The Blue Lagoon is a deep, sheltered inlet near Eton village on Efate’s east coast. Fresh water from underground springs mixes with the sea coming in on the tide, and over a pale limestone bottom the result is a vivid, milky turquoise that looks edited even when you are standing beside it.
Big trees lean out over the water with rope swings hanging from them, and wooden platforms give you somewhere to jump from. The water is calm, cool and — in the middle — several metres deep.
Top things to do: The Blue Lagoon
Swing, jump and float
There are swings for different levels of nerve. Check the depth before you let go, especially at low tide, and watch for swimmers underneath.
Snorkel the edges
Bring a mask. Small reef fish come in from the sea, and in the layers where fresh and salt water meet the view shimmers.
Make an east-coast day of it
Continue a few minutes up the road to Eton Beach, and stop at Eden on the River or one of the roadside fruit stalls on the way back.
How to get to The Blue Lagoon
- By road: about 35–45 minutes from Port Vila, clockwise around the ring road towards Eton. It is signposted from the road.
- By tour: the easiest way. Half-day and full-day tours run daily — compare them on our best tours page.
- By bus: possible but slow; buses towards Eton are infrequent and you may wait a long time for one back. A taxi with waiting time or a rental car is more practical.
Insider tips
- The lagoon is on custom land and the village charges a small entry fee per person (about 500 vatu when last checked). Cash only.
- High tide gives the best colour and the deepest water.
- There are basic toilets, changing huts and picnic tables, but little or no food for sale — bring water and snacks.
- Weak swimmers and children should wear a float; the centre is deep.
- It is busiest on cruise-ship days late morning. Early or late in the day you may share it with a handful of people.
Tours that include The Blue Lagoon
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see The Blue Lagoon:
Half-day tour from €62 Port Vila Half-Day Tour: Blue Lagoon & Eden on the River
The Blue Lagoon without giving up the whole day. A guided four-hour run down the east coast for a swim, plus the gardens and river at Eden on the River.
- Swim in the Blue Lagoon
- Walk the gardens at Eden on the River
- Back in town in four hours
Island day tour from €103 Port Vila: Pepeyo Village, Blue Lagoon & Eden on the River Tour
The classic Efate day out and one of the most-booked tours in Vanuatu. A guide drives you down the east coast to a cultural village, the Blue Lagoon and the riverside gardens of Eden on the River, with a barbecue lunch along the way. The listing also mentions feeding turtles — see our note on turtle encounters before you decide.
- Kastom welcome at Pepeyo Cultural Village
- Rope swings and a swim at the Blue Lagoon
- Garden trails at Eden on the River and a BBQ lunch
Swimming day trip from €93 Vanuatu: Tropical Splash — Beaches & Blue Lagoon Adventure
A relaxed swimming day on the east coast: Eton Beach, the Blue Lagoon and Eden on the River, with fruit, snacks and local stories from your guide. One of the best-rated Efate tours.
- Beach time at Eton Beach
- Swim and swing at the Blue Lagoon
- Eden on the River, fresh fruit and snacks
