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Tanna

Tanna means “earth” in the local language. The home of the most accessible volcano in the world, cargo cults, custom villages, pristine snorkelling, trekking, fishing and traditional, peaceful people.

It is an island of contrast, stark black volcanic sand and pure white coral sand beaches fusing into each other. Uncrowded surfing or ash boarding down a live volcano. Tanna has lush rainforests skirted by fragrant gingers and fat cows grazing in a pure ecological haven. A rich and fertile island full of delicious organic vegetables and fruit.

Some Tannese are gentle artists others tough pragmatic businessmen, yet all are superstitious, even the politicians, consult their sorcerers or “wise men” on important issues. With a land surface of 565 square kms and a population of 35,000, the people are scattered throughout the whole island where each meter of land is owned and cherished.

With an average of 30°C, and little rain, Tanna is holiday friendly. Nights can be cool especially on top of Mt. Yasur Volcano where small gale winds whip up a black sand storm within minutes. Bring a wind jacket as a precaution.

To really see Tanna, a minimum of 3 to 5 nights is recommended; splitting half your time on each side of the island is a great way to see all the aspects of this island.

Getting Here

Air Vanuatu Domestic airline flies to Tanna, Whitegrass Airport daily from Port Vila. On some days, there are two flights in a day. The flight to Tanna takes 45 minutes. It returns to Port Vila immediately after landing. Whitegrass Airport is also well serviced daily by private airlines such as Air Taxi and Unity Airlines.

Air Vanuatu also flies to the other outer islands in Tafea Province with all connections coming through Tanna. From Tanna you can fly to Aneityum Island (landing on neighbouring Mystery Island, 30 minutes later) every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and to Aniwa, Futuna and Erromango islands every Tuesday and Thursday.

When flying to Tanna, remember to sit on the left of the plane (facing forward) as you will view Erromango Island on the way and Tanna island as you fly in to land, (have cameras on the ready). The right side you will see endless ocean. Tanna boasts one of the best airports in Vanuatu.

Check out Air Vanuatu for more flight information.

Getting Around Tanna

There are three main means of transportation on Tanna. 4WD ‘taxi’ utilities, small buses or your legs!

Accommodation providers on the island will organise your transfer from Whitegrass Airport and will have a ‘truck’ (4WD vehicle) waiting for you (prices to be paid in cash). If you don’t suffer from back problems, you can take the option of sitting in the open tray in the back of the truck as it’s truly an experience (just watch the dust in the dry season)! As always when travelling take relevant precautions and if you feel safer, please sit inside the Dual Cabin if it's an option and use your seatbelt.

The local buses are becoming more popular, especially with the new tar sealed road from the airport to Lenakel and there will be buses waiting at the airport and also for use around town. Buses can be more affordable but can not access any 4WD roads which are most of the roads that leads to the main attractions in Tanna. A good option for getting around town though.

Taxis are not cheap (due to expensive fuel costs and repairs due to the road conditions) so it is a good idea to group-up before hiring a taxi or transfer to split fare.