Mount Yasur
Yasur
One of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, on Tanna Island. You can stand at the crater rim and watch red lava bombs shoot into the sky.
Mount Yasur sits in the southeast of Tanna Island, about 361 meters high. For centuries it has erupted almost continuously in Strombolian fashion. Captain Cook was drawn to its glow and landed in 1774. Visitors drive 4WD vehicles across the ash plain to the parking area, then walk about 10 minutes to the crater rim. The boiling crater lies right at your feet, rumbling every few minutes and hurling lava fragments into the air. The best option is an evening tour, which lets you watch the sunset and then the lava glowing after dark. It lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Access must be arranged through a local tour operator. The entrance fee is several thousand to tens of thousands of vatu (check on site), and it usually includes transfers and a traditional welcome dance. The volcano is managed according to an alert level from 0 to 4, and at level 3 approaching the crater rim is generally prohibited. Note: follow your guide's instructions and do not approach the edge. Volcanic ash and sulfur gases irritate the eyes and airways, so bring a mask and a flashlight. The drive from Tanna Airport or from accommodation in Lenakel takes about 2 hours on a bumpy road.
Opening hours
Tours usually depart in the evening (subject to volcanic alert level)
Nearby sights
- Sulphur Bay (John Frum Village)
- Yasur Ash Plain (Siwi)
- Port Resolution
- Yakel Kastom Village
- Giant Banyan Tree (Tanna)
- Lenakel & Market
- White Grass Plains & West Coast
- Tanna Blue Cave