Hideaway Island
A small island off Efate with a marine reserve and an underwater post box.
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Hideaway is a small island in Mele Bay a few minutes by ferry from the Efate shore, surrounded by a marine reserve where the reef starts a short swim from the beach and the fish are used to people. Its best known feature is an underwater post box standing in about three metres of water, where waterproof postcards can be posted and stamped, run as part of the Vanuatu postal service.
What you actually see
- The underwater post box - a working postal point in three metres of water.
- The marine reserve - protected reef starting a short swim from the beach.
- The reef fish - populations used to snorkellers and easy to see.
- The short ferry - the three minute crossing from the Efate shore.
When to go
April to October is the dry season with the best visibility. November to March is wet with cyclone risk. Weekends and cruise days are busiest.
Honest expectations
It is busy when cruise ships are in and the small beach fills quickly. A day fee applies on top of the ferry. The island is small and half a day covers it.
Nearby
Mele Cascades are inland, and Port Vila is east.
What to pack for Hideaway Island
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.