Pentecost Island

Pentecost Island is one of the 83 islands that make up the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. It lies 190km due north of capital Port Vila.

Pentecost Island has become famous throughout the world for the land diving ritual (Nagol or N'gol) which occurs every Saturday between April and June, in the southern part of the island. The ritual, which influenced the invention of bungee jumping, sees local men and boys jump from a 20-30m high manmade tower with only a vine attached to their legs. Most cruise ships visit the island to coincide with this yearly ritual.

There are no real towns on Pentecost. Most islanders live in small rural villages. A dirt road runs from the north to the south-west of the island, and another road connects Salap in the south-west to Ranwas in the south-east. However, many villages are accessible only by steep mountain footpaths.

Pentecost is a small island, with rainforests, cascading waterfalls and clear blue streams. Most visitors take a village tour, jungle walk or visit the waterfalls and swimming holes.

Melsisi is a local village on a hillside that overlooks a long coral beach, and here you will find a Catholic Church Cathedral and mission. There are lovely beaches with fantastic coastal views, with great snorkelling and a chance to swim with dolphins.

Explore underground caves or visit Kava and coconut plantations.

The more adventurous visitor can climb Mt Vetmar, Pentecost's second highest mountain.

Taro, a root vegetable, is the staple food here along with yams, sweet potato, coconut, papaya, mangoes, pineapples and nuts. Vegetables are often grated into a paste, wrapped in large leaves, baked in an earthen oven and covered with coconut cream to create 'laplap', a savoury pudding.

Imported rice and tinned meat form an increasing part of the diet in more developed areas of the island.

Cruise ships usually anchor and tender passengers ashore.

Cruise ships may also be able to dock at a small jetty called Queen Elizabeth II Landing.