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Hideaway Island, Vanuatu - Things to Do in Hideaway Island

Things to Do in Hideaway Island

Hideaway Island, Vanuatu - Complete Travel Guide

Hideaway Island sits just off the coast of Port Vila, Vanuatu, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway that you can actually walk across at low tide. This tiny coral island has become something of a legend among divers and snorkelers, largely because it's home to the world's only underwater post office - a quirky claim to fame that's actually quite charming once you experience it. The island maintains an intimate, almost private feel despite being accessible to day visitors, with crystal-clear waters that reveal vibrant coral gardens just meters from the beach. What makes Hideaway Island particularly appealing is its manageable size - you can walk around the entire island in about 10 minutes, yet it packs an impressive variety of marine life and activities into that small footprint. The water here tends to be consistently calm and clear, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced water enthusiasts.

Top Things to Do in Hideaway Island

Underwater Post Office

The world's only underwater post office operates at a depth of about 3 meters, where you can actually mail waterproof postcards while snorkeling or diving. It's genuinely functional - the mail gets collected daily and sent through Vanuatu's regular postal system. The experience is surprisingly moving, combining the novelty of the activity with the serene beauty of being surrounded by tropical fish while writing your message.

Booking Tip: Entry to the island includes snorkel gear, and waterproof postcards cost around 1,000 vatu each. Visit during morning hours (8-11am) when the water is calmest and visibility is best. No advance booking needed, but bring cash as card payments aren't always reliable.

Coral Garden Snorkeling

The coral gardens surrounding Hideaway Island are remarkably healthy and accessible, with most of the best spots reachable directly from the beach. You'll encounter an impressive variety of tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and the occasional turtle. The coral formations are particularly vibrant on the island's eastern side, where the water depth gradually increases from 1 to 8 meters.

Booking Tip: Snorkel gear is included with island entry (around 2,500 vatu for adults). The best visibility occurs during incoming tides, typically mid-morning. Consider bringing an underwater camera as the marine life is quite photogenic and approachable.

Kayaking Around the Island

Paddling around Hideaway Island takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace and offers a different perspective on the coral formations below. The calm, protected waters make this suitable for beginners, while the clear visibility allows you to spot marine life from above. You'll also get some nice views back toward Port Vila and the surrounding coastline.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals are available on-site for around 1,500 vatu per hour. Morning sessions tend to have the calmest conditions. Life jackets are provided, but basic swimming ability is recommended as you'll be in open water around parts of the island.

Beach Relaxation and Swimming

The small but well-maintained beach offers excellent swimming conditions with soft sand and gentle entry into the water. The beach faces west, providing some afternoon shade under the palm trees and decent sunset viewing opportunities. The water temperature remains consistently warm year-round, and the protected location means waves are rarely an issue.

Booking Tip: Beach access is included with island entry. Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the UV exposure can be intense, especially during midday. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available but limited, so arriving earlier in the day gives you better positioning options.

Scuba Diving

For certified divers, the waters around Hideaway Island offer several dive sites with depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters. The coral formations are particularly impressive on the outer edges of the island, and you're likely to encounter larger fish species including reef sharks and rays. The underwater post office dive is obviously popular, but the coral gardens on the island's back side are actually more spectacular for marine life.

Booking Tip: Dive operators in Port Vila offer trips to Hideaway Island starting around 8,000 vatu for a single dive. Book with established operators who provide recent equipment and follow proper safety protocols. Certification cards are required - no exceptions.

Getting There

Hideaway Island is accessible by boat from Port Vila, with regular transfers running throughout the day from the main wharf. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes and costs around 3,000 vatu return, though this is often included in day packages. Some operators offer combined transfers and island entry deals that work out more economical than booking separately. You can also arrange private boat transfers through most Port Vila accommodations, which gives you more flexibility with timing but costs significantly more.

Getting Around

The island is small enough that walking is the only transportation you'll need - it takes about 10 minutes to walk the perimeter path. The terrain is mostly flat with some coral rock sections, so basic sandals or reef shoes are recommended. Golf carts occasionally transport equipment and supplies around the island, but there's no public transportation system. Most visitors simply pick a spot on the beach or near the dive sites and stay there for their visit.

Where to Stay

Port Vila waterfront hotels
Erakor Island resorts
Iririki Island accommodation
Port Vila budget guesthouses
Efate beachfront villas
Port Vila city center hotels

Food & Dining

Hideaway Island has a small restaurant and bar that serves decent local and international dishes, with fresh seafood being the obvious highlight. The menu is limited but the setting - right on the beach with views across the water - makes up for the lack of variety. Prices are reasonable by Vanuatu standards, though you'll pay a bit more than you would in Port Vila. Many visitors bring their own snacks and drinks, which is perfectly acceptable. For more dining options, you'll want to head back to Port Vila, where the restaurant scene includes everything from local lap lap specialists to French bistros reflecting Vanuatu's colonial heritage.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vanuatu

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Beach Bar

4.5 /5
(524 reviews)

The Stonegrill Restaurant

4.7 /5
(427 reviews)

Tamanu on the beach

4.7 /5
(214 reviews)
lodging spa

Three Pigs

4.5 /5
(167 reviews)
bar

Tanna Coffee

4.6 /5
(150 reviews)
cafe store

Cafe Vila

4.5 /5
(139 reviews)

When to Visit

Hideaway Island is visitable year-round, but the dry season from May to October offers the most consistent weather and best underwater visibility. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year (24-28°C), so the main consideration is rainfall and wind conditions. The wet season (November to April) brings occasional heavy rains and rougher seas, though this can actually be quite dramatic and the island is less crowded. Cyclone season runs from November to April, but serious storms are relatively rare. For the best combination of calm seas, clear skies, and good visibility, aim for June through September.

Insider Tips

The underwater post office actually closes during rough weather, so check conditions before making the trip if that's your main goal
Bring reef shoes as the coral can be sharp when entering and exiting the water, especially at low tide
The island's small size means it can feel crowded when cruise ships are in port - check the Port Vila cruise schedule and plan accordingly

Explore Activities in Hideaway Island

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Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Hideaway Island

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Hideaway Island

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Hideaway Island

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Hideaway Island

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