the little cascades. It’s shady so nice and cool, and very relaxing... I reckon we spent over an hour just swimming. We actually went to Eden on the River with the intention to play mini-golf but ended up doing the ‘bridge walk and garden walk’ instead as it looked interesting on the brochure. I can appreciate that for children, and people who haven’t done much in the way of adventure activities the bridge would be exciting. But for us we took less than 20 minutes to do the walk and cross the bridge - if we’d seen it first we would have stuck with the self-tour and mini-golf idea. The fruit platter after the tour was nice touch. If we went again we’d just pay the 1000vt entrance fee each and enjoy the gardens / river without the tours... and then pay to play the mini-golf. In saying that though, the value for our money was in the owners who, when we told them how much we’d paid to get a bus out (1000vt for 2) they told us it was too much. So at the end of the work day they drove us back to the road with some of the staff and got one of the young staff members to help us get a bus for - costing us only 200vt each back to Vila. Overall a really relaxing day, but would suggest people do the river walk for themselves first (included in the entrance fee) and have a look and decide if the bridges will excite you.
6. Havannah Beach and Boat Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Situated at havannah harbour 30 minutes from vila. Beach front Powered camp sites, gas bbqs showers covered dining areas, showers and toilets, snorkeling, beach volleyball, boule, bush walking, rock fishing. Marina bearths with power and water swing moorings, toilets and showers
Reviewed By 744jacquiem - Port Macquarie, Australia
We had a great morning snorkeling here with the family (2 adults, 2 kids 13 & 11) our driver recommend us to come to Gideon's beach/Havana Bay as we wanted to snorkel and see some colourful fish. We were not disappointed and just a few metres out coral and lots of fish! It's an easy safe place for the kids to snorkel and get confidence as they don't have to go far off shore to see another world. The weather was ok, overcast but it didn't effect our day as you could still see beautiful blue and colourful fish. We were greeted by a lovely young waitress who gave us a bread roll for the children to feed the fish ???? There was no fee, but were very happy to have lunch here to support this local business. The food was fresh and yummy we had calamari, fish & chips with a couple of local beers and soft drinks (as we're on holidays) I would definitely come back next time we're here!
7. Bellevue Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Bellevue Horse Ranch is owned & run by Tom Nangam, known as the Vanuatu "Horse Whisperer". Situated in the beautiful, lush hills of Bellevue Plateau near Port Vila, it has horses to suit everyone. Friendly, attentive guides lead a range of trails through plantations, rainforests and to the Lolima Waterfall. All age groups catered for with 1, 2, 3 hour & half day tours tailored to your needs.
8. Eton Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By iiivs - Sydney, Australia
This beach is beautiful! The water is crystal clear and it was a nice tepid temperature when we visited in Jan 2020. We visited with a tour booked through our hotel, with Yumi Tours and Intimate Tours - our tour guides Oliver and Freddy were phenomenal and shared a lot of information about the beach and its surrounds. It helps to visit with a local guide, as you’ll learn a lot about the neighbouring villages and the beach itself. Wear ocean shoes or strapped sandals if you can - the small rocks on the shoreline are quite rough and sharp. There were small black volcanic rocks floating atop the water when we visited; this bothered some, but really, was not a big deal. There are small roofed “stalls” on the shore - these are perfect for a sit down lunch, whilst looking out onto the water. We visited whilst a cruise ship was NOT in town ... we therefore had the whole beach to ourselves and our little tour group. A beautiful spot in Vanuatu, showcasing the country’s natural splendour and the best of Mother Nature.
9. Rentapao Riverside
10. The Reef Vanuatu Zoological
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Vanutu zoological is a wildlife conservation and education centre. Lots photos opportunities, hand feeding bady turtles and seeing some of vanuatu amazing and rare animals. We hope all our guests leave with a new appreciation for the animals that we all share our environment with.
Reviewed By Larvonne - Brisbane, Australia
First stop to this amazing little place. Great interaction with staff. The owner (Australian) even came out to talk about his goals and how he has expanded the shore line for the turtles. The time, effort and money you can see that he has dedicated to taking in hatchlings and giving them a safe environment to thrive before being released. A great way to start out to give these gorgeous creatures a fighting chance. Would definitely go back again. Thank you for the amazing experience ❤️
