Mystery Island

Mystery Island, officially known as Inyeug Island, sits in Vanuatu's Tafea Province within the southwestern Pacific Ocean, lying about one kilometre south of Aneityum. As a completely uninhabited island, cruise ships drop anchor offshore while passengers are transported directly to the shore via convenient tender boats. It functions exclusively as a scenic port of call rather than a turnaround port, reached by brief tender journeys straight from your ship to the pristine beach.

The island possesses a curious modern history behind its name. When Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1974, the moniker "Mystery Island" was coined to generate a more compelling headline for news reports. Inyeug translates literally to "Small Island" in the local language, which is entirely accurate since visitors can walk along the entire shoreline in roughly forty minutes. There are no permanent residents, roads, or motor vehicles anywhere on the island.

The primary draw for travelers is the vibrant marine life and exceptional snorkeling opportunities. The surrounding waters form a protected marine sanctuary, offering snorkelers exceptionally clear, warm conditions above pristine coral reefs. Beginners thrive here because the shallow reef sits close to the surface, where underwater sightings frequently include clownfish, parrotfish, barracudas, green sea turtles, and occasionally delicate seahorses.

When cruise ships arrive, friendly locals from neighboring Aneityum travel over to set up lively beachside display stalls. Visitors can browse handmade jewelry, organic coconut oil, local coffee, and fresh seafood delicacies including cooked lobsters and local culinary treats. Traditional dance performances, local acoustic bands, hair braiding, and relaxing seaside massages enrich the port visit.

For those wanting to venture beyond the island itself, a short boat ride reaches Aneityum to tour the villages where the local people live and learn about their customs and day-to-day life. The wider island terrain offers hikes and walks, though Mystery Island itself is best appreciated as a day of sand, reef and quiet.

Visited Mystery Island on a cruise to swim among its vibrant coral reefs? Record your voyage at The Cruise Globe to update your Passport stats and view your actual cruise route!