The island's official name is Inyeug, which in the local language means ‘small island’. Its total size is only about 15.9 hectares, with the majority of its length taken up by a small runway for the Mystery Island Airport, which has flights twice a week from Port Vila to service the nearby Aneityum Island.
The name "Mystery Island" was coined in 1974 to provide a more interesting headline for a visit from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The name "Mystery Island" was coined in 1974 to provide a more interesting headline for a visit from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The island is uninhabited, with locals from the nearby Aneityum Island coming on days when cruise ships are visiting to run a market and provide tours and services. Locally it is considered taboo to live on the island, with many believing tales of haunting after dark.
Mystery Island is the perfect cruise destination for a relaxing day, whether that be laying on the sand of its beaches listening to the waves, snorkeling and exploring its surrounding coral reef, swimming in its pristine waters, or shopping for souvenirs and keepsakes at its market.
Food, drinks, massages, hair braiding, local village tours, glass-bottom boat tours, and snorkeling/beach gear hire are all available through local vendors on the island.
Mystery Island has no internet or ATMs available, so take cash to pay for any purchases. Locals will accept Australian Dollars (AUD), but will generally not give change - so remember to bring smaller denominations.
Mystery Island is the perfect cruise destination for a relaxing day, whether that be laying on the sand of its beaches listening to the waves, snorkeling and exploring its surrounding coral reef, swimming in its pristine waters, or shopping for souvenirs and keepsakes at its market.
Food, drinks, massages, hair braiding, local village tours, glass-bottom boat tours, and snorkeling/beach gear hire are all available through local vendors on the island.
Mystery Island has no internet or ATMs available, so take cash to pay for any purchases. Locals will accept Australian Dollars (AUD), but will generally not give change - so remember to bring smaller denominations.
Mystery Island is surrounded by a series of coral reefs and is only accessible by tender. Ships will anchor in a bay area approximately 1km from the small tender jetty on the Island.
While appearing on many cruise itineraries, for some cruisers Mystery Island continues to remain a mystery. Some cruise ships are unable to make their scheduled visits due to strong currents in the area at times making it dangerous for ships to anchor and run tender operations.
Mystery Island has no running water or electricity, so remember to plan your visit accordingly. There are toilets on the island - which could be best described as rustic.
While appearing on many cruise itineraries, for some cruisers Mystery Island continues to remain a mystery. Some cruise ships are unable to make their scheduled visits due to strong currents in the area at times making it dangerous for ships to anchor and run tender operations.
Mystery Island has no running water or electricity, so remember to plan your visit accordingly. There are toilets on the island - which could be best described as rustic.