VANUATU: 7 Day Volcanoes & Waterfall Expedition
South Pacific
Penama Province
7 Day Kastom, Volcanoes & Waterfall Expedition
Penama Province provides a more adventurous side of Vanuatu, linking Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo through a landscape of traditional villages, volcanic scenery, waterfalls and little-developed coastlines. Pentecost is internationally known for Nangol land diving, Ambae for its volcanic interior and natural harbours, and Maewo for dense forests and numerous waterfalls.
This seven-day itinerary is designed as a genuine inter-island expedition, beginning on Pentecost before progressing north through Ambae and Maewo and finishing in Luganville. Boat travel between the Penama islands is established locally, with Pentecost–Ambae crossings typically taking two to three hours and Ambae–Maewo around one to two hours by local boat, although yacht times will vary substantially with vessel and conditions.
- Where | Penama Province
- When | May-October
- Duration | 7 Days - 6 Nights
- Departs | Lonorore, Pentecost
- Concludes | Asanvari Bay, Maewo
Day 1: Lonorore, Pentecost
PENTECOST ARRIVAL | KASTOM CULTURE | EXPEDITION START
Fly into Pentecost and join the yacht around the island’s southern coast. Pentecost remains one of Vanuatu’s strongest centres of kastom culture, where traditional village life, mat weaving, kava preparation and ceremonial practices continue to play major roles.
Spend the first afternoon getting acquainted with the crew and exploring nearby waters before enjoying dinner aboard beneath the mountainous island landscape.
Day 2: Luganville
OPEN-WATER PASSAGE | SANTO ARRIVAL | DISEMBARKATION
Depart Maewo for the final passage toward Espiritu Santo and Luganville. Penama is regularly connected with Santo by both boat and domestic air, and Santo serves as the natural transport hub for the northern islands.
Day 3: Naone, Maewo
JUNGLE WATERFALLS | NATURAL POOLS | ISLAND WALKING
Continue along Maewo toward Naone for a day focused on the island’s rainforest interior. Naone is known for a series of waterfalls and natural pools reached through lush tropical vegetation.
Go ashore with a local guide for a waterfall walk and freshwater swim before returning to the yacht for the final remote evening of the expedition.
Day 4: Lolowai Bay, Ambae
NATURAL HARBOUR | VOLCANIC ISLAND | COASTAL ARRIVAL
Cross to Ambae and enter Lolowai Bay, a distinctive horseshoe-shaped natural harbour highlighted by Vanuatu Tourism as one of Penama’s notable coastal landscapes.
Spend the afternoon swimming, exploring by tender or simply enjoying the quieter harbour setting. Any volcanic inland excursions should only proceed according to current local safety advice and official access conditions.
Day 5: Saratamata, Ambae
ISLAND COMMUNITY | VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE | LOCAL LIFE
Continue around Ambae toward Saratamata, one of the island’s main transport gateways and a practical location for cultural and inland excursions. Vanuatu Tourism lists Saratamata as Ambae’s principal air access point from Port Vila.
Go ashore with a local guide for an introduction to village life and Ambae’s agricultural landscape, or remain close to the coast for swimming and tender exploration.
Day 6: Asanvari Bay, Maewo
OCEAN WATERFALL | CORAL REEFS | JUNGLE COAST
Cross to Maewo and reach Asanvari Bay, where rainforest reaches the shoreline and a waterfall drops directly toward the sea. The surrounding area is promoted for snorkelling and diving alongside the waterfall experience.
Spend the afternoon snorkelling, swimming beneath the falls where local guides confirm conditions are safe, or exploring the bay by kayak before dinner onboard.
Activities+Optional extras
Get off-board and discover even more
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES | WATERFALL HIKES | SNORKELLING
This expedition combines village visits, kastom traditions, snorkelling, kayaking, waterfall walks and quiet coastal exploration. Penama’s three principal islands each bring a distinctly different experience: Pentecost through cultural traditions, Ambae through volcanic landscapes, and Maewo through waterfalls and rainforest. Optional premium additions may include a private cultural guide, specialist photographer, authorised Nangol experience during season, guided Ambae nature excursion, Maewo waterfall guide, private aircraft transfer or additional days in Santo after disembarkation.
VANUATU: 7 Day Volcanoes & Waterfall Expedition Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to charter here?
+May through September provides a strong general window for cruising and outdoor activities. Guests specifically interested in Nangol should plan around the April-to-June ceremony season.
Where do charters depart from?
+This itinerary begins on Pentecost Island and concludes in Luganville, with domestic flights providing access to Pentecost and other Penama islands.
What can be experienced in this region?
+Highlights include Pentecost kastom culture, Nangol in season, Ambae’s volcanic scenery, Lolowai Bay, Maewo’s waterfalls, reef snorkelling and remote village life.
Who is this destination suited for?
+This itinerary is strongest for adventurous travellers, photographers, culturally curious guests and experienced charter groups comfortable with remote islands and limited tourism infrastructure.
What is a typical itinerary like?
+Days combine inter-island passages with community visits, waterfalls, snorkelling, walking and exploration by tender, with significantly fewer conventional resort stops than the Efate or Santo routes.
What should be considered before booking?
+Flexibility is especially important in Penama. Weather, open-water conditions, village access, cultural events and domestic transport can all affect the schedule. Nangol dates are seasonal, while volcanic and inland excursions should always follow current local safety advice and official access guidance.
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