Port Vila is a fantastic place to enjoy lunch experiences that go beyond just eating. Here, you can combine stunning scenery, cultural insights, and hands-on fun, making your midday meal part of a memorable adventure. For instance, the Vanuatu: Efate Round Island Day Trip with Lunch at Top Rock offers a full day of exploring hidden coves, waterfalls, and hot springs—culminating in a delicious local lunch. It’s perfect if you want a mix of culture, nature, and good food all in one trip. Meanwhile, the Full Day Pele Island Boat Tour with Barbeque Lunch combines a scenic boat ride, snorkeling, and a hearty island BBQ, ideal for those who love relaxing by the water with a tasty meal. And for travelers seeking variety, the Raru Cascade, Lunch at Blue Lagoon, and Hideaway Island Escape packs waterfalls, lagoons, and world-class snorkelling into a single day, topped off with a satisfying lunch.
Below, we’ll explore each of these top lunch experiences in detail, helping you choose the best fit for your interests, budget, and schedule.
1. Vanuatu: Efate Round Island Day Trip with Lunch at Top Rock
At number one, this Efate round-island tour is a comprehensive day trip designed for those wanting a taste of everything—culture, nature, and a tasty lunch. The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours and includes stops at Pepeyo Cultural & Educational Tour, Rarru Cascades, Blue Lagoon, and Takara Hot Springs. One highlight is the Pepeyo Cultural Tour, where you’ll visit a traditional village and learn about local customs. The Rarru Cascades offer a refreshing swim in natural pools, while the Blue Lagoon provides the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying a local-style meal.
What makes this tour stand out is its well-balanced itinerary and family-friendly vibe, making it suitable for travelers of all ages. The inclusion of admission tickets and a focus on immersive cultural experiences mean you’re not just sightseeing—you’re connecting with local life and landscapes. Plus, the scenic hikes and waterfalls provide plenty of photo opportunities. The tour costs $170 per person, which is quite reasonable given the diverse activities and the quality of the included lunch at Top Rock. Reviewers love its combination of adventure and cultural insight, describing it as “an exciting and immersive adventure” with “a great way to see the island beyond the shoreline.”
Bottom line: For those who want a full-day, all-in-one experience that hits the highlights with a great meal included, this is an excellent choice.
2. Full Day Pele Island Boat Tour with Barbeque Lunch
Number two on our list is the Pele Island boat trip, which offers a full day of island serenity coupled with an authentic BBQ lunch right on the beach. This tour runs about 9 hours and begins with a scenic transfer along Efate’s coast before a 30-minute boat ride to Pele Island. Once there, you’ll be welcomed by local villagers and explore the island village—an opportunity to see real island life up close.
The main draw is the perfectly relaxing setting, where you can snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, swim in clear waters, or just lounge on the beach. The highlight, of course, is the Vanuatu-style BBQ lunch, served directly on the sand, making this a feast for both the stomach and the eyes. The tour costs $128.39 per person, and the reviews rave about its “stunning” scenery and the friendly local guides. One guest remarked, “Pele Island is beautiful and peaceful, and the snorkeling was fantastic,” emphasizing how well this tour balances adventure with relaxation.
This tour is ideal for anyone wanting a less hectic, more laid-back day focused on enjoying nature and local culture without sacrificing good food. The small group size and authentic island experience make it a standout.
Bottom line: Perfect for snorkelling lovers and those craving a quiet day on a stunning island with a memorable BBQ lunch.
3. Raru Cascade, Lunch at Blue Lagoon and Hideaway Island Escape
Rounding out our list, this all-in-one tour combines nature, relaxation, and snorkelling. Starting with a visit to the scenic Raru Cascade, where a short walk leads you to freshwater pools and flowing waterfalls, you’ll get to cool off and enjoy the lush rainforest. Next, you’ll visit the Blue Lagoon, a postcard-perfect swimming spot renowned for its crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a delicious lunch in this idyllic setting.
The final stop is Hideaway Island, famous for its marine reserve and some of the best snorkelling in Efate. You’ll spend approximately three hours exploring vibrant coral gardens, spotting marine life, and relaxing on the island. The tour costs $130 per person and is suited for travelers who want variety—nature, beach, and underwater adventure—packed into just seven hours.
While this tour is less focused on cultural interaction compared to the others, the combination of waterfalls, lagoons, and world-class snorkelling makes it an all-around great day. The local lunch adds a nice touch, and the trip’s flexible schedule is a bonus for families or independent explorers.
Bottom line: If you like a little of everything—waterfalls, lagoons, snorkeling—this tour delivers it all with a satisfying meal in one smooth day.
How to Choose Your Best Lunch Experience
When selecting between these top options, consider your budget, interests, and how much activity you want. If you’re after a full day of cultural sights and scenic hikes, the Efate Round Island tour is hard to beat. For a laid-back, beach-focused day with snorkeling and a hearty BBQ, the Pele Island boat trip offers excellent value. Meanwhile, if you prefer a mix of waterfalls, lagoons, and underwater fun, the comprehensive Efate adventure with Raru Cascade and Hideaway Island is your best pick.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and avoid missing out on these popular experiences. Also, think about your fitness level and how much walking or swimming you’re comfortable with—each tour involves some activity, but they vary in intensity.
The Sum Up
Port Vila offers a wide range of lunch experiences that blend natural beauty, cultural insights, and delicious food. Whether you want a full-day island adventure with Hot Springs, a relaxing boat trip with a BBQ, or an all-in-one tour with waterfalls and snorkelling, there’s something for every taste and schedule. For families, the Efate round-island trip with cultural stops is ideal; for water lovers, Pele Island’s boat tour is perfect; and if variety is your goal, the Efate combo tour covers it all.
To get the most out of your trip, consider your interests and book early, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. These tours promise not just a meal but an authentic slice of island life, making your visit to Port Vila truly unforgettable.