Blue Lagoon and Aelan Chocolate Factory Tour — Port Vila Day Trip
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity — suitable for most people who can walk short uneven trails and swim in open freshwater.
Overview
Float in a crystal-blue lagoon, hike to a mossy waterfall and tour Vanuatu’s community-run Aelan Chocolate Makers — a three-part day trip from Port Vila that mixes swimming, short walks and a social-impact chocolate tasting.
Blue Lagoon and Aelan Chocolate Factory Tour — Port Vila Day Trip
Select participants and date
You step out of your hotel lobby to the bright orange Yumi Tours flag and the hush of a South Pacific morning — air fragrant with salt and wet jungle. The minivan slips away from Port Vila, coastal road narrowing as coconut palms and fern-dark gullies rush by. In less than an hour the trees open and you can see the water: an impossible aqua pool cupped by volcanic rock and mangroves, the Blue Lagoon daring you to jump in.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring water footwear
Reef shoes or sturdy water sandals make the rocky entry into the Blue Lagoon and the short waterfall trail far more comfortable.
Sun and reef-safe sunscreen
The South Pacific sun is strong; use biodegradable sunscreen to protect yourself and the reef.
Carry local cash
Small purchases at the factory or stalls often accept Vatu cash more readily than cards.
Cruise pickup plan
If arriving by cruise, confirm wharf pickup and allow extra time for border control to avoid missing departure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Frigatebirds and terns along the lagoon edge
- Keep an eye for coconut crabs near shoreline rocks at night
History
Efate is volcanic and its coastal geomorphology — reefs and freshwater springs — created the lagoons. The ACTIV Association has tied cacao production to community development since the 2000s.
Conservation
Tours support ACTIV’s sustainable chocolate program; visitors are asked to use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid disturbing mangrove and reef habitats.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Port Vila
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and towel
Essential for the Blue Lagoon swim and waterfall pools.
Reef shoes or water sandals
Protects feet on rocky lagoon edges and wet trails.
Biodegradable sunscreen and hat
Protects skin while minimizing impact on marine life.
Insect repellent
Useful for the short walk to Eden waterfall and shady areas around the factory.