Mount Yasur, on the island of Tanna, has been erupting almost continuously for centuries — Captain Cook was drawn to its glow in 1774. It is only 361 metres high and a 4WD can drive to within a short walk of the rim, which makes it one of the most accessible active volcanoes on earth.
Most visitors arrive at the crater in late afternoon and stay until after dark, when each explosion throws glowing lava bombs into the sky and the ground thumps under your feet. Tanna itself is strongly traditional, with kastom villages, wild horses on the grasslands and black-sand beaches.
Top things to do: Tanna & Mount Yasur
Watch Yasur at dusk
The classic visit: cross the grey ash plain, climb the steps to the rim and watch the eruptions as the light fades. Guides decide how close you can stand on the day.
Swim in the Blue Cave
On Tanna’s north-west coast a boat takes you to a sea cave entered by ducking under a rock lip at the right tide; sunlight through a hole in the roof lights the water electric blue.
Visit a kastom village
Several villages welcome visitors to learn about a way of life that has deliberately kept its traditions.
How to get to Tanna & Mount Yasur
- Fly: domestic flights link Port Vila with Whitegrass Airport on Tanna in under an hour. Schedules and operators have changed repeatedly since Air Vanuatu’s 2024 collapse and restart — check what is flying, book early and allow slack before international connections.
- On Tanna: the volcano is on the opposite side of the island from the airport, around two hours by 4WD on rough roads. Most people stay at least one night; two is better.
- Tours: volcano tours and overnight packages that start on Tanna can be booked online — see our tours page.
Insider tips
- Access is controlled by the official volcanic alert level. When activity rises, the rim or the whole area is closed. Check the current level with Vanuatu’s geohazards department or your operator.
- There is a significant entry fee for the volcano, usually separate from transport. Confirm what your tour includes.
- Bring a warm layer, closed shoes, a torch and something to cover your face from ash. Protect cameras.
- Same-day returns from Port Vila exist only as charter flights; with scheduled flights, plan to stay overnight.
Tours that include Tanna & Mount Yasur
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to see Tanna & Mount Yasur:
Volcano tour from €213 Tanna Island: Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon Tour
The reason most travellers fly on from Port Vila: an afternoon drive across Tanna to Mount Yasur to watch it erupt. The tour starts on Tanna — you need a domestic flight and at least one night there — and access depends on the official volcanic alert level.
- A scenic drive across Tanna
- Stand near the crater of an active volcano
- Watch the eruptions from a safe distance
Overnight package from €292 Tanna: 1-Night Stay with Volcano Tour and Transfers
A ready-made Tanna visit: transfers from the airport or port, a night near the volcano, all meals and a guided trip to the crater rim. Flights between Port Vila and Tanna are not included.
- One night’s accommodation near Mt Yasur
- Guided visit to the crater rim
- Meals and transfers on Tanna included
