Review: Blue Lagoon in Vanuatu & Complete Guide!
Are you looking for the perfect day trip from Port Vila in Vanuatu? The Blue Lagoon on Efate Island is one of the most searched-for attractions in the country and for good reason.
But planning a visit isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, as first-time travellers, cruise ship passengers, and even independent explorers often ask: Is it worth the hype? When’s the best time to visit? Costs? How do you get there, and what should you bring?
During our week in Vanuatu, we made it a priority to visit the Blue Lagoon (not once, but twice), and it definitely lived up to the hype. So, in this complete guide, I’ll share exactly what we learned, helping you experience the Blue Lagoon in the best way possible.
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Review: Is Blue Lagoon Worth it in Vanuatu?
Overall, yes, the Blue Lagoon is worth visiting for escaping the Vanuatu heat and being lots of fun. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Vanuatu, especially for families, couples, or anyone wanting to unwind in a stunning natural setting.
While we only spent around 1.5 hours (over two trips) at the Blue Lagoon, it was a great little “taste test” of what this popular spot has to offer.
With so many activities and experiences packed into our personal Vanuatu itinerary, this short visit gave us just enough time to enjoy a refreshing swim, snap some photos, and experience the beautiful blue water that makes this place so iconic.
With that said, if I had the chance to visit again, I’d definitely prefer to stay longer. Spending 3-4 hours here would be ideal, especially if you have your own transport or hire a private driver and negotiate a flexible rate.
Tour visits are great for convenience (with hotel pickup), but they usually stick to tight schedules, which limits how much time you get to relax and explore.
The Blue Lagoon is a perfect place to cool down on a hot, tropical day, but for a more relaxing experience, I’d recommend bringing a floatation device like a pool noodle or inflatable ring.
While the water is calm, it’s also deep, and without something to float on (life jackets or floaties), you’ll find yourself treading water most of the time.
Honestly, that’s just too much work for a relaxing holiday and not ideal for small children or weak swimmers. Just plan your visit wisely, and if you can give yourself more than an hour, you’ll enjoy it even more.
⏱️ Short on Time?
If you don’t have time to read the entire post, please check out the table below to give you the highlighted “things to know” and a quick Pros & Cons list for visiting!
➡ Book Blue Lagoon Tours HERE with Viator
✅ Pros:
- Stunning, vibrant blue water – perfect for swimming and photos
- Rope swings – fun for kids and adventurous adults
- Refreshing and clean water – great for cooling down on a hot day
- Natural setting – surrounded by tropical trees and lush greenery
- Picnic-friendly – shaded areas and tables available
- Easy to reach from Port Vila – accessible by tour, taxi or car
❌ Cons:
- Can get crowded – especially during mid-day tours or cruise ship visits
- Limited facilities – basic toilets and limited food or drink
- Short visit on tours – often only 1 hour allowed
- Deep water – not ideal for non-swimmers or small children without floatation
- Accessibility – uneven ground, no ramps for wheelchair users
How Much does it Cost & Opening Hours
Prices are charged per person and are usually paid in cash at the entrance. Most tours include the entry fee in their total price, but it’s worth double-checking when booking those (it was included for us).
➡ Book Blue Lagoon Tours HERE with Viator
Otherwise, the Blue Lagoon entry fee costs are:
- Adults: 500 VUV (approx. $6.50 AUD)
- Children: 300 VUV (approx. $4 AUD)
Please convert $$ here in your currency!
There is no official price difference between locals and tourists at the Blue Lagoon. However, some local guides or drivers may negotiate group entry deals or lower rates for local families when visiting independently.
It typically opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though there’s no strict gate for entry.
If you’re still deciding where to book? Take a look at my breakdown comparing the differences between Vanuatu and Fiji for a clearer idea of what suits your travel style.
What to Expect when you’re there?
The first thing you’ll notice is the lagoon’s incredible milky-blue water, which almost looks unreal. Surrounded by towering trees, soft grassy banks, and tropical vegetation, the Blue Lagoon has a peaceful, almost magical feel.
It’s a striking natural setting that’s perfect for both swimming and brilliant for my photography. You can snorkel here (Bring your own gear), but really not that much to see except a few fish, crabs and other people, and better left for actual coral snorkelling tours.
➡ Book Tours HERE with Viator
It’s a mix of both fresh and saltwater. Freshwater flows into the lagoon from nearby underground springs, while saltwater enters during high tide through small coastal inlets.
The lagoon varies in depth, with shallow edges suitable for wading and deep central sections where you can’t touch the bottom. The water is extremely clear, and especially gorgeous when the sun is out. It’s Cool and refreshing, which is perfect for Vanuatu’s hot tropical climate.
The water is calm with no current, making it suitable for small children, but I didn’t see a designated wading area. Therefore, I think non-swimmers and young children should have flotation devices or life jackets.
Accessibility is somewhat limited due to the presence of stairs and the lack of paved paths or ramps. Therefore, it may be challenging for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Although elderly visitors who are steady on their feet should be okay with assistance, but, should take it slow.
What Facilities are available?
Toilets & Change Rooms – Toilets are basic but functional near the car park and picnic areas. Don’t expect anything fancy, but they’re clean and practical for a quick change after swimming.
Shade & Picnic Tables – There’s plenty of natural shade provided by trees around the lagoon, along with picnic tables and grassy spots where you can lie down a towel or set up lunch. Plus, there is plenty of space to spread out, especially if you arrive early in the day. But, expect the tables to be full on cruise port days.
Rope Swings – One of the main highlights is the rope swings, attached to the large trees that hang over the lagoon. We found them fun, safe, and sturdy enough for both kids and adults (if you’re confident jumping in). Some swings have wooden platforms to launch from, while others are tied directly to trees.
Just be cautious of other swimmers below when jumping.
Jumping Platform – There are a couple of jumping platforms on each side. They might not look that high, but once you jump, you realise it’s higher than you think. Just make sure to look for passing swimmers before you do.
Food & Drinks – I saw a small drinks and food stand, but don’t expect too much here. A limited selection of soft drinks and packets of chips. So, bring your own if you want munchie food.
Suggested Items to Bring with you?
To help you make the most of your visit to the Blue Lagoon, here are some suggestions on what to bring with you.
- Towel & Swimwear – You’ll want to jump in, so pack appropriately. We use the Tesalate towels, which pack light and take up less room. Alternatively, you could ask your hotel reception to sign one out for the day.
- Reef Shoes or Water Sandals – The lagoon floor is mostly soft, but there are some rocks and slippery areas near the edges. These also help for beach swimming along the coast.
- Snacks & Water – I recommend bringing your own food & drinks, or use the limited ones onsite if you’re desperate. Alcohol is not permitted, so don’t bring any along!
- Cash – Bring for entry fees and any roadside stalls you may stop at on the way.
- Sunscreen & Hat – Although there are shady areas, the sun can be intense in the open spots. We tend to use a Sun-safe Rash shirt as well, especially in the peak of the day!
- GoPro or Waterproof Phone Case – You’ll definitely want to take photos or videos in the water and share them with your friends and family back home.
- Bug Spray – Especially useful if you’re visiting later in the day or after rain.
Where is it Located?
The Blue Lagoon is located on Efate Island, the main island of Vanuatu, where the capital city of Port Vila is also found. You’ll find it on the eastern side of the island, about 45–50 minutes’ drive from Port Vila by car or tour vehicle.
It’s nestled between the small villages of Eton and Enam and is easily accessible by the main Ring Road that circles the island.
If you’re planning to self-drive or want to check its exact location, please click here for the map.
It took us roughly the same amount of time to reach the lagoon from our accommodation at the Breakas Beach Resort. Keep in mind that if you’re joining a tour, the total travel time may vary slightly, as most operators make multiple hotel pickups along the way.
This can add 15–30 minutes to the journey, depending on where your resort is located and the size of the group.
Despite the drive, the route is scenic and gives you a glimpse of local life and the island’s lush tropical surroundings. Our guide also talked about the villages and pointed out areas as we passed by, making it a great way to see more of Efate along the way.
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon?
There are 4 ways to get to the Blue Lagoon, depending on your travel style, budget, and whether you’re visiting Vanuatu on a cruise or staying longer on Efate Island.
I’ll explain them in more detail below, but they are as follows:
- Half & Full Day tours
- Using a private Driver
- Self-Drive or Car Rental
- From the Cruise Terminal
We visited the Blue Lagoon twice as part of different full & Half-day tours, each one stopping there for around an hour. Sadly, the first time, it absolutely poured with rain, and we couldn’t enjoy it properly.
Later in the week, we had some extra downtime on a sunny day and booked another tour. Therefore, we got to experience the lagoon swimming in all its beauty.
Here’s how you can get there, in more detail:
1. Join a Day Tour
One of the easiest and most popular ways to visit the Blue Lagoon is by joining a guided tour from Port Vila. Most full-day tours circle the island and include stops at other local attractions like a turtle sanctuary, Top Rock, or beaches, making it excellent value for first-time visitors.
➡ Book Blue Lagoon Tours HERE with Viator
Other Tours are generally half-day and will include an additional site like Eden on the River or the Turtle Sanctuary.
- Expect 45–60 minutes of drive time each way.
- You’ll usually get around 1 hour at the Blue Lagoon.
- The guides are full of information and are better when you have questions
- I recommend using Tours that include hotel pickup
- Prices vary, but most are around 5,000–7,000 VUV ($60–90 AUD) depending on the itinerary.
2. Hire a Private Driver or Taxi
If you’re like me and prefer a more flexible schedule, you can hire a private driver for the day. This is ideal if you want to spend longer at the Blue Lagoon or visit multiple places at your own pace.
You can find Private drivers through Facebook Pages, forums, or chat with other guests in your hotel for recommendations.
These can be harder to organise, requiring a local SIM or installing a pre-purchased eSIM to your phone. You’ll text back and forth, organising your day and negotiating the price.
I recommend talking to other guests at your hotel first, as sharing expenses can be cost-effective with more people.
- Negotiate a flat rate upfront, but expect to pay around 10,000–12,000 VUV ($120–140 AUD) for a full day.
- Most drivers are happy to wait for you while you swim or explore.
- Some will offer recommendations or act as informal guides.
- Always carry enough VATU cash around to pay them.
3. Self-Drive / Car Rental
Confident drivers can rent a car in Port Vila and follow the Ring Road east to reach the Blue Lagoon. Sounds easy enough, but just be warned about the potholes on the roads, which require more attention and take longer.
➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE
I wouldn’t recommend a scooter, since I saw one guy having lots of trouble in town, meandering around the holes. Apart from that, I would feel very confident hiring one and finding my way around Efate.
- Roads are mostly sealed and signposted, though you may encounter potholes.
- Plenty of parking is available near the entrance.
- It’s a scenic drive with chances to stop at roadside stalls or lookouts along the way.
4. From a Cruise Ship
If you’re visiting Port Vila as part of a cruise itinerary, the Blue Lagoon is often offered as a shore excursion or can be visited independently. Just know that it’s VERY popular on Cruise ship days and expect a lot of people.
➡ Book Tours HERE with Viator
Essentially, these options are the same as above, but I would more likely book the half-day tours to ensure the tour returns to the ship on time.
- Cruise ship tours generally allow about 1 hour at the lagoon.
- Tours to the Blue Lagoon can be offered as part of the cruise. These guarantee your return trip time and the cruise ship waiting, but will absolutely cost more than booking independently.
- You can pre-book a tour with a local operator for better value.
- Make sure you factor in return times to the port.
When’s the Best time to visit?
If you want to miss the crowds, I suggest going first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. At least this will give you an hour or more to miss the cruise ship visitors. However, the middle parts of the day will allow for more sun on the water, a prettier blue colour and warmer waters.
While Vanuatu is best visited during the Dry season from May to October, we stayed in the middle of winter (June) and the Blue Lagoon was still warmer than our hotel pool.
Except that one rainy day, it did get a little chilly, and we got out of the water quicker.
Obviously, the dry season tends to be better for blue skies and lower humidity.
I don’t recommend visiting on a rainy day, as it didn’t make for a nice experience for us. While you can’t control the weather and pre-booked tours can’t always be changed last minute, make the best of it and JUMP IN ANYWAY – we did!
Other Things to do nearby?
While the Blue Lagoon is a must-see, there’s so much more to explore nearby and around the capital. If you’re spending a few days on Efate Island or planning a full-day adventure, be sure to check out some of the other attractions in Port Vila and its surroundings.
➡ Book Tours HERE with Viator
Here are some of the highlights:
- Eton Beach – Just a short drive from the Blue Lagoon, this beach is quiet, scenic, and great for a picnic or swim in turquoise waters.
- Jungle Zipline – Get your thrills with 6 Ziplines overlooking the rainforest, stroll the Skybridge and admire the view of Mele Bay
- Eden on the River – A beautiful cascading waterfall near the Blue Lagoon with clear pools perfect for swimming. Entry includes a short jungle walk, but there is also a rope and Bridge course.
- Mele Cascades – One of Vanuatu’s most famous waterfalls is located closer to Port Vila. A guided walk-through tropical forest leads to an epic swimming spot under the falls.
- Lelepa Island Snorkelling Tour – A relaxing boat trip to snorkel in calm lagoons with coral, fish, and sometimes even sea turtles.
- Port Vila Markets – A buzzing spot to try fresh fruit, local snacks, and handmade souvenirs. It’s open most days and gives an authentic taste of daily life in Vanuatu.
- Hideaway Island & Underwater Post Office – A short ferry ride from Port Vila, this island offers snorkelling right off the beach and a quirky underwater mailbox for posting waterproof postcards.
Wrap Up & Read More!
If you’re spending time on Efate Island, the Blue Lagoon is definitely worth adding to your Vanuatu itinerary.
While it might not fill an entire day on its own, it’s a great stop to combine with nearby attractions or include as part of a scenic loop around the island.
In the end, if you’re still researching and planning your visit to the islands, don’t miss my other Vanuatu travel guides to help you make the most of your time.
