In this episode, we talk about travelingto Vanuatu with Island Tours Vanuatu and how their tailored packages help visitors experience multiple islands—without getting bogged down in transfers, schedules, and last-minute logistics. Far and Away Adventures.com is where to begin planning, and you can v…In this episode, we talk about travelingto Vanuatu with Island Tours Vanuatu and how their tailored packages help visitors experience multiple islands—without getting bogged down in transfers, schedules, and last-minute logistics. Far and Away Adventures.com is where to begin planning, and you can visit https://farandawayadventures.com to work with a specialist who can help you shape the right Vanuatu route for your interests.
Normand Schafer welcomes Georgian Sandi, owner of Island Tours Vanuatu, to discuss what makes Vanuatu unique and why it’s so rewarding to explore beyond a single location. Georgian explains that Island Tours has been operating for nearly two decades as an inbound tour operator, organizing packages and customized itineraries across Vanuatu’s islands. Their packages can include the essentials—transfers, accommodation, and tours—plus the experiences many travelers come for: cultural village visits, diving, and day-to-day interaction with local communities.
The conversation highlights Vanuatu’s top “wow” experience: the volcano on Tanna. Georgian describes it as highly accessible, with frequent flight access discussed in the episode. He notes that although it can be visited as a day trip, the volcano is most spectacular at night—an important detail that can help you decide whether to add an overnight on Tanna. Norman adds his own story of bringing his kids to the crater and how rare it is to be allowed that close in most places in the world.
We also talk about how to add variety by combining islands. Georgian mentions Santo for beach time and diving, and Pentecost for the famous land diving tradition—an iconic cultural practice often linked to the origin story of bungee jumping. He notes that land diving typically happens during a seasonal window—commonly April through June depending on the vines—so travel dates matter if you want to see it.
One of the most useful parts of the episode is Georgian’s emphasis on cultural differences between islands. He explains that places like Tanna and Malekula can feel dramatically different in culture and tradition, and that traveling to outer islands can reveal “real Vanuatu” in a way that staying only in Port Vila may not. Island Tours can arrange visits where travelers spend time with local people, learn how food is prepared, and even try hands-on activities like weaving mats. These are the kinds of moments that turn a trip into a story you tell for years.
Georgian also makes a practical point about why local support matters. When travelers book everything online, disruptions—especially flight issues—can leave people stuck without a clear solution. Having a trusted local partner on the ground can help solve problems quickly and keep the itinerary intact.
If you’re interested in Vanuatu for volcano adventure, diving, cultural immersion, and island-hopping, this episode gives you a clear picture of what to prioritize. And if you’d like help turning those priorities into a smooth plan, Far and Away Adventures can build an itinerary that connects the islands you want to see, with the pacing and support that makes the whole experience feel easy.more
In this episode we talk about the magic of Breakas Beach Resort — where island sophistication meets slow-living bliss. Host Normand Schafer chats with the team about the resort’s signature features: no phones in the rooms, outdoor garden showers, and warm ni-Vanuatu hospitality. It’s a place to unpl…In this episode we talk about the magic of Breakas Beach Resort — where island sophistication meets slow-living bliss. Host Normand Schafer chats with the team about the resort’s signature features: no phones in the rooms, outdoor garden showers, and warm ni-Vanuatu hospitality. It’s a place to unplug and rediscover joy in the simple.more
In this episode we talk about how Bountiful Tours and Transfers creates customizable experiences for travelers of all kinds. Host Normand Schafer learns how this locally owned company caters to individuals, couples, and groups with a mix of nature, culture, and comfort — whether you’re in port for t…In this episode we talk about how Bountiful Tours and Transfers creates customizable experiences for travelers of all kinds. Host Normand Schafer learns how this locally owned company caters to individuals, couples, and groups with a mix of nature, culture, and comfort — whether you’re in port for the day or planning a full vacation. Travel on your terms, with locals who care.more
In this episode we talk about discovering Vanuatu through one of its most welcoming communities — Mele Village. Host Normand Schafer chats with Authentic Mala Tours about how they offer personal, locally led cultural tours where visitors become guests, not just spectators. From handmade crafts to sa…In this episode we talk about discovering Vanuatu through one of its most welcoming communities — Mele Village. Host Normand Schafer chats with Authentic Mala Tours about how they offer personal, locally led cultural tours where visitors become guests, not just spectators. From handmade crafts to sacred customs, this is Vanuatu at its most genuine.more
In this episode, we talk about what makes Tanna Island in Vanuatu a pure bucket-list destination and how White Grass Ocean Resort puts you close to the island’s biggest highlights—culture, reef, and volcano. If you want help turning the dream into a smooth itinerary, visit Far and Away Adventures.co…In this episode, we talk about what makes Tanna Island in Vanuatu a pure bucket-list destination and how White Grass Ocean Resort puts you close to the island’s biggest highlights—culture, reef, and volcano. If you want help turning the dream into a smooth itinerary, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com and let our team map the details around your travel style.
Normand Schafer sits down with Lindle from White Grass Ocean Resort for a conversation that’s all about travel moments you don’t forget: dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear water, and experiences that feel genuinely rooted in place. Tanna is described as a remote South Pacific island with extraordinary cultural depth—villages and traditions that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries—making it especially compelling for travelers who value learning, listening, and seeing the world beyond the typical resort bubble. At the same time, White Grass offers the kind of comfortable, beachfront home base that helps you reset between adventures.
The episode’s headline topic is Mount Yasur, an active volcano that many travelers dream about for years. Lindle explains why the approach is part of the thrill: a drive that moves through jungle highlands and opens into ash plains, followed by a short ascent on foot. Normand shares the powerful memory of being on the rim as the volcano’s energy lights up the night. It’s the kind of experience that can define an entire trip, and the conversation helps you understand how it fits alongside easiergoing beach days.
Then the focus shifts to the ocean. White Grass has an on-site PADI Eco Dive Center called Volcano Island Divers, and the setup makes the reef feel close and accessible. A jetty extends out to the outer reef with an immediate drop-off into clear water, leading to walls, coral bommies, caves, and swim-throughs. For snorkelers, the nearby blue holes are highlighted as a favorite, especially for families and anyone who wants that aquarium-like feeling without a long boat ride. They discuss how tides and surges can influence the experience and why choosing the right timing—often around calm conditions with the sun overhead—can make colors pop in a way that feels almost unreal.
One of the standout side adventures is the Blue Cave excursion. Lindle describes how mid-day light can stream down through an opening and create cathedral-like illumination in the water, setting up striking photos and memorable swims. The conversation includes practical notes about what’s required for the experience, like being comfortable swimming, and why repeat visits at different times can show changing colors and moods.
Sustainability and respect for the environment come through as more than a talking point. Lindle explains how eco recognition and reef stewardship show up in diver briefings, coral-safe behavior, and community projects such as World Ocean Day cleanups with local students. There’s also a discussion of building local skills through dive training for staff, reinforcing the idea that tourism works best when it supports long-term benefits for the community.
Seasonality comes up in a helpful, grounded way: April through October is described as generally drier with cooler evenings, while emphasizing that Tanna is still a year-round destination with warm days and weather that rarely stops the fun for long. If you want the “just travel” version of the South Pacific—simple, breathtaking, and unforgettable—start with a plan that fits you. Visit https://farandawayadventures.com and let Far and Away Adventures help you build the right Tanna itinerary.more
In this episode we talk about why Vanuatu is more than just a cruise stop — it’s a destination worth dedicating time to. Host Normand Schafer interviews Adventures in Paradise Vanuatu about the island’s unique blend of nature, culture, and raw beauty. Learn about tour options that take you beyond Po…In this episode we talk about why Vanuatu is more than just a cruise stop — it’s a destination worth dedicating time to. Host Normand Schafer interviews Adventures in Paradise Vanuatu about the island’s unique blend of nature, culture, and raw beauty. Learn about tour options that take you beyond Port Vila and into the heart of Ni-Vanuatu traditions and island life.more
Ready to explore the South Pacific? Dive into our latest episode where we compare Tahiti, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Vanuatu to help you plan your perfect getaway. Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, family fun, or budget-friendly options, we break down what makes each island uniqu…Ready to explore the South Pacific? Dive into our latest episode where we compare Tahiti, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Vanuatu to help you plan your perfect getaway. Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, family fun, or budget-friendly options, we break down what makes each island unique.more