Iririki Island, Port Vila, Vanuatu Guide
Iririki Island is a small, privately-owned island resort located just off the coast of Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. It offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a tropical escape. The island boasts lush tropical gardens, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of activities to suit all interests. Connected to Port Vila by a short, free ferry ride, Iririki Island provides a tranquil haven away from the bustle of the mainland. Visitors can enjoy luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The island also offers opportunities to learn about Vanuatu's rich culture through traditional ceremonies and performances.
Food & Cuisine
Vanuatu's cuisine is a delightful blend of Melanesian, French, and Asian influences, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Seafood is abundant, and you'll find delicious dishes featuring fish, lobster, prawns, and crab. Laplap, a traditional dish made from grated root vegetables (like yam, taro, or cassava) baked in an underground oven, is a must-try. Other popular dishes include tuluk (meat wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven) and simboro (dumplings made from grated manioc and coconut milk). On Iririki Island, the resort offers several dining options, including restaurants serving international cuisine and traditional Vanuatu dishes. In Port Vila, you can explore local markets like the Port Vila Market House for fresh produce and street food, or dine at restaurants like L'Houstalet (famous for its flying fox dish) and Jill's Cafe for a taste of local flavors.
Nightlife
While Iririki Island itself offers a more relaxed evening atmosphere with bars and restaurants within the resort, the main nightlife hub is in Port Vila. You'll find a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues along the main street, Lini Highway, and in the surrounding areas. Some popular spots include the Waterfront Bar & Grill, which often features live music, and the numerous bars and restaurants along the harbor front. Expect a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, with many venues offering happy hour specials and themed nights.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Iririki Island and Vanuatu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is cooler and drier, with lower humidity and less rainfall. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, and exploring the islands. The wet season, from November to April, is characterized by higher temperatures, humidity, and rainfall, including the possibility of cyclones.
Transportation
Transportation on Iririki Island is primarily by foot or golf buggy. The island is small and easily walkable. A free 24-hour ferry service connects Iririki Island to Port Vila, providing easy access to the mainland. In Port Vila, transportation options include taxis, buses (minibuses with a 'B' on the license plate), and rental cars. Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Port Vila.
Airport
The main airport serving Iririki Island and Port Vila is Bauerfield International Airport (VLI). It is located approximately 10 minutes by car from the Port Vila ferry terminal, which provides access to Iririki Island. Transportation from the airport to the ferry terminal includes taxis and pre-booked airport transfers offered by the resort or other tour operators. The ferry to Iririki Island is free and operates 24 hours a day.
Attractions
Iririki Island
Iririki Island is a luxurious resort island located just off the coast of Port Vila, offering stunning views of the surrounding waters and lush landscapes. Visitors can relax on the white sandy beaches, swim in the crystal-clear lagoon, or indulge in spa treatments and fine dining. The island also offers a range of water sports and activities, making it a perfect destination for a tropical getaway.
Day Trips
Hideaway Island
Just a short ferry ride from Port Vila, Hideaway Island is a must-do for snorkelers and divers. This small island boasts a vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful fish. The underwater post office is a unique attraction where you can mail a waterproof postcard! It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day of swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the underwater world.
Travel Time
10-minute ferry from Port Vila (plus travel to the ferry terminal from Iririki Island)
Activities
- Snorkeling and diving
- Visiting the Underwater Post Office
- Relaxing on the beach
- Enjoying lunch at the beachside restaurant
Mele Cascades
Escape the heat and humidity with a refreshing trip to Mele Cascades. A short drive from Port Vila, these stunning waterfalls cascade down lush green cliffs into natural swimming pools. You can climb to the top of the falls (with the help of ropes) and enjoy breathtaking views. It's a perfect spot for a swim and a picnic lunch.
Travel Time
20-30 minute drive from Iririki Island
Activities
- Swimming in the natural pools
- Climbing to the top of the waterfalls
- Enjoying a picnic lunch
- Taking photos of the beautiful scenery
Tanna Coffee Plantation
Coffee lovers rejoice! Take a trip to the Tanna Coffee Plantation and learn about the process of growing and roasting some of the world's finest coffee beans. Enjoy a tour of the plantation, sample different blends, and purchase some beans to take home with you. It's a great way to support local farmers and experience a different side of Vanuatu.
Travel Time
Approximately 45-minute drive from Iririki Island
Activities
- Touring the coffee plantation
- Sampling different coffee blends
- Learning about the coffee-making process
- Purchasing coffee beans
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a stunning natural swimming hole with crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by lush rainforest. Swing from the rope swings into the refreshing water, relax on the sandy banks, or simply soak up the beauty of this tropical paradise. It's a popular spot for families and a great place to spend a relaxing day.
Travel Time
Approximately 1-hour drive from Iririki Island
Activities
- Swimming in the Blue Lagoon
- Swinging from rope swings
- Relaxing on the sandy banks
- Picnicking
Ekasup Cultural Village
Step back in time and experience the traditional culture of Vanuatu at Ekasup Cultural Village. Located a short drive from Port Vila, this living museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, beliefs, and way of life of the Ni-Vanuatu people. You'll learn about traditional medicine, cooking techniques, and warfare, and witness captivating cultural performances.
Travel Time
20-30 minute drive from Iririki Island
Activities
- Learning about traditional Ni-Vanuatu culture
- Watching cultural performances
- Participating in traditional activities
- Exploring the village grounds
Port Vila Market
Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Port Vila Market. Open 24/7 (except Sundays) it's a bustling hub where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food. It's a great place to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Vanuatu and interact with friendly locals. Be sure to bargain respectfully!
Travel Time
5-10 minute taxi or bus ride from Iririki Island
Activities
- Shopping for souvenirs and local crafts
- Sampling local street food
- Buying fresh produce
- Experiencing the local culture