Mystery Island Cruise Port

Port summary

Mystery Island, known locally as Inyeug, is a flat coral islet about 1.5 km long just off the south-west coast of Aneityum, the southernmost inhabited island of Vanuatu. Nobody lives on it: the people of Aneityum traditionally believe it is haunted after dark, so the families who run the stalls, tours and cultural shows cross over by boat on ship days and go home before dusk. Most of the island is taken up by a grass airstrip built by Allied forces in the Second World War, which is still Aneityum's airport (code AUY) with a few flights a week. Ships anchor in the lagoon and tender guests to a small pier on the north shore; the tender queue can be long on the big Australian ships, so go early or late. A sandy path loops the island in 30–45 minutes, past the market stalls, beaches, a café and a tiki bar. The reef is the star: you can snorkel straight off the beach (bring reef shoes and your own mask if you can), hire a clear paddleboard or kayak, or join one of the local glass-bottom boat and reef trips sold at the stalls. Across the channel, Aneityum villagers run village walks, fire-walking shows and visits to the ruins of one of Vanuatu's first mission churches at Anelcauhat. There is no ATM, no running water and very little shade, so bring cash (Australian dollars are widely accepted, as is vatu), sunscreen and water. The call is weather-dependent and is regularly cancelled when swell makes tendering unsafe.

Getting to Mystery Island (Inyeug), Aneityum

From the cruise terminal to the city centre

Things to do