Mystery Island
Mystery Island
4.5
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
See what travellers are saying
- Kylie S13 contributionsParadise.A magical paradise! We took part in the Drift Snorkelling tour. All snorkelling gear was provided. We got into a small boat and our tour guides took us out to the edge of the reef where we all jumped in. Our snorkelling guide, guided us throughout the reef, showing us the highlights of the reef, which is as more than expected, the colours of the fish and coral were spectacular.We were in the water snorkelling for an hour and 10mins . Once out of the water we took the time to walk around the island, taking in all the market had to offer including fresh coconuts cut open to drink from. Will definitely be back to this magical island.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 September 2023
- Ankit S9 contributionsmystery island way to goIt is indeed mystery island as you will find some unmatched beautiful beaches, snorkelling at the shore and you will feel like you are in a giant aquarium with thousands of different fishes. The local people loves to accet AU $ so no need to take pacific fr. Just have loads of $5 notes and you will be sweet. Massage, hair styling with native people, some cucltural music.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 November 2023
- Vicki LPort Stephens, Australia3 contributionsAuthentic Pacific Island ExperienceA beautiful natural island offering an authentic Pacific Island experience. Lovely beach and clear water for swimming and snorkeling. We were on a cruise ship and for our short stay it was great to interact with the local community and to give back to them by purchasing a few souvenirs.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 1 December 2023
- Peter HToowoomba, Australia1 contributionSnorkle at Mystery.Snorkeling of the south end of the island out from the airport was great. Tender from Quantum of the Seas to shore a short walk along beautiful white sandy beach and into a coral area on the end of the island near end of airport. A couple of leisurely hours and lots of beautiful fish. As it was BYO snorkel gear it was at no extra expense. Not even a towel was necessary because a short walk back to the tender area meant I was dry in the heat.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 28 December 2023
- E BBrisbane, Australia8 contributionsBest place to stop and snorkel and swimBest stop on the holiday. We visit the island through a cruise ship and we’re tendered to the island. Such a beautiful island and lots of places you can find a shady spot and snorkel or swim. We brought our own snorkeling gear but you can rent your own for $25Aus.. no eftpos or atm facilities so bring cash. Either local money, Australia dollars or US dollars were used on the island. I recommend having smaller notes as well. Like a couple of $5 will be ok. There is no “flushing toilets” on the island so only long drops. But they were clean and tidy. Also the whole island has a good path which is wide and easy to walk on. I would get tricky as some parts with a stroller as there is some tree toys and uneven surfaces further to the southern part of the island. There is some food you can buy - mostly coconuts and packaged snacks from the local markets but I would recommend you eat a good b/fast and if you are on the a cruise as well you could always go back for lunch and go again. We also brought our own floats and left it with the locals so they could hire it out in the future. There is a donation stand if you wanted to donate any supplies to the locals.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 January 2024
- LisaGold Coast, Australia8 contributionsWorth the visit :)Went on South Pacific Cruise which stopped at Port Vila and Mystery Island. Port Vila I would give a miss next time but Mystery Island was great. It was windy the day we arrived but still lovely blue water and plenty of stalls to browse. Had read previously that Lobster was about AUD$20 so was disappointed with the AUD$50 price tag the day we went. But still managed a lovely snorkel and seeing the friendly locals. There are plenty of shady trees and the island is small. Worth visiting for sure. We took our own snorkel gear but this can be rented. Take plenty of small AUD bills. No card facilities. Not many food/drink options. Hair braiding available. Clean toilet / change rooms.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 January 2024
- P W12 contributionsDestination Mystery Island Tours - the best way to see the fabulous coral and fish in this areaWe first did a cruise ship snorkeling tour but felt that we were rushed and didn't see much of the reef. We then found a small hut offering snorkeling to the Great Aquarium. We went out with them and saw more amazing thriving coral than we have seen for 30 years in the Caribbean. They were safety conscious and very helpful. The only negative is that they don't realize what they have. Our guide repeatedly stood up on the coral! I would strongly recommend breaking away from the crowd and touring with Destination Mystery Island Tours.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 January 2024
- Ann C3 contributionssimply amazingthis island is amazing small but full of animals, fauna. the locals that travel to the island for the cruise ship are very lovely, helpful. we didn't prebook anything we knew what we wanted to do and quickly found a guide to take us. we snorkeled in a reef the off a reef with locals leading the way amazing underwater views, didn't see any reef sharks but did see up close a turtle and so many fish they were even inquisitive about us!! coming up close before darting off, repeating.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 January 2024
- JoanneLake Mary, Florida2,105 contributionsa chill placeYou will tender from the ship, but it is a short ride. This is such a cute little island, its about 45 minutes or so to walk around the entire island (depending on how fast you are). The best thing was that you can be in sunny areas on the beach, and then walk about 2 minutes to the interior where there are plenty of tree and buildings for shade. There is a really cute little building that serves as the 'airport', basically a 1-room shack with the airfield just a grass field. The people are 'chill' and no one bothers you like some places. Just a great time to relax.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 January 2024
- DaleBbBPerth, Australia711 contributionsBeautiful Tropical IslandLots to do and see. Get a massage - only $20 compared with $200 on the cruise ship. Go snorkelling and see the coral. Have your hair braided. Listen to the local orchestra and choir sing Bob Dylan and John Denver songs. Walk around the whole island in 30 minutes. Lots of photo opportunities.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
565 reviews
Excellent
402
Very good
127
Average
25
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Aussietravelblogger
Australia77 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
A morning of storms limited our accessibility and time here on this very pretty and peaceful island from Cruise ship. Narrow island with 2 sides to swim, everyone mostly swam on the reef ocean side. Reef shoes are best used. White course sand, some shade by trees, watch out for falling coconuts. Small thatched shaded open sided huts limited availability cost $45 US / Day and plastic upright chairs $10 US / day.
Markets were undercover offering normal island souvenirs. Remember to have small notes $5's. Beer, cold drinks and chip snacks and hair braiding. Massages, photo with green lizard, glass bottomboat a d organised tours for snorkelling out at reef available. From the currents. I'd recommend being a confident skilled snorkeller, not for beginners. The water was clear and warm. Further up Beach, there were loungers for hire. This was the best island compared to lifou or isle of pines and noumea, I would recommend going as early as possible, and spending the day, even going back to ship for a quick lunch, refuel on water etc and returning again for the afternoon on the beach. Even though the cruise ship provides pool towels, I'd recommend taking your own beach towel for island days. The ship can't keep up with the demand on towels especially when raining like on my trip. Limited activities except swim, walks and sunbathing and snorkelling.
Markets were undercover offering normal island souvenirs. Remember to have small notes $5's. Beer, cold drinks and chip snacks and hair braiding. Massages, photo with green lizard, glass bottomboat a d organised tours for snorkelling out at reef available. From the currents. I'd recommend being a confident skilled snorkeller, not for beginners. The water was clear and warm. Further up Beach, there were loungers for hire. This was the best island compared to lifou or isle of pines and noumea, I would recommend going as early as possible, and spending the day, even going back to ship for a quick lunch, refuel on water etc and returning again for the afternoon on the beach. Even though the cruise ship provides pool towels, I'd recommend taking your own beach towel for island days. The ship can't keep up with the demand on towels especially when raining like on my trip. Limited activities except swim, walks and sunbathing and snorkelling.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbar434
Salt Lake City281 contributions
Feb 2020
This is my image of an island paradise. So gorgeous, with a few different areas/types of environments.
When the tenders arrive there is gently sloping sand in a protected bay with no coral. Walk 1 minute to the other side of the island, you have reefs 5 feet into the water with hundreds of fish. In the middle of the skinny island is a grass airstrip with a little single building "airport", that rumor has it, they still use on occasion to deliver supplies.
There are locals that set up there to rent gear and/or take you out further onto the reef. They see various trinkets as well as cooked lobsters.
It takes about 15-20 min to walk the entire circumference of the island depending if you walk on the beach or along the path.
There are showers and restrooms on site.
Even with 5k people on our ship, there were plenty of places to find a nice place to set a towel in the shade and head into the water.
This was our favorite stop of our cruise. I would go back here in a heart beat!
When the tenders arrive there is gently sloping sand in a protected bay with no coral. Walk 1 minute to the other side of the island, you have reefs 5 feet into the water with hundreds of fish. In the middle of the skinny island is a grass airstrip with a little single building "airport", that rumor has it, they still use on occasion to deliver supplies.
There are locals that set up there to rent gear and/or take you out further onto the reef. They see various trinkets as well as cooked lobsters.
It takes about 15-20 min to walk the entire circumference of the island depending if you walk on the beach or along the path.
There are showers and restrooms on site.
Even with 5k people on our ship, there were plenty of places to find a nice place to set a towel in the shade and head into the water.
This was our favorite stop of our cruise. I would go back here in a heart beat!
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joduffield46
Sydney, Australia36 contributions
Jan 2020
We recently had a day trip to Mystery Island. Loved it. There is something so special about this place. We actually did a boat trip over to one of the nearby Islands and experienced a Fire Walking demonstration and also we had a deomostration given to us by the locals on how to use every part of a coconut tree for daily use as is for domestic use, tools farming etc. very interesting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Went with a cruise ship. Lovely beach not private very busy. Snorkel gear and tours available on beach cheaper than offered on the boat ( much cheaper ). Hair braiding some local market. Can get back on and off the boat throughout the day for lunch etc
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E B
Brisbane, Australia8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Best stop on the holiday. We visit the island through a cruise ship and we’re tendered to the island. Such a beautiful island and lots of places you can find a shady spot and snorkel or swim. We brought our own snorkeling gear but you can rent your own for $25Aus.. no eftpos or atm facilities so bring cash. Either local money, Australia dollars or US dollars were used on the island. I recommend having smaller notes as well. Like a couple of $5 will be ok.
There is no “flushing toilets” on the island so only long drops. But they were clean and tidy.
Also the whole island has a good path which is wide and easy to walk on. I would get tricky as some parts with a stroller as there is some tree toys and uneven surfaces further to the southern part of the island.
There is some food you can buy - mostly coconuts and packaged snacks from the local markets but I would recommend you eat a good b/fast and if you are on the a cruise as well you could always go back for lunch and go again.
We also brought our own floats and left it with the locals so they could hire it out in the future.
There is a donation stand if you wanted to donate any supplies to the locals.
There is no “flushing toilets” on the island so only long drops. But they were clean and tidy.
Also the whole island has a good path which is wide and easy to walk on. I would get tricky as some parts with a stroller as there is some tree toys and uneven surfaces further to the southern part of the island.
There is some food you can buy - mostly coconuts and packaged snacks from the local markets but I would recommend you eat a good b/fast and if you are on the a cruise as well you could always go back for lunch and go again.
We also brought our own floats and left it with the locals so they could hire it out in the future.
There is a donation stand if you wanted to donate any supplies to the locals.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Euman1968
Sawtell, Australia37 contributions
Nov 2021
Lovely place we visited first time in March 2020, on Voyager of the seas, and due to Pandemic and not being allowed into Vila we came back for second day. Beautiful location, lovely clear and warm water, and friendly locals. There were a few blue bottles but i expect that's seasonal and o/or driven by sea currents as we have had them here in Sawtell where we live in NSW sometimes. We are heading back there end of November 2022 on Quantum. There are little markets and you can use $AUD take small notes makes it easier. Great photo opportunities with a cannibal photo setting you can use for few $AUD. Massage etc in a a very relaxing location.
Note i have listed i went there in November 2021 as this was the earliest date i could add but it was March 2020
Note i have listed i went there in November 2021 as this was the earliest date i could add but it was March 2020
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P W
12 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We first did a cruise ship snorkeling tour but felt that we were rushed and didn't see much of the reef. We then found a small hut offering snorkeling to the Great Aquarium. We went out with them and saw more amazing thriving coral than we have seen for 30 years in the Caribbean. They were safety conscious and very helpful. The only negative is that they don't realize what they have. Our guide repeatedly stood up on the coral!
I would strongly recommend breaking away from the crowd and touring with Destination Mystery Island Tours.
I would strongly recommend breaking away from the crowd and touring with Destination Mystery Island Tours.
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew E
Rochdale, UK7 contributions
Dec 2022
A small, un-inhabited island, about 100m across and 800m long. Course white sand with some small rocks/ledges just under the surface but possible to swim in warm clear water, mindful that the sea floor drops sharply. Hot and humid conditions, though the cruise ship does provided water near the jetty where the small tenders berth, ferrying upwards of +200 passengers a time. It's a relatively smooth operation but not for the disabled or seriously inconvenienced. Most folk stayed about 3 hours or so as nothing much to do other than sunbathe and swim. There were a few locals from other islands offering short trips on their small boats for snorkelling and turtle watching.
Written 25 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne
Lake Mary, FL2,105 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
You will tender from the ship, but it is a short ride. This is such a cute little island, its about 45 minutes or so to walk around the entire island (depending on how fast you are). The best thing was that you can be in sunny areas on the beach, and then walk about 2 minutes to the interior where there are plenty of tree and buildings for shade. There is a really cute little building that serves as the 'airport', basically a 1-room shack with the airfield just a grass field. The people are 'chill' and no one bothers you like some places. Just a great time to relax.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susie813
257 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
My family went on a South Pacific Christmas cruise 🎄 recently. Mystery island is a small size and uninhibited island surrounded by turquoise waters. On our day of visit, there were some local people on the island offering some day visit local attraction services. This includes snorkeling, boat tour, shark 🦈 tour etc.
We came prepared with own snorkeling gears, this is safer option considering the Covid situation. We had a fun day swimming and snorkeling. The waters were clean and warm, beneath the waters we saw plenty colourful tropical fishes, sea shells, corals to spot etc. We used the umbrellas put up by the cruise company on the beach.
Overall a great experience for entire family. We would recommend to visit this island.
TIPS: Local tours are a lot cheaper than booking excursion with Cruise Company. As this is an island exclusively set up for visit by cruise, the local tours are directed at servicing cruise passengers.
We came prepared with own snorkeling gears, this is safer option considering the Covid situation. We had a fun day swimming and snorkeling. The waters were clean and warm, beneath the waters we saw plenty colourful tropical fishes, sea shells, corals to spot etc. We used the umbrellas put up by the cruise company on the beach.
Overall a great experience for entire family. We would recommend to visit this island.
TIPS: Local tours are a lot cheaper than booking excursion with Cruise Company. As this is an island exclusively set up for visit by cruise, the local tours are directed at servicing cruise passengers.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We will be arriving to Mystery Island from our cruise ship in mid-January. The beach huts sounds amazing - could someone let us know how to book and cost? Also are AU$ accepted? Thanks!
Written 27 December 2023
Hi.Yes also Australian dollar are accepted don’t worry😀
The beach are free but you can book directly there some special chair for relax.There are many stand for this.
Enjoy your time,is amazing island.
Written 28 December 2023
Hi KayAbela - how much was the massage and drinks on Mystery Island? What currency did you pay in? Were you able to book in advance or just queue up on the day? Thanks so much. Judi
Written 14 November 2023
Drinks are 3 to 5 usd ,you can pay in usd, you don't need reservation for the massage,they are always available.
Written 15 November 2023
Do u get the tour from santo or when u get to aora island then u get the coffee tour. And can u pre book the tour
Written 27 February 2023
How do you go from santo to aora to do a tour on the coffee plantation
Written 27 February 2023
Please make suggestions for things to do for an elderly couple.
Written 9 April 2022
How do you book a Cabana for the day?
Through the cruise ship or is thereenoughto wait for the day and hire from locals?
Written 4 January 2020
You can book directly through the mystery island tours website
Written 7 January 2020
What currency is used on Mystery Island?
Written 3 March 2019
The will usually accept Aussie dollars but their currency is Vanuatu from memory
Written 10 March 2019
Visting Mystery Island in April and wanted to snorkel. Is it easy just to snorkel from the beach (easy walk from the jetty etc.) or is it better to take tour? In general we're not keen on big cruise ship sized tours.,,
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Kind regards,
Chris
Written 24 January 2019
Not sure how it is now after the Tsunami went through on Dec 5th 2018 but when we were there on the day prior (4th) the snorkeling on the back side of the Island (away from the Jetty) was a little difficult due to the wind and currents. We went up to the very end of the Island (off Jetty and turn right) where the airstrip starts and went in there. I noticed that the clear bottom boats were there as well so must have been the correct choice. Waist deep in water just with snorkel and mask on and counted 25 different fish in 15 minutes. Current was jus enough to move you sideways if you lifted your feet off the bottom but worst cae scenario just go with it and it takes you right back to the Jetty.
Written 24 March 2019
waynehalliday
Greater Bendigo, Australia
Can you get a wedding vow renewal ceremony on mystery island
Written 8 January 2019
I do not see why not? Cruise company can you help you out with this.
Written 17 January 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 73
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing