The Heartbeat of Tanna: An Unforgettable Day-tour of Mt. Yasur Volcano

You can feel Tanna’s wild heart from the moment you arrive, but nothing prepares you for the sheer power and drama of Mt. Yasur. This is not just a hike; it’s a pilgrimage to one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, and it’s a journey that leaves an indelible mark on every traveller.

The volcano’s very name comes from the local Kwamera term ‘iasur’, meaning “volcano,” and its persistent glow earned it the nickname ‘the Lighthouse of the Pacific’ from Captain James Cook, who first saw it in 1774.

The Journey to the Summit

Your voyage to the volcano commences from the resort, where a four-wheel drive vehicle takes you along the West Coast road toward the Imanaka turn-off. The drive is a scenic adventure in itself, passing indigenous hamlets and coffee plantations, with numerous waving children greeting you along the way. The vehicle then begins its climb up Snake Hill road to reach the peak viewing area of Mt. Loanialu, offering your first sighting of the volcano from a 520-metre elevation. With a 270° panorama, you can see Sulphur Bay, the home of the Jon Frum tribe, as well as Tanna’s East Coast with its vast stretches of volcanic black sand beaches. After descending onto the ash-sand plain of the Siwi valley, you arrive at the base of the rumbling Mt. Yasur.

Customs and the Crater

Upon arrival at the volcano’s base, you are welcomed by the volcano’s custodians with a custom dance and a safety briefing. From there, a 4WD vehicle takes you up the steep volcano to a parking lot at the top. The final leg of the journey is a 10-minute walk up a set of stairs to the crater, reaching the 360-metre peak. Your guide then takes you to the best vantage points, depending on the volcano’s activity level and the day’s wind direction. As dusk settles, you witness the breathtaking volcanic pyrotechnic explosions and the incredible panorama of the Tanna coastline. The experience is one of raw, untamed power and beauty.

Practical Pointers for Your Adventure

Safety and comfort are paramount on this journey. The tour may be cancelled if road conditions are not safe due to heavy rain, which can wash away roads or make the Siwi River unpassable. It is strongly advised to bring good-fitting shoes for walking in the dark on the hard ash-sand mountain and a light wind jacket with a hood for the night chill on the crater. A flashlight is also essential for your descent back to the vehicle. If you are prone to back or neck pain, it is recommended to inform the resort prior to departing, as they may be able to provide more comfortable seats for a more pleasant ride.

Mount Yasur, Tanna Island: One of Vanuatu’s Many Jewels

Check out our other Vanuatu travel blogs, more details about Tanna Island and its resorts, or some of our Vanuatu Hot Deals – our packages include stays, flights, transfers, breakfast, and even seasonal bonuses like free day-tours, spa dates and free WiFi. Ready to book your holiday and experience Mt. Yasur’s magic? Talk to our friendly South Pacific Specialists today to craft your perfect adventure at 1300 991 751!