Underwater Post Office Hideaway Island
Vanuatu's Hideaway Island: home to the world's only underwater post office and a vibrant marine sanctuary for unforgettable snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the fire show!
Underwater Post Office Hideaway Island
Best Time
Catch the fire show!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vanuatu's Hideaway Island: home to the world's only underwater post office and a vibrant marine sanctuary for unforgettable snorkeling.
"The snorkeling alone made the trip well worth it. A beautiful spot that I’ll always remember!"
waterproof postcards
Buy waterproof postcards at the gift shop to mail from the underwater post office!
Bring reef shoes
Protect your feet on the coral near the shore; reef shoes are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Post Office
Off the shore of Hideaway Island
Send a postcard from the world's only underwater post office, a quirky and unique Vanuatu experience.
+2
Vibrant Snorkeling
Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary
Explore crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and coral gardens, just meters from the shore.
Sunset Views
Hideaway Island
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific from this idyllic island paradise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry & Island Access
Best Day for Fire Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
waterproof postcards
Buy waterproof postcards at the gift shop to mail from the underwater post office!
Bring reef shoes
Protect your feet on the coral near the shore; reef shoes are recommended.
Free ferry access
Enjoy complimentary ferry rides to and from the island, running frequently.
Snorkel gear included
If staying overnight, snorkeling and kayaking gear are free!
Tips
from all over the internet
waterproof postcards
Buy waterproof postcards at the gift shop to mail from the underwater post office!
Bring reef shoes
Protect your feet on the coral near the shore; reef shoes are recommended.
Free ferry access
Enjoy complimentary ferry rides to and from the island, running frequently.
Snorkel gear included
If staying overnight, snorkeling and kayaking gear are free!
Book taxis in advance
Especially for late departures, pre-book taxis from the mainland.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exceptional snorkeling at Hideaway Island, highlighting the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life easily accessible from shore. The unique underwater post office is a quirky and memorable attraction. While some find the food a bit pricey, the friendly staff, free ferry service, and beautiful sunset views contribute to a highly positive experience.
"I had an unforgettable day at Hideaway Island Resort in Vanuatu, with the snorkeling experience being the clear standout. Within just 2-3 minutes of swimming we were surrounded by vibrant coral gardens and lots of colourful fishes including the Nemo fish! The water is crystal-clear, offering perfect views of the marine life up close.
One unique feature is the underwater post office (it’s a bit deep to get there, so I didn’t) but lots of people spotted it and said it was quirky. You can also purchase a waterproof postcard at the resort's gift shop and mail it while submerged, which is a fun and quirky souvenir.
We hired snorkeling gear for 700 Vatu (less than $10 AUD). They also do scuba dives. Make sure to wear reef shoes or something comfortable as walking on the corals near the shore can be tricky.
The staff were friendly & the service was solid throughout the day. Food and drink options were good, although a bit pricey (but that’s expected on an island).
You can take the free ferry to get to the island which is couple of mins from the taxi stand. The ferry runs till late as part of the resort.
We were told that on cruise ship days it gets too busy but it was perfect the day we went with smaller groups of people.If you are a day visitor I’d recommend leaving around 4pm as most people visiting for the day leave around that time but make sure to book a taxi in advance especially if it’s late in the evening/night.
There’s also a beach bar at the taxi area (near the hideaway island ferry wharf) where they do fire shows, but only on Fridays.
Overall, the snorkeling alone made the trip well worth it. A beautiful spot that I’ll always remember!"
Kavya Pani
"Had a wonderful time staying here for six days and five nights. All members of staff were extremely welcoming and hospitable.
If you stay on the island, all the snorkeling and kayaking equipments are free of charge. Ferry rides to and from the island is free too and runs often with no more than 10 minutes wait.
The underwater views are breathtaking and you don’t have to go too far out to see the corals and fish."
Luying Wang
"We stood for nearly a week and had a wonderful stay. Even though the whole thing could need a little construction work and on one or the other place a little make over, the staff did everything they could do to keep it working. It was clean, service was perfect. Everyone was extremely friendly.
We had everything in our room we needed. View was amazing.
Food was also really good. Breakfast, lunch and dinner!"
Rüdiger Harzer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
A free, short ferry ride from Mele Bay on the mainland takes you to Hideaway Island. The ferry runs frequently, making it easy for day trips or if you're staying overnight. +1
Yes, the ferry service to Hideaway Island is complimentary for visitors and guests.
The ferry ride is very short, typically only about 3 minutes.
If you're staying overnight at the resort, the ferry runs 24/7. For day visitors, it runs until late, but it's wise to check the schedule and book return taxis in advance.
The ferry departs from the jetty at Mele Bay, which is a short distance from Port Vila.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day visitors can purchase a day pass to access the island's facilities and enjoy activities like snorkeling. Overnight stays include access.
While the ferry is free, there's a fee for day passes, and waterproof postcards for the underwater post office cost around $6 AUD.
Absolutely! You can purchase a day pass to enjoy the island's amenities, including snorkeling and the unique underwater post office.
The underwater post office is accessible during daylight hours when the island is open for visitors. It's a natural feature, not a staffed office.
Access to the marine sanctuary for snorkeling is typically included with a day pass or your stay at the resort.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can walk about 30 meters from the beach and freedive a few meters down to reach the underwater post office. Purchase a waterproof postcard to mail your message.
Yes, snorkeling is excellent! The marine sanctuary boasts vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish life, easily accessible from the shore. +1
If you're staying overnight, snorkeling gear is provided free of charge. Day visitors can rent gear for a fee (around 700 Vatu).
Besides snorkeling and visiting the underwater post office, you can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.
The Mele Bay Beach Bar, near the ferry wharf, hosts a spectacular fire show every Friday evening.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The island resort offers dining options, though some find them a bit pricey. There's also a Beach Bar near the ferry wharf with pizzas and other options.
Food and drinks on the island can be a bit pricey, which is common for island resorts. Bringing some snacks or fruit is a good idea.
Yes, day visitors can access the resort's dining facilities and the nearby Beach Bar.
While specific options aren't detailed, resorts typically offer a range of choices. It's best to inquire directly with the resort or bar.
The Mele Bay Beach Bar is known for its pizzas, great sunset views, and a spectacular fire show held on Fridays.
📸 📸 Photography
You'll need an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to capture the post office and marine life. Freediving a few meters down is required.
Some videos show drone footage of the island, suggesting they may be permitted, but it's always best to check local regulations or with the resort directly.
Besides the underwater post office, the vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and the island's sunsets offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The clear waters and abundant marine life make for incredible underwater photography while snorkeling.
An action camera like a GoPro or a waterproof phone case is ideal for capturing the underwater experiences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing water shoes for the kids, as the coral near the shore can be a bit rough. While food can be a bit pricey, packing some snacks and drinks can help manage costs. The overall relaxed atmosphere makes it a stress-free outing for families.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
+1 The underwater post office is a unique attraction that stands out from typical cruise excursions. +1Tip: Try to visit on a day when a cruise ship is not in port, as it can get quite busy.
🐠 Snorkel & Dive Enthusiasts
If you're a certified diver, the resort also offers scuba diving excursions to explore deeper reefs and potentially encounter a wider array of marine life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Underwater Post Office
+1 Visitors can purchase waterproof postcards and special pens from the resort's gift shop. The experience involves a short walk into the water and a freedive to reach the submerged mailbox. While it's no longer manned by a postal worker, you can still drop your mail here, making for a memorable and quirky souvenir. +1This novelty has been around since 2003 and continues to draw curious travelers. It's a testament to Vanuatu's creative approach to tourism. The marine sanctuary surrounding the post office also means you'll be snorkeling amongst fish as you send your greetings.
+1Pro-tip: Ensure you have a reliable underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to capture this one-of-a-kind experience. The clarity of the water usually makes for great photos, even for amateur photographers.
+1Snorkeling Paradise: Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary
Snorkeling gear can be rented for a small fee for day visitors (around 700 Vatu), or it's included free of charge if you're staying overnight at the resort.
For those who prefer to stay dry, the views from the surface are still impressive. However, to truly appreciate the biodiversity, getting in the water is highly recommended. Remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching the coral to help preserve this natural wonder for future visitors.
Island Resort Experience
The resort provides a peaceful environment with beautiful sunset views. Dining options are available, though some visitors note that prices can be on the higher side. A popular alternative for food and drinks is the nearby Mele Bay Beach Bar, which also features a Friday night fire show.
Whether you opt for a day trip or an extended stay, Hideaway Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and quirky attractions, making it a memorable stop in Vanuatu.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit