Observation of Yasur volcano at night
Strombolian eruption at Yasur
The cone of Yasur volcano seen from the east
A woman in a local village dyeing bands from banana leaves
Tree fern
Tropical beach at Port Resolution
Fireworks at night (Yasur volcano)
Eruption from a vent at Yasur volcano
Explosion of lava from Yasur volcano
Group at Yasur volcano
This tour is for you if you are interested in getting to know in depth one of the world's most active volcanoes - Yasur on Tanna Island.
Accompanied by an expert guide on Yasur volcano you spend several days near and around the volcano to offer multiple possibilities to watch its activities. Visits in colorful local villages where the old kastom culture of Vanuatu is still alive, splendid rainforest trails, gorgeous beaches and good local food round out the trip, which can be highly customized according to your preferences.
- 4 days for observation of the active volcano Yasur
- Close meeting of the traditional life and culture of the Vanuatu people
- Relax on paradise beaches
Tanna Island & Yasur volcano
Note:
This sample itinerary corresponds to the second half of the Volcanoes in the South Sea and is only an indication for the planned program. Changes due to unexpected events, volcanic activity, weather etc. are possible. Customized versions can be offered on request. Day 1: Arrival on Vanuatu (Port Vila, Efate Island)Arrival at the Airport of Port Vila & transfer to Port Vila town.
Acc.: mid-class hotel in Port Vila
Day 2: Flight to Tanna - Transfer to Yasur volcanoIn the morning, we fly to Tanna island. A 4WD pick-up brings us accross the island to a simple, but charming guesthouse
directly at the feet of Mt. Yasur volcano. After lunch, we drive and hike to Yasur volcano to enjoy its
spectacular volcanic activity from close, as long as we wish...
Acc.: guesthouse on Tanna (B, L, D)
Day 3: Day-trip to Port Resolution beach & Yasur volcanoRelaxing day-trip to Port Resolution combined with a magnificent lunch on one of the world's most beautiful beaches... Visit of Yasur volcano in the evening/night.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 4: Hike to the village of John Frum & local village celebrationHike to the village of John Frum and swim at the hot volcano springs, traditional celebration of the village people.
Acc.: as before (Jungle Oasis) (B, L, D)
Day 5: Flight Tanna - Port Vila, free afternoonOptional morning visit to Yasur volcano.
Transfer to airport, flight Tanna - Port Vila. Transfer to the hotel, free lunch & afternoon. Farewell dinner at the seafront (not included).
Acc.: hotel in Port Vila as on D1 (B)
Day 6: End of tourTransfer to airport or own extension (recommended: 1-day tour on Efate).
Acc.: none (B)
Arrival info:
The tour starts and ends in the capital Port Vila on Efate Island where international flights arrive (usually from Brisbane or Sydney in Australia or via Aukland New Zealand). Participants normally arrange their own flight tickets, but on request we can help with that.
Tour code: VAN_YVT
Tour type: Volcano expedition: active volcanoes - photography - nature & culture
Difficulty: Easy
Group size: 5-10
Duration: variable: 5 days
Dates:
22-27 Jul 2018 26 Sep - 1 Oct 2018 7-12 Jun 2019Price (p.p.): 1590 €
Included:
- Domestic flights (return) Efate (Port Vila) - Tanna Island
- All transfers as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation on Tanna island in spartanic bungalows in the rainforest near the volcano
- 2 nights in hotel in Port Vila (1st and last day)
- 1 day trip (return transfer) to Port Resolution transfer
- 1 day trip (return transfer) to John Frum village
- 1 evening return transfer to Yasur volcano
- Full board from arrival on Tanna island to last night in Port Vila, including drinking water
- Half board on Tanna Island
- Entry fees for Yasur volcano (unlimited number of visits)
- Experienced local guide for Tanna Island & Yasur volcano
- Professional volcanologist guide from our team
Tanna Island & Yasur volcano
Note:
This sample itinerary corresponds to the second half of the Volcanoes in the South Sea and is only an indication for the planned program. Changes due to unexpected events, volcanic activity, weather etc. are possible. Customized versions can be offered on request. Day 1: Arrival on Vanuatu (Port Vila, Efate Island)
You are picked up and welcomed at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Port Vila, where the group meets. The afternoon / evening is free to relax, and perhaps to stock up snacks at the supermarkets in Port Vila (there are Western choices like musli bars, etc.).
Unless you prefer to get an early sleep, it's nice to spend the evening at the idyllic waterfront in a sea-side restaurant and bar to enjoy the refreshing breeze of the trade winds (dinner not included).
Acc.: mid-class hotel in Port Vila
Day 2: Flight to Tanna - Transfer to Yasur volcano
Watching Yasur volcano at night
In the morning, we fly to Tanna island. A 4WD pick-up brings us accross the island to a simple, but charming guesthouse
directly at the feet of Mt. Yasur volcano. After lunch, we drive and hike to Yasur volcano to enjoy its
spectacular volcanic activity from close, as long as we wish...
Acc.: guesthouse on Tanna (B, L, D)
Day 3: Day-trip to Port Resolution beach & Yasur volcano
Relaxing beach break
Optional early morning / sunrise trip to Yasur volcano for best light conditions for volcano photography.
After breakfast at the Jungle Oasis we take a side-trip to Port resolution to swim and relax on a
gorgeous white sand beach and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared from a skillful cook at the beach...
We return to Yasur volcano for
another ascent to Yasur Volcano in the afternoon. If the situation permits, we might be able to hike around the crater (1 hour) and descent onto the ash plane in the dark. Hike back to our "Jungle Oasis" and dinner.
Acc.: as before (guesthouse) (B, L, D)
Day 4: Hike to the village of John Frum & local village celebration
Greeting at John Frum's village
The chief of the village of John Frum
Back to Yasur at night...
We hike to the traditional
"village of John Frum" (1,5 hours) - a tribe which prays to the Americans as a god, and who can talk to the volcano.
Near the village, we can swim in
hot volcanic springs. At sundown, the men are allowed to take part in a
traditional Kava ceremony, a special plant root the tribal elders use to be able to talk to the spirits. The women will stay with the local women behind and prepare the
most special of local meals: a pig.
A night, there is
dance and singing with the glow of Yasur volcano behind the village. The villagers honor their god and dance all night long. We have the option to overnight in the village, or otherwise to hike back across the ash plane to the bungalows of the Jungle Oasis. Lunch and Dinner in the village.
Acc.: as before (Jungle Oasis) (B, L, D)
Day 5: Flight Tanna - Port Vila, free afternoon
Optional morning visit to Yasur volcano.
Transfer to airport, flight Tanna - Port Vila. Transfer to the hotel, free lunch & afternoon. Farewell dinner at the seafront (not included).
Acc.: hotel in Port Vila as on D1 (B)
Day 6: End of tour
Transfer to airport or own extension (recommended: 1-day tour on Efate).
Acc.: none (B)
| Dates | Status | Price p.p. (€) | SRS (*) | Group size |
| 22-27 Jul 2018 | guaranteed | 1590 € | 125 € | 5-10 |
| 26 Sep - 1 Oct 2018 | space available | 1590 € | 125 € | 4-8 |
| 7-12 Jun 2019 |
space available | 1590 € | 125 € | 4-8 |
| (*) Single room supplement |
Prices for private tours at custom dates: on request
Included:
- Domestic flights (return) Efate (Port Vila) - Tanna Island
- All transfers as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation on Tanna island in spartanic bungalows in the rainforest near the volcano
- 2 nights in hotel in Port Vila (1st and last day)
- 1 day trip (return transfer) to Port Resolution transfer
- 1 day trip (return transfer) to John Frum village
- 1 evening return transfer to Yasur volcano
- Full board from arrival on Tanna island to last night in Port Vila, including drinking water
- Half board on Tanna Island
- Entry fees for Yasur volcano (unlimited number of visits)
- Experienced local guide for Tanna Island & Yasur volcano
- Professional volcanologist guide from our team
Not included:
- Travel to and from Vaunatu (see details section)
- Drinks and meals not mentioned as included
- Additional transfers & extra excursions if requested
Discounts:
Returning customers receive 5% (or 8% - if you have been on at least 3 trips with us) discount on the base tour price.Additional info:
Physical requirements:
Hiking up Yasur Volcano is easy and takes about 1 hour from the accommodation (possibility to shorten even that using 4x4). Longer and more challenging hikes can be done on request.
Arrival info:
The tour starts and ends in the capital Port Vila on Efate Island where international flights arrive (usually from Brisbane or Sydney in Australia or via Aukland New Zealand). Participants normally arrange their own flight tickets, but on request we can help with that.
AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!!
"Hi there Tom,
First up - AMBRYM WAS EPIC!!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity Yasmin is a fantastic guide and what can I say about the crater lakes?
Unbelievable! Everyone has been absolutely raving about the photos I bought back-hopefully you'll get some business off the back of it, you guys deserve it."
(Kat S. from Brisbane, about the Vanuatu volcano expedition)
One of the best volcano trips you can ever think to do is this one." Volcanoes in the South Sea
"One of the best volcano trips you can ever think to do is this one. I went with Volcano Discovery in 2012 (http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/). First is the traverse of Ambrym Island and the overlook of the asonishing lava lake on Marum. Then the nightime visits to Tanna Island down south in the archipelago where Yasur volcano has a Strombolian eruption about 40 times an hour - plus shockwaves. And the Vanuatu people are some of the nicest anywhere.
(Richard Henley, Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano tour)
... the most outstanding holiday of my entire life (Vanuatu Volcano Expedition).
"Hi Tom, ... , I was on the May Vanuatu expedition. I have to say that it was the most outstanding holiday of my entire life."...
"Tom, You're welcome to quote me by name, but I should add a bit more.
I've done several expedition tours with various outfits over the years,
and VolcanoDiscovery is clearly the best that I've encountered."
(Bruce V., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano Expedition).
Larissa & Yulia wearing helmets and gas masks on Ambrym
"Dear Tom,
Thank you for the wonderful trip to Vanuatu. We enjoyed the challenging trekking and picturesque scenery very much.
Special thanks should go to our professional and charming guide Yashmin."
(Larissa, Russia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea tour on Vanuatu)
the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job!
"Hello Tom: the trip was superb and Yashmin did a wonderful job! I came back fitter than before and looking forward to the next trip. Yashmin has convinced me to put Guatamala on the list!"
(Richard H., Australia, about the Vanuatu Volcano tour)
"Dear Yashmin and Tom
Thank you for a wonderful, awesome holiday.
Holidaying with volcanoes was Craig's wish holiday and it definitely lived up to his expectations.
...
Your Vanuatu Volcano tour was a fantastic mix of hard core volcanoes and cultural Vanuatu life. I really enjoyed the time we spent in Endu while we both found the volcanoes amazing.
Yashmin thank you for your quiet persistent handling of the Air Vanuatu troubles. I am going to email them some feedback, but this will probably not make much difference.
Thank you again. I am not sure if other volcano tours are in our future, but if they are are we will do them with you.
Shellie"
(Shellie B., Australia, about the recent Volcanoes of the South Sea Vanuatu volcano tour)
"I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu" Vanuatu Expedition
"
Just wanted to let you know I had a great trip recently to Vanuatu on your volcanoes in the south sea tour. After a few hiccups at the beginning Ulla and Basti were able to get things sorted and we set out on our adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, seeing the 2 things that I had always wanted to see......boiling lava and an exploding volcano! If Yasur was in my backyard I would love to watch it every night!
It also made a big difference to share the adventure with friendly, easy going people from around the world. Ulla and Basti were fantastic, very accommodating and nothing was ever too hard. This was my 2nd tour with volcano discovery, Volcanoes of Java being my first last year. I would recommend either of these trips to anyone who is seeking a volcano adventure."
Kristy W (Australia)
a cool trip in a really cool group - Vanuatu expedition
"Back home. It was a cool trip in a really cool group. Thanks to Ulla Lohmann and above all also Basti everything went smooth despite logistic challenges on location.
The experience of both gave us a great insight into the culture and people of Vanuatu. The video from this trip will this time be a professional one, as the SWR film team was with us. In November, you can see an impression from this tour on "Länder, Menschen,Abenteuer". Perhaps you'll see me in there as well."
(Alexander Günther, Hanover, Germany)
...What a genuinely life changing experience!... (Ambrym volcano tour)
Tim at Benbow volcano (Ambrym, Vanuatu)
"Wow Tom!
What a genuinely life changing experience! I'm speechless!!!
Yashmin and the guides were first class and I am forever grateful for dealing with such experienced people!
I want to go again! Thanking you
Tim J C." (Australia)
"I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu" (Andrew about the recent Expedition to Vanuatu)
Traditional dances on Ambrym (photo: Andrew McRae)
Explosion at Yasur volcano (photo: Andrew McRae)
"Hello Yashmin, and everyone at Volcano Discovery!
...
Thank you for running the Vanuatu tour, and explaining everything volcanic, and helping to keep us safe on the mountain and healthy in the jungles. None of us went for a lava swim so I guess it's a success?
Also, thanks for putting the flashing parking lights on the hills at Maroum because for a while I was concerned we wouldn't find our way back. But I think our local guides could have walked up and down blindfolded, they were amazing. Thanks for loaning me your jacket when I thought I would freeze to death - it was a privilege to wear that logo for just a few hours. :-D
Also thank you for helping me to understand that cultural immersion is the main value of travel.
I can recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see, hear, feel, and smell the furious boiling lava of Vanuatu. Not to mention the poulet fish is superb! I may even have a taste for camping, Camenbert theory, and cassava that I didn't have before." (Andrew M., Australia)
"Hi, I liked the Vanuatu trip, I think it was pretty professionally run and I would travel with Volcano Discovery again it's a good company and the people that travel on it are all nice..." (Antony, Australia about the Volcanoes in the South Sea expedition to Vanuatu)
"Hallo Tom,
kurze Naricht nach der Reise: es war SUPER!!!!!
...bien cordialement
Gilles" (Sarregueminnes)
Feuerberge der Südsee - Rückmeldung
Guy watching eruptions at Yasur volcano
"So urteilte ein Kunde über die 14 tägige Reise, welche als Expedition ausgewiesen wurde.
Das Reiseprospekt informierte im Voraus hervorragend über die zu erwartende Erlebnisse.
Die Durchführung der im Prospekte angegebenen Ankündigungen war vorbildlich. Alle Fahrzeuge bzw. Flugzeuge, die für die Transfers erforderlich waren bis auf einmal pünktlich, was unter den gegebenen Umstände ( auf Ambrym und Tanna existieren keine asphaltierten Strassen bzw. keine funktionierende Infrastruktur) eine ausgezeichnete Leistung darstellt. Zugleich blieb es jedoch möglich unter bestimmtem Umständen und mit Zustimmung der Reiseteilnehmer, dort wo das gewünscht wurde vom Reiseplan abzuweichen.
Für die Reiseleitung konnte die Fernseh-Moderatorin und Fotojournalistin Ulla Lohmann verpflichtet werden. Aufgrund Ihrer außergewöhnlichen Kenntnisse der Südsee und deren Bewohner konnte Sie nicht nur viel Wissenswertes vermitteln, sondern wegen Ihren vielen früheren Kontakten mit den Insulaner Tabus durchbrechen und der ganzen Gruppe
von neun Personen die Warmherzigkeit dieser Insulaner näher bringen. So waren Besuche bei den verschiedenen Dorfbewohnern einer der Höhepunkte dieser rundum gelungener Reise. Ihre hervorragenden Kenntnisse als Photographin und Hobby Vulkanologin führte zu mehreren sagenhaften Besuchen der Feuerberge mit gigantischen Ausblicken, die von den Besuchern – auch mit ihre Hilfe – auch fotographisch zu absoluten Höhepunkte werden konnten.
Auf den ältesten Expeditionsteilnehmer – immerhin deutlich über 60 Jahre alt – wurde stets Rücksicht genommen ohne das dies zu Einschnitte für die Jüngeren führte. Ich kann diese einmalige Reise jeden Vulkan – bzw. Südsee Liebhaber nur empfehlen."
(G. Franquinet, Teilnehmer der Pilotreise Mai 2009)
Ronny's mail about the expedition
Ronny at a freshly ejected lava bomb that is still glowing inside...
"Hi dear volcano lovers,
... I also wanted to thank everybody for making this tour so great!
Especially our professional and charming Ulla, for guiding us around Vanuatu, and Tom for the initiative/organization.
Hope we'll meet again sometime, miss you all,
Ronny" (Vanuatu expedition)
