WHERE IS THE ISLAND OF TANNA?
The island of Tanna is located in the southern part of the Vanuatu archipelago, and South of Efate island, which is home to Port Vila, Vanuatu's capital city.
How to get to the island of Tanna?
While it is possible to reach the island of Tanna by boat or ferry, the travelling conditions with these means of transport are rather rough, and only very few people risk it. Flying to the island of Tanna, on the other hand, is easily done from Port Vila, with flights every day and charter flights also available. The duration of the domestic flight is a mere hour, and with flights departing early in the morning or late afternoon, it is possible for those who are short on time to make it a day trip (although, Mount Yasur volcano is really showing its best self at dusk, so an overnight trip is very much recommended).
What to do on THE ISLAND OF TANNA?
Climb up Mount Yasur Volcano
The volcano itself is super easy to access with a wonderfully wild four
wheel drive through lush rain forest and lunar ash plains that will get
you as near as 150m from the volcano’s crater rim. Once you have
reached the parking lot, it’s a short walk, about 10 minutes, along an
ascending but not particularly steep or difficult marked path to make
it to the rim.
How far you can explore along the rim is based on activity levels and
security considerations, but unless the weather is so bad there is no
visibility at all –in which case I wouldn’t recommend going at all, the
view up there and the experience, are something to be remembered
through a lifetime.
There is no need to be particularly fit to visit Mount Yasur, but one
needs to prepare for the raw, brutal display of nature’s force up there.
To some, it is uniquely exhilarating, to others, it can be terrifying. In
the latter case, heading back to the parking lot is always an option.
In terms of photography, the opportunities in the ash plain, on the
way up the volcano and on the crater rim abound, and are all infused
with a sense of adventure, wild and free spirit, and once in a lifetime
experience.
Unless you have arranged to stay in bungalows down at the foot of the
volcano, most resorts and hotels are located about an hour drive away,
so packing snacks and drinks, mosquito repellant and warm clothes
might be a good idea
Explore the Blue cave
Up until recently, the Blue Cave of Tanna was definitely an off
the beaten path, well hidden gem that would be rather difficult
to reach without luck or proper contacts within the local community. Getting exposure has made this place more
accessible, and boat rides there –the most common access to the
Cave, can pretty easily be arranged.
The cave itself is accessible by swimming through a hole in the
cliff that can seem intimidating but is actually easy to manage.
At low tide you can swim right under the rock ledge that takes
you into the cave and at high tide you will need to swim
underwater for a very short distance (less than a meter) before
coming up in the cave. If the idea makes you nervous, I would
recommend going at low tide, so you don’t have to swim
underwater to get in.
The cave is quite large and has a hole in the roof that provides a
beautiful light, which shines into the cave highlighting the blue
water and creating great photo opportunities.
While an exploring tour is easily booked nowadays, arranging to
visit the cave outside of an organized tour, so you can have its
magic all to yourself and capture incredible photographs without
a soul around is something that requires a bit more planning, but
is absolutely feasible and most definitely worth it.
And so much more:
- Start your day with a cup of Tanna grown coffee.
- Explore the ash plain.
- Experience the local culture and watch traditional kastom dances.
- Walk along Louniel black sand beach.
- Enjoy the snorkel and marine life in warm, turquoise waters.
- Visit the hot springs of Port resolution.
- Enjoy fresh fruit and veges from the colourful local market.
- Hike through lush rainforest and discover pristine waterfalls.
- Wander through the roots of a giant Banyan tree.
- Sleep in a tree house with a view on the volcano.
- The list goes on and on...
CONTACT ME TO GET STARTED
Where to stay on the island of tanna
- Rockwater Resort
- Whitegrass Ocean Resort
- Tanna Evergreen Resort
- Tanna Lava View Bungalows
- Volcano Island Paradise Bungalows
- Yasur Views Bungalows
- Yasur Camping ground Tree House
HOW MUCH DOES A PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION ON THE ISLAND OF TANNA COSTS?
And what is included?
With this option all my travel + photography costs are covered, so you don't need to worry about keeping track of things and adding all the costs in the end to know what it's really going to cost you to book me to document this once in a lifetime expedition. But, you remain in control of all of your own bookings, which allows you to keep track of your spendings, make bookings when you see fit, and choose your activities according to your budget.
- All MY travel fees (flights + accommodation + meals + transport + Tour fees + airport taxes)
- Transport rental + fuel for the duration of our stay (based on a 2 day expedition)
- Tips for drivers and other tour guides.
- WhatsApp access to me at all times (calls + messages + vocals)
- Handcrafted guidance and suggestions on your timeline and activities to have the best time and most epic adventure!
- Tailor-made itineraries options according to our discussions (unlimited reviews and fine tuning until it is the most exciting adventure to look forward to).
- Multiple activities.
- Multi-days photo coverage.
- My extensive network and knowledge of Vanuatu and Tanna (including English, French + Bislama speaking services, location scouting and vendor recommendations)
- Only 6 weeks to wait before revisiting your precious memories
- Between 150 and 300 photos of your expedition including landscape, lifestyle and couple photography.
- A beautiful online gallery with all print rights and user friendly sharing & downloading options.
USD 4,800
SOUNDS AWESOME! WE'D LIKE TO CHAT!
With this option, not only all of my travel + photography costs are taken into account, but all of your travel costs as well -except for your alcohol tab if any. You trust me to basically handle everything for you based on extensive discussion, your preferences, budget, options presented and so on. In the end, all you'll have to do is be ready to be picked up and whisked away on the adventure of a lifetime with your best person.
- All OUR travel fees (flights from Port Vila to Tanna + airport transfers + accommodation + meals + transport + Tour fees + airport taxes)
- Transport rental + fuel for the duration of our stay (based on a 2 days trip)
- Tips for drivers and other tour guides.
- WhatsApp access to me at all times (calls + messages + vocals)
- Handcrafted guidance and suggestions on your timeline and activities to have the best time and most epic adventure!
- Tailor-made itineraries options according to our discussions (unlimited reviews and fine tuning until it is the most exciting adventure to look forward to.
- Multiple activities.
- Extensive discussions and propositions regarding accommodation choice and bookings.
- Multi-days photo coverage.
- My extensive network and knowledge of Vanuatu and Tanna (including English, French + Bislama speaking services, location scouting and vendor recommendations)
- Only 6 weeks to wait before revisiting your precious memories
- Between 150 and 300 photos of your expedition including landscape, lifestyle and couple photography.
- A beautiful online gallery with all print rights and user friendly sharing & downloading options.
USD 7,800
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT VAL!
WHEN CAN WE CHAT?
