Excursion Pentecost land diving tour at Pentecost Island

Go ashore on Pentecost island to witness the incredible spectacle of daring young men diving headfirst from a tower connected by lengths of natural vine, in a ceremony meant to welcome the yam harvest.

Enjoy a welcome from local school children as they sing to greet you to this special place. Hike to the viewing point and prepare to be astounded by the bravery of the young men of Pentecost as they dive - head-first - from a 30-meter tower over the bare earth.

Sir David Attenborough first brought this extraordinary ritual to the world's attention. Witness the same event that was specially performed for HRH Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Vanuatu. Participants leap with just a vine tied around their ankles, aiming to touch the ground with their heads. The ritual is said to improve the yam harvest and is a rite of passage for the island's young men. Known locally as nanggol, this extraordinary human ceremony inspired the practice of bungee jumping, and few are privileged enough to ever see it first-hand.

At the same time this ceremony is a celebration for the whole village who turn out in traditional costume to dance and chant whipping the atmosphere into an excited frenzy of dance, activity and noise.

Watch the dance performance and land diving and learn all about the Pentecost customs and traditions. After your visit, return to the ship.

Note

Please note: This tour requires only moderate walking, but there is a 30-meter climb up a slope to the land diving site along rough steps cut into soft soil. While there is a handrail and those with limited mobility can make this trip, they must negotiate the slope and steps carefully, particularly when the ground is wet. Casual dress and walking shoes are recommended, and guests are asked not to wear bikinis ashore but to have appropriate cover.