Mount Gharat Volcano

Admission: Free (access may require permission from local authorities)

Mount Gharat is an active volcanic cone on Gaua Island in Torba Province, northern Vanuatu. Its summit encloses a large crater lake that defines the island’s interior.

The crater lake and surrounding caldera are the main attractions - the lake sits within the summit depression and is rimmed by steep slopes and forest, with hot springs and fumarolic activity evident in places. Simple hikes to the caldera rim and local boat or bush routes provide access from coastal villages.

Gharat is part of the Vanuatu volcanic arc and has produced eruptions and geothermal phenomena in historical times; local communities live on and around the caldera and make use of freshwater and geothermal resources.

The volcano occupies central Gaua in the Banks Islands of northern Vanuatu; access is by boat or small aircraft to the island followed by overland travel to the caldera.

• Crater lake: Contains Lake Letas, the central crater lake that dominates Gaua island’s interior.
• Volcanic activity: An active volcanic system with ongoing geothermal activity and a history of recorded eruptions; activity is monitored by local authorities.

What to See#

• Lake Letas: A crater lake occupying the summit caldera and serving as the island’s main freshwater body; it lies within the volcanic crater and is the dominant landscape feature of Gaua.
• Crater rim and geothermal areas: The caldera rim and summit area provide steep hiking routes and viewpoints, with geothermal features and stream outlets on the slopes.

Gaua (Santa Maria) Airport receives infrequent domestic flights from Santo (Luganville) and Port Vila; transfers to the island’s ports and local vessels are used to reach Gharat’s shores. Inter-island and charter boat options are the most common ways to approach the island; check schedules with provincial transport services.

• If approaching by boat, hire a captain experienced with Vanuatu's reef systems; Gharat sits in a small volcanic island where reefs can be hazardous.
• Observe local customs: Gharat is part of communities where volcanic peaks are woven into traditional stories and land use.
• Check with Vanuatu's Department of Tourism for advisories-active volcanic islands may be restricted.