Mt. Yasur Tours and Activities
Nicknamed the Lighthouse of the Pacific, Vanuatu’s Mt. Yasur has been continuously erupting for what's believed to be 800 years. Legend has it that the light from lava at the summit was noticed by Captain Cook, who then decided to explore the islands while mapping the South Pacific.
The Basics
The 1,184‐foot (360-meter) high crater, perched above the plains of Tanna Island, is one of Vanuatu’s most popular attractions because it offers one of the world’s best opportunities to observe an active volcano. Standing atop the summit rim or the visitor viewing area, you can feel the earth quake and rumble beneath your feet, watch smoke and ash swirl up into the sky, and follow the path of magma-covered rocks as they spew from below.
Mt. Yasur’s remote location means that it is only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicle as part of a guided tour. There are three ways to view the volcano: fly overhead on a scenic flight, hike up to the crater rim (a steep 30-minute hike), or visit the lower viewing area (reached via steps from the parking lot).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Remember that Mt. Yasur is an active volcano and wandering off the designated trails can be extremely dangerous. Make sure that you listen to your guide and follow safety guidelines.
- You will need a sturdy tripod in order to take decent photos of the volcanic action.
- Bring appropriate clothing: warm layers because it can get cold at the summit, and closed-toe shoes because you will be walking over rough volcanic rocks.
- Bring a flashlight if you take a sunrise or night tour.
- Due to its remote location and tricky terrain, Mt. Yasur is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Mt. Yasur is located in the southeast part of Tanna Island, 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from White Grass Airport. Reaching Mt. Yasur is an adventure in itself: After driving for up to two hours on rugged, off‐road terrain, you’ll either hike for 30 minutes to the crater rim or climb a flight of stairs to reach the viewing area.
When to Get There
Mt. Yasur is most active during the wet season from February to April, but it will be closed to visitors if the volcano becomes too volatile. The most dazzling views are at sunrise and sunset, and most tours come at these times, either arriving or leaving in the dark.
Volcanic Activity at Mt. Yasur
At around 100,000 years old, Mt. Yasur is considered a young volcano and it lies on the fault line of the Australian and Pacific plates. It’s also a strombolian volcano, meaning that it erupts almost constantly, ejecting lava bombs or lapilli up into the air every five minutes or so.
Address: Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Admission: Varies
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Mt. Yasur
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Tanna Island: Full Day Tour Including Mt Yasur Volcano
Enjoy the best that Vanuatu's Tanna Island has to offer with this full day tour hosted by a local knowledgeable tour guide. Vanuatu's Mount Yasur is the most accessible volcano in the world. Experience this once in a lifetime unforgettable tour as you journey up to the smoking rim of Mt Yasur, discover the feeling of walking through ash plains so close to an active volcano and watch as it rumbles and spits lava and ash hundreds of meters into the open air. Take the opportunity to enjoy the most Iconic experience on the island. Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours is a community owned and operated company so the benefits of tourism are widely spread among the local population.
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From
$408.21
Price varies by group size
From
$408.21
Price varies by group size
Mt Yasur Volcano Afternoon Guided Tour Tanna Island
3
Vanuatu's Mount Yasur is the most accessible volcano in the world. Experience this once in a lifetime unforgettable tour as you journey up to the smoking rim of Mt Yasur, discover the feeling of walking through ash plains so close to an active volcano and watch as it rumbles and spits lava and ash hundreds of meters into the open air. Take the opportunity to enjoy the most Iconic experience on the island. Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours is a community owned and operated company so the benefits of tourism are widely spread among the local population.
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From
$224.62
Price varies by group size
From
$224.62
Price varies by group size
3 Night Tanna Island Adventure Package Including Mount Yasur
It can be difficult to tick off Tanna’s many highlights on limited time. Maximize your visit on a 4-day tour, with 3 nights’ accommodation included, and discover island attractions including the volcanic Mount Yasur and traditional Lagalangia village. Avoid hidden costs with entrance fees and all activities included as per itinerary, and explore the island with ease with daily transfer by private vehicle.
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From
$628.76
From
$628.76
Tanna Island Full Day Tour Including Mt Yasur Volcano
Enjoy the best that Vanuatu's Tanna Island has to offer with this full day tour hosted by a local knowledgeable tour guide. Vanuatu's Mount Yasur is the most accessible volcano in the world. Experience this once in a lifetime unforgettable tour as you journey up to the smoking rim of Mt Yasur, discover the feeling of walking through ash plains so close to an active volcano and watch as it rumbles and spits lava and ash hundreds of meters into the open air. Take the opportunity to enjoy the most Iconic experience on the island. Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours is a community owned and operated company so the benefits of tourism are widely spread among the local population.
…More
From
$205.13
From
$205.13
3-Day Horse Trek to Mount Yasur Volcano with Accommodation
Mount Yasur volcano is one of the most interesting natural attractions in the world. To combine a visit to Mount Yasur with the visit to a "kastom" village and riding on horseback is fantastic! The connection with Nature is complete, the relationship with the horse while you are riding for two days is awesome. The sights, the activities and the level of authenticity is unique. Tom Nangam is described as the Vanuatu horse whisperer- he is a man of "kastom" and knows the culture and customs of Tanna intimately, and he is able to share this with his riders on the tour. His horses are quiet, well trained and give the riders a sense of calm, even through intense rainforest and over the ash plains, it is a remarkable tour on horseback.
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From
$294.88
From
$294.88