Port Vila

Port Vila

Vanuatu

Dive into pristine coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and encounter friendly locals selling fresh coconuts in this laid-back island paradise.

Currency Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Language Bislama, English, French
Time Zone VUT (UTC+11)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Apr
Typical Duration 8-20 nights
Price Range From $472 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the South Pacific islands, offering pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and access to nearby volcanic islands and coral reefs.

Cruises that visit Port Vila

Build Your Day in Port Vila

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
The Beach Bar Vanuatu Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Family-friendly · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Stonegrill Restaurant Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Waterfront Bar & Grill Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Nambawan Café (Number One Cafe) Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 0k Opens soon · 6 AM
Port Vila Main Market Onsite services Market · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Vanuatu National Museum Traditional center for culture & art Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Fung Kuei Duty Free In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Three Pigs Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Rossi's Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
L'Houstalet Restaurant Local grilled snapper, generous portion with delicious vegetables. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Eden On The River Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Tanna Coffee Delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Banyan Beach Bar One of the few places in Port Vila with great atmosphere and a lively vibe. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Cafe Vila Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
LaLaLa Restaurant & Bar @ Le Petit Village The food tastes great and the cocktails are awesome, the view is to die for. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Kesorn‘s Exotic Thai Restaurant Authentic food, incredible views and attentive staff 👌 Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Port Vila Burger Dine-in·Drive-through·Delivery Hamburger · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Paradise Cove Resort Our kids loved kayaking and swimming in the pool. Resort hotel · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Taste of India Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Indian · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Coco & Co Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
HARBOUR VIEW Absolutely delicious and reasonably priced (for Port Vila). Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
VAN Japanese Restaurant Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
The Retreat Seaside Sports Bar & Resort Great owners/hosts, great food, rooms, and view of the lagoon. Sports bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
83 Islands Distillery Onsite services Distillery · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Club Hippique Adventure Park Onsite services Horse riding school · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Watersports Port Vila Onsite services·Online appointments Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Ristorante Casa Mia Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
K2 Cafe and Caterer Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Tana Russet Plaza Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
The Boat House - Cafe - Restaurant - Bar We had waffles, banoffee crepes, and coffees, and everything was to die for. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Honeymoon Beach Lovely white sand and plenty of shady spots under trees Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Ekasup Cultural Village Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Akiriki Restaurant Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:15 AM
Vanuatu Jungle Zipline - Main Office Adventure sports center · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Rarru Rentapao River Cascade Tours Onsite services Tour operator · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Delic Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout Chinese · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Mali Beach Club Lovely staff, amazing cocktails, amazing food and a view for days. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Second Lagoon Horse Adventure Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Stone Lounge The cocktails are the best I had on the island and the owner is hilarious. Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Jills Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Paris Shopping - Duty Free Vanuatu In-store shopping·Delivery Duty free store · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Vanuatu Sky Bridge Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Vila Hope Tours & Transfers Tour operator · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Waterfall Bar & Entertainment Precinct The Waterfall Bar had beautiful people serving and the food was great. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Vanuatu Cultural Centre Longtime center for indigenous cultures Tourist attraction · ★ 3.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Handicraft Market Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Kava Lounge Coziest and cleanest place for kava in Port Vila Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Sissi Bloom Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Yumi Celebrate @ C3 Vanuatu Event venue · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Pikinini Bar The gents behind the Waterfall Bar and the kava bar are very friendly. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Market House Food Court Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Opens soon · 6 AM
Café Waves Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Pandanus Vanuatu Ltd Onsite services Store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Snorkellers Cove Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Lololima Waterfalls Tourist attraction · ★ 3.5 · 0k
La Touque à Poissons Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Seasalt Bar and Dining Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Panda’s Noodles Kitchen Dine-in·Takeout Chinese · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Island Time Seafront Takeout Fast Food · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
The Village Cafe Dine-in·Takeout Cafe · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Port Vila Tours Tour operator · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
E' Nauwi Beach Resort Dine-in Seafood · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Organic Paradise Organic food store · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Porky's Tavern Highly recommend this place for well priced drinks and great food. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM
The HaaBar Kick on later with drinks when you dock, as bar has 24 hour licence. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Grand Dining Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Tebakor shopping centre General store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Buggy Fun Vanuatu Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Sunset Beach Scenic Spot Scenic spot · ★ 5 · 0k
Turtle Bar Went there twice and had amazing service. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Lucky coffee bar Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k
Rainbow Parrot Nature Park Zoo · ★ 5 · 0k Temporarily closed
Port Vila Mall Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k
Vanuatu Souvenirs Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k
Imart Store Store · ★ 5 · 0k Opens soon · 6 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Port Vila

About Port Vila

Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, has established itself as a vibrant hub in the South Pacific cruise circuit, with nine major cruise lines calling at this tropical destination. Whether you're embarking on an 8-night voyage or enjoying a port of call during a broader Pacific itinerary, you'll find excellent connectivity to popular regional destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, Nouméa, and the picturesque Mystery Island. The port's peak season runs from December through April, making it an ideal stop during the Southern Hemisphere summer months.

Stepping ashore in Port Vila, cruise passengers discover a welcoming blend of Melanesian culture and island charm. The waterfront comes alive with local markets and colonial-era architecture, while nearby attractions showcase the islands' rich heritage and natural beauty. With convenient port facilities and easy access to the town center, visitors can make the most of their time exploring this authentic Pacific destination.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Vanuatu's Living Culture

Immerse yourself in authentic Melanesian traditions at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, showcasing traditional crafts, artifacts, and indigenous practices. Witness skilled artisans demonstrating traditional weaving and wood carving techniques that have been passed down through generations. This intimate glimpse into local heritage is just steps from the cruise terminal.

2

Savor Fresh Island Cuisine

Indulge in Port Vila's vibrant food scene featuring fresh tropical fruits, coconut-based dishes, and locally caught seafood at waterfront restaurants and casual eateries. Try traditional lap-lap (taro and coconut wrapped in banana leaves) or grilled fish with island spices. The bustling Port Vila Market offers street food vendors serving authentic local flavors.

3

Relax at Pristine Island Beaches

Escape to nearby Irikiki Island or Erakor Island for powdery white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. These easily accessible island escapes offer stunning coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and an idyllic tropical paradise experience within a short boat ride from port.

4

Shop the Vibrant Port Vila Market

Wander through the colorful Port Vila Market bursting with local handicrafts, shell jewelry, woven baskets, and traditional artifacts from across Vanuatu's islands. Haggle with friendly vendors for unique souvenirs while soaking in the lively atmosphere filled with local produce, spices, and the authentic pulse of island commerce.

5

Discover Cascading Waterfall Pools

Trek to the spectacular Mele Cascades, a series of natural freshwater pools nestled in lush tropical vegetation just outside Port Vila. Wade through emerald pools beneath cascading waterfalls surrounded by verdant jungle, offering a refreshing natural escape and unforgettable photo opportunities of Vanuatu's pristine interior landscape.

Cruise Lines at Port Vila

Cruises Departing From Port Vila

Cruises Visiting Port Vila

Ship Schedule at Port Vila

Port Vila Location

Other Cruise Ports in Vanuatu

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions in Port Vila?

Port Vila features beaches, markets, cultural centers, and water-based adventures.

When is the best time to visit Port Vila?

Dry season (May–October) offers pleasant weather and calm seas.

Is Port Vila family-friendly?

Yes, with beaches, parks, and kid-friendly activities.