Dillon's Bay

Dillon's Bay is located on the western coast of Erromango Island in Tafea Province, Vanuatu. The bay was named after Captain Peter Dillon, a 19th-century merchant and adventurer who was instrumental in solving the mystery of the La Pérouse expedition. Erromango is the fourth-largest island in Vanuatu, known for its dense rainforest, rugged mountains, and richly decorated traditional houses. Dillon's Bay is the main point of entry for visitors to the island, with a small airstrip and basic accommodation. The island's interior holds the highest peak in Vanuatu outside Espiritu Santo, Mount Santop (886 m).

The tropical climate features a wet season (November to April) with heavy rainfall, and a drier season (May to October) offering better travel conditions. Erromango receives significant rainfall year-round.

By Plane

Erromango's airstrip (which serves Dillon's Bay) receives Air Vanuatu flights from Port Vila (VLI) and Tanna (TAH). Flights are infrequent and weather-dependent.

By Train

By Car / Road

Dillon's Bay village is walkable. For travel into the interior or along the coast, arrange a 4WD with driver or a local guide. The road network on Erromango is very limited; most exploration is on foot or by boat.

• Dillon's Bay shoreline — a scenic bay with black-sand beaches and offshore coral.

• Traditional painted houses — Erromango's villages feature houses with geometric painted facades, a distinctive cultural tradition.

• Rainforest interior — some of the most intact forest in Vanuatu, with birdlife including the Vanuatu megapode.

• Mount Santop — Erromango's highest peak, reachable by guided multi-day trek.

• Guided trek into the interior — explore rainforest, rivers, and traditional villages.

• Birdwatching — Erromango's forests support endemic and rare bird species.

• Visit traditional villages to see painted-house architecture and learn about local kastom.

• Snorkel the fringing reef accessible from Dillon's Bay.

Guesthouses in Dillon's Bay provide full-board meals of fish, chicken, root vegetables, and laplap. No standalone restaurants exist.

Kava at the village nakamal. Bottled water should be brought from Port Vila or Tanna.

• Budget: Village guesthouses offer basic bungalows with shared facilities and full board.
• Mid-range: None on Erromango.
• Upscale / heritage: None.

Basic goods are available at small village stores. Local handicrafts — including painted or woven items — may be available. Bring all cash from Port Vila.

• Erromango's east coast (by foot or boat) — quieter beaches and traditional villages.
• Mount Santop (inland guided trek) — the island's highest peak.
• Tanna (short flight southeast) — Mount Yasur volcano and the John Frum cargo cult villages.
• Aneityum (flight south) — Vanuatu's southernmost inhabited island.