Port Vila is built between a harbour on one side and a pair of long, sheltered lagoons on the other. The Erakor lagoons are shallow, warm and almost always flat, which is why most of the town’s large resorts sit on their shores, each with its own kayaks and paddleboards.
At the lagoon mouth lies tiny Erakor Island, once a Presbyterian mission station and now a resort with a good beach. South of it, the Pango peninsula faces the open ocean, with a village, a few beach bars and the reef break at Pango Point.
Top things to do: Erakor Lagoon & Pango
Paddle the lagoon
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are free or cheap at most lagoon resorts. Early morning, before the breeze, the water is like glass.
Take the ferry to Erakor Island
A small boat crosses from the end of the road in a couple of minutes. Day visitors are welcome at the restaurant and beach; look for the mission-era graves and church ruins among the trees.
Watch the surf at Pango
Pango Point is Efate’s best-known reef break, for experienced surfers only. Everyone else can enjoy the beach, the rock pools and the sunset.
How to get to Erakor Lagoon & Pango
- By bus: minibuses run constantly between town and the lagoon resorts and on to Pango village; it is five to fifteen minutes.
- On a tour: quad-bike and village tours pass through Erakor — see all tours.
Insider tips
- The lagoons are for paddling and swimming off resort jetties rather than beach walking; for sand, go to Erakor Island or Pango.
- Wear reef shoes on the ocean side.
- Erakor and Pango are living villages. Cover up away from the beach and ask before taking photographs.
Tours that include Erakor Lagoon & Pango
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Erakor Lagoon & Pango:
Adventure tour from €155 Vanuatu: Quad Bike Adventure, Blue Lagoon & Turtle Sanctuary
A quad-bike ride through Erakor village, then on to the Blue Lagoon and a seaside barbecue. The itinerary includes a turtle sanctuary stop; read our note on turtle encounters and feel free to sit that part out.
- Ride a quad bike through Erakor village
- Swim at the Blue Lagoon
- Seaside BBQ lunch
Private tour from €248 per group Port Vila: Private Customisable Tour with Driver
A private vehicle and local driver for five hours, with the route built around what you want to see. Priced per group, so it works out well for families and friends sharing.
- Your own vehicle and driver
- Choose your own stops and pace
- Priced per vehicle, for up to 14 people
