Mele Cascades is the sight almost every visitor to Port Vila ends up at, and it deserves the attention. A river drops down a forested limestone hill behind Mele village through a long series of terraced pools — pale turquoise, clear to the bottom — and finishes in a fan-shaped waterfall of roughly 35 metres.
The walk is part of the fun. A path leads through tropical gardens, then follows the river, and the last stretch is in the water itself, climbing wet limestone steps with a rope handrail. You can stop and swim at any pool you like on the way up or down.
Top things to do: Mele Cascades
Climb to the top fall
Allow 20–30 minutes at an easy pace. The final section crosses the stream and climbs carved limestone steps under running water; the rock has good grip but is uneven. At the top, stand under the fall or swim in the pool at its foot.
Swim in the lower pools
If the climb is not for you, the pools near the bottom are just as clear and much easier to reach. They are a good choice for children and for anyone unsteady on wet rock.
Combine it with Mele Bay
The cascades are five minutes from the beach at Mele and the ferry to Hideaway Island, and close to the coffee roastery on Devil’s Point Road. Together they make an easy half-day.
How to get to Mele Cascades
- By bus: minibuses with a “B” on the number plate run from town towards Mele; tell the driver “Cascades”. It is roughly 10 km and takes 15–20 minutes. Expect to pay more than an in-town fare — ask before you get in.
- By taxi or tour: a taxi is quick and easy for a group; agree a return fare and a waiting time. Many half-day tours pair the cascades with Hideaway Island — see Port Vila tours.
- From the cruise wharf: allow about 25–30 minutes each way. See our cruise day guide.
Insider tips
- There is an entry fee per person, paid at the gate (around 2,000 vatu for adults when last checked — confirm the current price). Bring cash in vatu.
- Wear reef shoes or sandals with grip. Bare feet and flip-flops are a bad idea on the upper section.
- Go early. On cruise-ship days the path is busy from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
- After heavy rain the water turns brown and the flow is strong; the upper section may be closed.
- There are changing rooms, toilets and a small café-bar at the entrance. Leave valuables at your hotel.
Tours that include Mele Cascades
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Mele Cascades:
Half-day tour from €62 Port Vila: Mele Cascades, Snorkelling and Fish Feeding Tour
The two best-known sights north of town in one outing: the climb through the terraced pools of Mele Cascades and a snorkel at Hideaway Island in Mele Bay, with stops at the local coffee roaster and chocolate maker on the way.
- Walk up through the pools to Mele Cascades
- Snorkel at Hideaway Island
- Coffee and chocolate factory stops
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
