If you’re cruising through the South Pacific, there are plenty of fun things to do on Mystery Island in Vanuatu. It’s one of my favorite cruise stops, and even though it’s tiny, there’s still more than enough to fill your time on shore.
Mystery Island is one of those cruise stops that looks amazing, but once you start planning your day, you might realize there’s actually not a whole lot of info out there. Apart from the obvious beach time, it can be hard to work out what’s actually worth doing once you get off the ship.
I visited Mystery Island on a South Pacific cruise from Sydney. Even though I’m usually more of a backpacker, I do love a cheeky cruise when I want an easier trip without having to organize every little detail myself.
Even though the island is tiny and mostly uninhabited, there’s still enough here to fill your shore time, whether you want to go snorkeling, join a tour, check out the local stalls, or just laze on the beach for the day.
In this guide, I’m covering the best things to do on Mystery Island, plus a few tips so you know what to expect before arriving.
The Best Things To Do On Mystery Island For Cruise Passengers
Best Things To Do Near the Tender
These are the easiest things to do on Mystery Island, so it’s if you want to keep things super simple. Everything in this section is right next to the pier where the tender boat arrives, or just a minute’s walk away.
Snorkel From The Beach
One of the best things to do on Mystery Island is simply snorkeling straight from the beach. The water is clear, the island is small, and you don’t need to book anything fancy to enjoy what’s under the surface.
You’ll easily be able to rent some snorkel gear, or if you’re organised, bring your own.
Some spots have reefs that are close to shore, which is awesome for families. Just be careful around the coral and avoid standing on it. I always bring my Reef shoes along, but I still make sure I find a sandy spot to enter the water from.
If you’re happy to explore a bit further away from the pier, some of the best snorkel spots are:
- The Southern end of the old airstrip
- The beach, which is about a 5-minute walk on the left-hand side when you step off the tender boat
- The western side of the island
This has been some of my favorite snorkeling in the South Pacific, and definitely the best I’ve had on a cruise.
Relax In The Shallows
If snorkeling isn’t really your thing, you can always just find a sandy patch and enjoy a swim instead. I spent quite a while just chilling in the shallows when I was too tired to swim, but not ready to head back to the ship.
Though heads up, not every part of Mystery Island is good for this, since some areas have coral and rocks close to shore.
For a more relaxed swim, I recommend sticking to the side of the island where the cruise ship anchors. This is a lot more sandy and less rocky, making it a much better spot if you just want to cool off in the water without worrying too much about stepping on coral.
Go Shopping At The Markets
Now, if you want to pick up a souvenir or try some local food, you should definitely visit the markets on Mystery Island.
Locals from neighboring Aneityum Island come over and set up stalls along the beach and pathways. It’s super easy to come across them while going for a little walk. There’s a mix of souvenirs like sarongs, postcards, toys, and clothing, plus food and drinks if you get hungry.
I highly recommend trying the freshly cooked lobster, banana pie, and fresh coconut water. The prices are pretty good, and you can pay in either Australian dollars or Vatu, which makes things nice and easy.
Get Your Hair Braided
Getting your hair braided is one of those classic holiday extras, and you’ll see plenty of people heading back to the ship with anything from a single braid to their whole head done. It’s a pretty iconic look. I remember as a child going to Fiji and begging my mom to get my whole head braided.
The locals here are experts and are pretty fast. They will use colorful beads, ribbons, and flowers to take that tropical look to the next level. It’s an easy way to treat yourself while also supporting the locals.
Prices for hair braiding on Mystery Island usually range from around $10 to $20 AUD, depending on how much you get done.
Enjoy Music & Dance Performances
One of my favorite wholesome things to do at a cruise port is to watch the music and dance performances put on by locals. This happens right here on Mystery Island as well, and it’s a great way to get into the island vibe.
When cruise ships arrive, locals come over to perform traditional songs and dances for visitors, which adds a lot more atmosphere than just everyone lying on the beach all day.
These performances are usually held by the beach, where a stage is set up with colorful decorations and instruments. If you do stop to watch, I definitely recommend showing your support with a donation if you can. It’s a nice way to give back, and the money goes straight into helping the local community.
Become Cannibal Soup
Well, that is definitely one thing I never thought I’d be writing.
One of the most random things to do on Mystery Island is the Cannibal Soup photo opportunity. Set up near the beach, you’ll find a large metal pot surrounded by wooden poles and fake skulls, complete with fake flames underneath to make it look like you’re about to be cooked.
If you’re game, you can climb into the pot and pose for photos while locals in traditional clothing play along. It’s silly, a bit weird, and definitely one of those cruise moments you probably won’t forget in a hurry.
There’s a small charge for this, around $5 AUD per person. From what I saw, it’s more of a quirky tourist photo stop than anything too serious, so whether you do it will really come down to your sense of humor.
I personally skipped this one, along with the other cruise photo ops. I’m just an awkward person, and this would’ve made me feel even more awkward.
Grab A Drink At The Tiki Bar
If you’re ready for a break from all the swimming and wandering around, head over to the Tiki Bar for a cold drink. Sure, the cruise company brings free water ashore, but sometimes you need something with a bit more sugar, or something stronger.
You’ll find it tucked behind the beach huts and cabanas on the opposite side of the island from the tender pier. It’s a nice little spot to stop if you’ve spent the morning exploring and want to chill for a bit before heading back.
They serve drinks and snacks, which can come in handy if the tender line is long and you can’t be bothered going straight back onboard for lunch, or if you just need a little pick me up.
Best Relaxing Things To Do On Mystery Island
If you want to take things slow, this is the place to do it and is the perfect excuse just to relax. Whether you want to laze on the beach, cool off in the shallows, or treat yourself to a massage, here are your easy and low-effort shore options.
Hire A Sun Lounger
If your ideal Mystery Island day involves doing as little as possible, you can hire a sun lounger from the friendly locals who come from the nearby Aneityum Island.
A sun lounger will cost you around 500 vatu / $5 AUD for the whole day, and you’ll find them set up on a few different beaches around the island. It’s worth having a little wander first so you can pick the spot that looks best to you.
There are often other stalls nearby as well, so this can be an easy place to grab a fresh coconut, book a massage, or browse a few local souvenirs while you relax. Bring a good read, some sunblock, and enjoy listening to the sound of the waves.
Enjoy A Massage
If you want to treat yourself while on Mystery Island, getting a massage is another easy way to relax during your time ashore.
One of the main massage spots is run by Jimmy, who has been doing massages for years and has trained his team in different techniques using natural oils. It’s a nice option if you want a proper break from the beach for a while without heading back to the ship.
The massage costs only $35 AUD for an hour, and it’s well worth it. This is just a fraction of the cost you would pay on the cruise ship, plus you don’t have to worry about the masseuse upselling you, which is pretty standard practice.
As much as I love spoiling myself with a cruise spa massage, knowing a $200+ AUD charge is about to pop up on my account means I can’t actually relax and enjoy it properly. It turns into that internal battle of should I or shouldn’t I have done this? So honestly, I’d skip the overpriced spa and just book a local massage instead.
Rent A Private Beach Hut
If you want a more comfortable setup for the day, renting a private beach hut on Mystery Island can be a good option. It gives you a bit of shade and a proper base to come back to between swimming, snorkeling, and wandering around.
There are a few different types available, from simple thatched roof huts to clamshell cabanas, which are not quite as fancy as they sound. Depending on which one you choose, they can come with extras like sun loungers, drinks, snacks, snorkel gear, massages, or even Wi-Fi.
You can book these online through Mystery Island Tours. Prices vary depending on the style and how long you want it for, though they range from around $59 to $145 AUD.
If it’s looking like a hot and sunny day during your visit, this would honestly make such a difference. As you can probably tell from my photos, we had an overcast day on Mystery Island, which luckily meant no sunburn. The downside, though, was that we didn’t get to see the island in all its bright blue water glory.
Best Water Activities On Mystery Island
If you want to do more than just laze on the beach, there are some fun water activities on Mystery Island as well. Whether you want to snorkel, head out on a tour, or hire a kayak or paddleboard, this is where you’ll find the best ways to get out on the water.
Join A Snorkeling Tour
One of the best things to do on Mystery Island for cruise ship passengers is to join a snorkeling tour.
If you want to see more reef than you can from the shore, joining a snorkeling tour is a great option. This is especially worth considering if you want clearer coral, a more guided experience, or something a bit more special than just swimming straight off the beach.
Some of the most popular snorkeling tours on Mystery Island include:
Mystery Island Drift Snorkel
This tour starts with a short boat ride to a Marine Protected Area, where you’ll snorkel through an undisturbed coral reef ecosystem. It’s better suited to those with a decent level of fitness and confident swimmers. Prices are $89.99 for adults and $59.99 for children.
Clear Kayak And Snorkel
This tour combines kayaking and snorkeling, so you can paddle out in a clear-bottom kayak before hopping in the water for a closer look at the reef below. Prices are $99.99 for adults and $89.99 for children.
If you do want to join one of these tours, make sure to book in advance through your cruise line, as spaces are limited.
Take A Boat Tour
You’ll also find a few local guides near the jetty offering short boat tours around Mystery Island, which can be a nice way to see the area from a different angle.
Though honestly, if you’re just after the views, the tender ride from the cruise ship gives you a pretty similar perspective. Where these tours become more worth it is when they take you further out to the reef for snorkeling or marine life spotting.
Some of the different boat trips available include:
- Glass bottom boat tours
- Deep sea fishing
- Reef snorkeling tours
One of the most popular options is heading further out to the reef for a snorkel. The corals are healthier, the fish are larger, and the marine life is less disturbed. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle.
Head Out Kayaking
If you want to get out on the water without doing a full snorkeling tour, kayaking is another fun option on Mystery Island.
One of the most popular choices is the clear kayak and snorkel tour, which you can book through your cruise ship or with Mystery Island Tours, a local company operating on the island.
The tour usually lasts around 90 minutes, giving you time to paddle around the reef while also getting a cool view through the transparent kayak below.
Go Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
If you want another excuse to get out on the water, you can also give stand-up paddleboarding a go.
There is a Stand Up Paddle Tour run by Mystery Island Tours that can be booked through your cruise line. The tour lasts around 1.5 hours, and if you’re a bit nervous, don’t stress, you’ll have the chance to practice in the shallows before paddling between Mystery Island and Aneityum.
If you aren’t keen on a tour, you can also hire a transparent paddleboard through the Tiki Bar on the island. You can’t prebook these, but it costs $25 AUD per board for 30 minutes.
Best Cultural Experiences On Mystery Island
If you want to learn more about the culture here on Mystery Island in Vanuatu, there are a few experiences and tours worth checking out. These give you the chance to learn a bit more about local life, the island’s history, and maybe even visit Aneityum.
Learn On A Fire Walking & Kastom Magic Tour
One of the more unique tours on Mystery Island is the Fire Walking and Kastom Magic Tour.
This tour takes you by boat over to Aneityum, where you’ll be welcomed by locals with a traditional performance. From there, you’ll get to see demonstrations of “kastom” magic involving coconuts, while also learning more about local beliefs, traditions, and the significance of kava in the culture here.
The main highlight, though, is definitely the fire walking. Watching people walk barefoot across hot stones without showing any signs of pain or injury is seriously impressive, though you won’t catch me giving it a go.
Join A Kava Ceremony
If you’re a Kiwi or Aussie, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard of kava. But if not, it’s a drink made from the roots of the kava plant, and it’s popular across Pacific island countries like Vanuatu.
On Mystery Island, you can try it for yourself at the Mystery Island Kava Bar, which is a fun way to experience a small part of the local culture while visiting.
Kava is usually served in a coconut shell or small bowl, and you’re meant to drink it in one gulp before spitting out any leftover residue.
Don’t stress if your mouth and tongue start to feel a bit numb after, that’s completely normal. It can also leave you feeling pretty relaxed and calm, which, if you’re stuck on a ship with your family, isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Try A Guided Village Walking Tour
If you want to see more than just the beach, a guided village walking tour over on Aneityum is a really good option. It’s a nice way to learn a bit more about local life and culture, especially if you want something more meaningful than just spending the whole day swimming.
Once you arrive on Aneityum, a local guide will take you around the village of Keamu. Along the way, you’ll get to see traditional houses, schools, old church ruins from one of the first churches in Vanuatu, the local clinic, and even the police station.
As you walk through the village, there are also plenty of chances to meet locals, take some pretty sweet photos, and pick up a few souvenirs along the way.
Easy Extras If You’ve Got Time
Since Mystery Island is so small, you may be able to tick off a lot of the main things to do and still have some spare time left over. If that’s the case, these are a few easy extras worth checking out while you’re here.
Walk Around The Island
Mystery Island is pretty small, so you can easily walk around it in less than half an hour. The path is mostly sandy and flat, and depending on your feet, you may even be happy doing it barefoot. I just carried my flipflops and enjoyed the sand between my toes.
I got there pretty early on the first tender boat over and saw the locals tidying up the pathways from leaves that must’ve fallen overnight. It was super cared for and looked pretty picture perfect for us tourists.
As you make your way around, you’ll pass gardens planted by locals, tropical greenery, and plenty of beautiful ocean views. It’s also a nice way to tick off a few of the island’s highlights without needing to book anything or think too hard about it.
And let’s be honest, how often in life can you say you’ve walked around an entire island?
Visit the Tiny WWII-Era Airstrip
One of the most unusual parts of Mystery Island is the huge grassed airstrip that takes up most of the island.
This airstrip was built by the United States military during World War II to support operations in the region and act as an emergency landing strip for aircraft. It’s a pretty random thing to come across in what otherwise feels like a tropical beach paradise, which is exactly what makes it so interesting.
Even more surprising, the airstrip is still used today as the airport for nearby Aneityum, with flights operating a couple of times a week. And yes, it’s just as casual as it sounds, with boxes of live lobsters and crabs sometimes stacked beside passengers waiting to board.
Meet Some Local Wildlife
This one is really up to your own judgment.
On Mystery Island, you may come across locals offering photo opportunities with animals like lizards and birds that have been brought over for tourists. Usually, there is a small charge of around $5 AUD if you want to hold one or take a photo.
Personally, I’d approach this one with a bit of caution. I can’t speak to how the animals are cared for, so if anything about the way they are being handled or kept doesn’t sit right with you, I’d just skip it.
Get Your Passport Stamped
Now you’ll have the chance to get a cute little Mystery Island souvenir stamp in your passport while you’re on the island.
This is usually done at a small hut or table around the market area, though you will need to remember to bring your actual passport off the ship with you. The stamp usually costs around $2 AUD / 200 vatu.
Just keep in mind that souvenir passport stamps can sometimes cause issues later on, so it’s worth thinking twice before handing it over. My friend got the Mystery Island stamp and never had any trouble traveling afterwards, and I also have a souvenir stamp from Aitutaki in the Cook Islands without any issues, though that doesn’t mean it will always be the same for everyone.
What To Know Before You Get Off The Ship
- To save money, have a hearty breakfast before you leave the ship, especially if you plan on swimming and snorkeling, you’ll need the energy. I’m a sucker for a big plate of hashbrowns, baked beans, and scrambled eggs.
- You’ll need to catch a tender boat from the cruise ship to Mystery Island, so it’s worth heading over early if you want fewer crowds.
- Bring cash, as you may need it for market stalls, food, drinks, hair braiding, passport stamps, and other small extras.
- Pack reef shoes if you have them, or at least be careful around coral when getting in and out of the water. Some areas have coral right up to the beach, and I found my reef shoes absolutely necessary here.
- Don’t expect loads of infrastructure here. Mystery Island is beautiful, but it’s still a simple little cruise stop where the best thing to do is simply relax.
- Book tours ahead of time if there’s something specific you really want to do.
- Go early for the best snorkeling, especially if you want calmer water and fewer people around. My experience definitely reflected this, being one of the first people in the water with all the fish happily swimming about before all the crowds.
- Take your own snorkel gear if you have it, especially if you want to get in the water straight away and not muck around hiring it.
- Bring your passport only if you actually want the souvenir stamp, otherwise leave it on the ship, like I did, where it’s safest.
FAQS About Mystery Island
Do you need cash on Mystery Island?
You will only need cash if you plan on booking a tour or buying something from the locals. This may be food, drinks, a massage, or even a little souvenir. They do accept Australian Dollars so you’re best to bring some with you.
How long does it take to walk around Mystery Island?
Walking the main path around Mystery Island takes about 45 minutes. If you decide to make stops, of course, this will be a bit longer.
Are there toilets on Mystery Island?
Yes, there are public toilets available on Mystery Island. However, there’s no running water here, so set your expectations accordingly.
Wrap Up: The Best Things To Do On Mystery Island
No doubt Mystery Island is a pretty cool cruise stop, and honestly, one of my favorites in the South Pacific.
Even though it’s tiny, there’s still more than enough to fill your time here, whether you want to snorkel, book a tour, browse the markets, or just claim a patch of sand and do absolutely nothing for a few hours.
The best part is that you don’t really need to overthink it. Unless there’s a specific tour you’ve got your eye on, Mystery Island is the kind of place where you can easily just get off the ship and figure it out as you go, which is exactly how I spent my day here.
Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!
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Thanks for the informative insight relating to Mystery Island, twas a ‘mystery’ to me prior to reading your blog. So grateful… soon to travel 2026
Great info and insight
Thank you
Looking forward to our first island cruise this weekend