Mystery Island, Vanuatu 

You'll love the tiny and picture perfect Mystery Island, with its sandy pathways that lead to white beaches edged with coconut trees and crystal clear lagoons offering great snorkelling.
This small, uninhabited island is one of the most southern of the Vanuatu group and was once used as a World War II landing strip for the allied forces.
Today, it remains void of any tourism development apart from the occasional visit from our ships. There are no roads, no shops and absolutely no stress. The locals from a nearby island will come to sell their few shells and goods and you can spend your day relaxing on the sand while a band of locals plays songs of welcome. The surrounding reefs also offer ideal opportunities for experienced snorkellers.

Tenders from the ship will provide a regular service to and from the island.

You won’t need one!

Trinkets, handicrafts, sarongs, woven hats, floral shirts and other locally made items are available for purchase. There is even a hair-braiding service! Please ensure that the items you purchase do not contravene Australia’s or New Zealand’s strict quarantine laws.

It is forbidden to bring food of any kind off the ship, except for bottled water. Please be advised food and drinks are sometimes available for purchase ashore in Mystery Island. The condition and method of preparation of food and drinks cannot be monitored by P&O Cruises. With that in mind, passengers are advised that if they purchase or consume food they do so entirely at their own risk. Lunch will be served onboard the ship. Please refer to your daily onboard newsletter for timings.

The southern part of Vanuatu has a sunny, humid sub-tropical climate, refreshed by sea breezes and the occasional rain shower. The dry season is May to October. Make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Tipping is not customary in Vanuatu, nor is bargaining.

Not accepted. Small amounts of cash should be exchanged on board the ship if you wish to purchase items on the island.

Not available. Also, there is no mobile (cell) phone coverage.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella. Don’t forget your swimwear and a towel and note that snorkelling gear is available for hire or purchase on board the ship. Except on the beach, please cover up when walking around the island (casual clothes, not swimwear). Nude or topless bathing is NOT permitted on the beach.

Please note that snorkel equipment is available for hire on Mystery island. This service is not operated by P&O Cruises and accordingly P&O Cruises cannot provide any assurance that the equipment complies with Australian health, hygiene and safety standards. Passengers are advised that if they hire snorkel equipment on Mystery Island, they do so entirely at their own risk.

Whatever you decide to do after your visit to Mystery Island or any island port of call, please bring your rubbish back to the ship with you – that includes dead camera batteries, Thank You.

Please ask permission before you take photographs of Ni-Vanuatu (indigenous people).