Cruises to Mystery Island

Vanuatu

Mystery Island

Get stuck on a desert island (On purpose)

This incredibly beautiful conglomeration of pure white sand, palm trees and coral reefs provides the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Mystery Island is a tiny, uninhabited islet in Vanuatu’s Tafea Province, officially charted under the indigenous name Inyeug. Other than an airstrip, built by United States Military personnel to serve the nearby island of Aneityum, Mystery Island only has a few huts for overnighters, modern amenities for cruise passengers and some trails that bisect the island.

Header photo © David Kirkland

At A Glance


Population

Zero. No one lives on the island as it is considered taboo to do so. The locals come across from nearby Aneityum on the days when our ships call into the island. The population of Aneityum is approximately 1,200.

Language

Bislama, English and French as well as Anejom (the local language of Aneityum)

Government

Parliamentary republic

Currency

Vatu

What To See

Go snorkelling

In the waters surrounding Mystery Island, the condition of the coral and the life within it are in a near pristine state. Visibility is usually a minimum of 10-15 metres, so you are bound to have a memorable experience. Snorkelling gear is available for hire or purchase onboard the ship.

Modern VILLAGE

Modern Village is home to a small community living on Aneityum, the mainland opposite Mystery Island. Join our ‘Modern Village Tour’ to discover how the locals Aneityum families live when you are welcomed into their home. Learn about village life, history, culture, food cultivation and preparation, and more!

More About Mystery Island

DOCKING

Your ship will anchor offshore and the ship’s tender boats will provide a regular service to and from Mystery Island throughout the day.

GETTING AROUND

You won’t need any transportation!

DINING

Locals occasionally sell food and drink onshore. Lunch will be served onboard as usual. Quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products or sandwiches to be taken off the ship, however commercially packaged confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

SHOPPING

Handicrafts, sarongs, woven hats, floral shirts and other locally made items are available for purchase from the stalls onshore. There is even a hair-braiding service. Any souvenirs thatare made of plant material or animal products must be declared to quarantine authorities on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Plant material such as certain seeds and animal products including feathers may be restricted or need to be treated at the owners’ expense on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Bargaining is not customary in Vanuatu.

CLIMATE

The southern part of Vanuatu has a sub-tropical climate – sunny and humid with occasional rain showers. Dry season is from May to October. Make sure you stay hydrated and sheltered from the sun.

CURRENCY

Credit cards and charge cards are not accepted anywhere on the island. Australian dollars are accepted, but change may not be available. We recommend that you take small denominations of Australian dollars ashore.

COMMUNICATION

There are no public telephones and no internet access on Mystery Island. Mobile coverage may be available as long as global roaming is selected prior to leaving home.

WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat - and don’t forget your swimwear! You are also advised to bring sunscreen, bottled water and an umbrella during the summer months. Please cover up when walking around the island.

To observe the local customs of the south pacific islands a respectful dress code is required. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or pool and should be of a modest nature. G-strings, thongs and mankinis should not be worn. Topless sunbathing is also not permitted at anytime. When exploring the Islands and the local communities casual clothing should be worn. As a visitor to these beautiful islands please respect the wishes of local residents.

SHORE TOURS

Check with the Shore Tours desk onboard for information about tour availability.

ENVIRONMENT

Coral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effort to preserve its natural beauty and habitat please avoid touching it in all circumstances. Furthermore, just as with Australia’s beaches, blue bottles can visit occasionally in the summer months. During your time ashore we also ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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Did You Know?

In 1974 while Queen Elizabeth was sailing on her way from Port Vila to Australia aboard the Royal Yacht Brittania as part of a Pacific tour, she made an unscheduled stop at Mystery Island for a royal picnic in paradise. Many of the community elders fondly remember meeting the Queen.