Water & Fire: Humpback Whales and Lava in Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a tropical island paradise in the South Pacific, delights visitors with its unspoiled nature, colorful coral reefs, and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants.

From July to September, humpback whales migrate around Vanuatu to mate and give birth to their young. During several boat trips, we set out in search of these majestic giants of the sea—with the rare opportunity to encounter them in the water. Snorkeling with a mother whale and her calf is one of the most magical experiences imaginable.

Our base is on the island of Tanna, about an hour's flight south of Port Vila. From the hotel, we have direct access to a breathtaking house reef, and whales can often be seen from the shore. When snorkeling at the house reef, with a little luck you can even hear the songs of the humpback whales - a magical moment that gets under your skin.

Just a few kilometers away rises the mighty Mount Yasur – one of the most active and easily accessible volcanoes on Earth. From a safe distance, you can observe the eruptions and the glow of the lava. Seeing the lava flow in the darkness is an experience that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps and make you feel the raw power of the Earth.

Our trip to Tanna combines adventure, culture, and nature in its most pristine form—a destination that inspires, moves, and enchants in equal measure.

Every year between June and November, during the southern winter, humpback whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm South Pacific to mate and give birth to their young. Tanna, located in the south of the Republic of Vanuatu, lies in the middle of the wintering grounds of this whale population.

During six excursions, we set out in search of these majestic giants of the sea. Encounters with mothers and calves are particularly moving: the young whales are often curious and playful—they sometimes cautiously approach the small humans in the water, always under the watchful eyes of their giant mothers.

Even when we cannot see the whales, we can often hear them from far away as we float quietly in the water or snorkel among the surrounding reefs—a magical melody of the sea that touches us deeply.

Swimming with humpback whales is a unique experience that will fill you with wonder, awe, and happiness—and one that you will never forget.

During our stay at the White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa on Tanna, we will spend 6 nights in comfortable bungalows with sea views, each with its own bathroom, private terrace, and hot water. Accommodation is based on double occupancy. All meals are included in the stay, as is a selection of alcoholic beverages.

The resort is located directly on the coast, with stunning views of the ocean and access to excellent snorkeling and diving areas right in front of the resort. There is even a blue hole nearby!

The island of Tanna captivates visitors with its unspoiled nature, the active volcano Mount Yasur, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Day 1: Arrive in Tanna, transfer to the resort, unpack and settle in.

Days 2-6: During our stay on Tanna, we will go on six whale watching tours, each lasting around 3–4 hours. We will spend the morning or afternoon at sea observing the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Twice during our stay, we visit the active volcano Mount Yasur—an unforgettable experience where you can feel the power and fascination of one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world up close.

The remaining half days are yours to spend as you wish. You can use the time to relax, snorkel in the clear water, or enjoy the resort's wellness facilities. A walk along the coast is also a great way to soak up the special atmosphere of Tanna at your leisure.

In the evening, we round off the day's experiences with a cozy dinner and a drink overlooking the ocean.

Day 7: Check out and departure.

Vanuatu has a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging from 19 to 26 degrees Celsius. Light, breathable clothing is ideal during the day – in the evenings and for our excursions to Yasur Volcano, longer, warmer clothing is recommended. Sunscreen with a high SPF, headgear, and sunglasses are essential for protection from the intense sun.

For our daily excursions, we provide snorkels, masks, fins, and a long 3mm wetsuit—the water temperature is around 25-26 degrees Celsius. However, if you have your own equipment that you feel comfortable with, feel free to bring it along. We recommend bringing a good waterproof and windproof jacket – the temperature on the water can feel surprisingly cool with the wind. Keep in mind that we spend long days on the water and in the sun – long-sleeved UV shirts (rash guards) are therefore highly recommended! It is also helpful to practice your snorkeling technique beforehand, as we want to move as quietly and without splashing as possible in the water – your fins should always remain underwater!

Whether above or below the water, Vanuatu offers fantastic photo opportunities. Medium focal length lenses are ideal for capturing whales as they surface close to the boat. Wide-angle lenses (up to approx. 30 mm) or compact action cameras are suitable for underwater shots close to humpback whales.

The local currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). It is advisable to bring some cash with you if you want to tip or make personal purchases, as there are no ATMs on Tanna.