Yasur Volcano | Dr John Seach
Tanna Island, Vanuatu

19.52 S, 169.42 E
summit elevation 405 m
Stratovolcano

john

Yasur website 22 years on the internet 2002-2024

Yasur is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It is known as the Lighthouse of the Pacific because of its regular eruptions for hundreds of years. Yasur volcano is located on Tanna Island in southern Vanuatu. It lies on a subduction zone at the boundary of the Indo-Australia and Pacific tectonic plates.

John Seach has been leading tours to Yasur since 1998, and has been to the crater at Yasur volcano on more than 250 times.  

yasur
Yasur volcano, Tanna Island, Vanuatu

yasur volcano, tanna island
Yasur volcano 2023. Can you see an image of a face in the rock?

yasur
Yasur volcano, Strombolian eruption

yasur volcano, tanna island
Yasur volcano 2010 showing Milky Way and the Magellanic clouds.

yasur volcano, tanna island
Yasur volcano crater October 2022.

yasur volcano, tanna island
Forest on slope of Yasur volcano, October 2022.

yasur volcano, tanna island
Yasur volcano, February 2023.

More photos from Yasur volcano and Tanna Island...

Warning: Approaching the crater at Yasur volcano is dangerous at any time! Observers are at risk from projectiles, toxic gas and avalanches. Tourists regularly put their lives in danger by approaching too close to the crater. There is no safe viewing location at the crater's edge.

Volcanic activity levels which are quoted for the volcano do not provide a reliable safety guide. Any size eruption can happen at the volcano at any time.

2022 Eruptions
During an expedition to Yasur volcano by John Seach in October 2022, the volcano was showing Strombolian and mild Vulcanian eruptions. Ash emissions which has caused severe damage to crops had decreased, however ash was still a problem in the areas surrounding the volcano. Multiple vents were active inside the main crater. 

2019 Eruptions
Strombolian and mild vulcanian activity continues at Yasur volcano in 2019. A small collapse occured on the eastern crater rim.

2015 Cyclone Pam
Super tropical cyclone Pam made a direct hit over Yasur volcano on 14th March 2015.

2014 Eruptions
Normal eruptive activity continues at Yasur volcano during 2014.

2013 Eruptions
Beginning October 2013 increased activity occurred at Yasur volcano, Vanuatu. A large amount of ash emissions caused widespread damage to vegetation on Tanna Island. Ashfall was reported at Erromango Island 150 km north of Yasur volcano. On the evening of 3rd November 2013 John Seach witnessed large strombolian eruptions at Yasur. Explosions sent molten lava bombs up to 4 m diameter 250 m from the vent. Bombs were expelled onto the outside flanks of the cone, putting visitors at risk. The eruptions were some of the largest at the volcano since 1995.

2012 Eruptions
High levels of activity were reported at Yasur volcano in July 2012. The alert level was raised to 3 (out of a maximum 4). The crater edge was considered too dangerous to visit.

2011 Eruptions
In June 2011 volcanic bombs were regularly falling in the car park area at Yasur volcano. The normal tourist viewing area has been placed off limits until activity decreases.

Vanuatu is located in the south west Pacific. It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The 83 islands were formed by volcanic activity over millions of years. Flights to Vanuatu operate from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands. The country has been rated as the happiest place on earth. Friendly people, sustainable economy and good services make Vanuatu a delight to visit.

See also: volcanolive.com 

Adventure Tours

John has been providing unique tours to the world's most active volcanoes since 1989.
More info on tours...

Quick Links

Film and Television

John Seach provides professional services to the film and television industry with many years volcano filming experience worldwide.
More info...