Mystery Island — Local services in Inyeug

Mystery Island Visited on Sunday, 8/12/2024

Mystery Island, also known as Inyeug, is a small, uninhabited gem in Vanuatu, nestled in the enchanting South Pacific. Shrouded in local legends, the island is said to be haunted by sea gods, making it a taboo place to live. This mystical aura adds to its allure, drawing curious adventurers from around the world.

In 1974, the island played host to none other than Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The name “Mystery Island” was coined to create a captivating headline for their visit, adding a touch of royal intrigue to its already fascinating story.

Most visitors, including myself, arrive by cruise ship. These majestic vessels anchor offshore, and passengers are ferried to the island by tenders. Mystery Island is a beloved stop for many cruise lines, including Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean.

The island boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and swimming enthusiasts, though I am not one of them. However, the once-abundant sea cucumbers around Mystery Island have faced a significant population decline. Overfishing, driven by their high value in culinary and medicinal markets, has taken a toll on these vital marine creatures.

Locals from nearby Aneityum Island come to Mystery Island to sell souvenirs and offer rich cultural experiences. Like some cultural communities, the skill of braiding passes down throgh generations is practised on visitors who seek to enjoy the experience and appreciate the cultural significance and artistry of this traditional braiding techniques.

Visitors can also indulge in the freshest seafood, choosing live lobsters and crabs that are cooked in large pots over open fires. These crustaceans are typically sourced from the surrounding waters, ensuring a truly authentic taste of the island’s bounty.

Mystery Island is a place where natural beauty, cultural richness, and a touch of mystery come together to create an...

Mystery Island is a must see the local people are so beautiful. They all travel from other islands to come to mystery Island. When there are cruise ships touring the water is perfect. It is crystal clear. There is quite a bit of food that the locals make there is options for lobster. If you go to one of the other tents you can get chicken and rice or, pork and rice I think prawns and rice with veggies and chips which is called cassava (I think from memory.

I used a lot of sunscreen and reapply throughout the day but I still was very burnt so take a Rash-best, take a hat, sunglasses so anything to use as a cover.

The little bars that are there are also great beers are $10 each cruises are $12 each and they have a lot of flavours cans of drink for five dollars.

They are toilets on the island as well so when you come off the shuttle boats there is a big building which is the toilet block and then there are little heart type toilets as well around the island.

Walking around the island probably takes less than an hour. We walked over the airstrip and the views were just incredible.

We as a group mostly spent our time snorkelling. The fish are not bothered by all the tourists in the water. The coral is huge and electric in colour. It is just an experience that you need to have in your life.

The locals also have quite a large market with souvenirs magnets shot glasses clothes T-shirts towels bracelets bookmarks made out of coconut leaves. There is so much to buy and so much to see the children run around and a gorgeous to just watch them. Enjoy this island that they only come to for 3-4 months of the year during cruising...

This is one beautiful and peaceful tropical island in the South Pacific. Yes it's small but it's got it all - lots of sunshine, crystal clear blue warm waters, beautiful pure white sandy beaches, palm trees and coral reefs, a sub-tropical climate with amazingly fresh air, fresh coconuts, great swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing and snorkeling, and amazing sunsets.

Very friendly locals run a local market and sell their wares of crafts and fresh local produce including lobster. They sell the usual things including souvenirs and handicrafts, sarongs, woven hats, floral shirts and other locally made items.

While there are a few huts for overnighters, no one lives on the island as it is considered taboo to do so. The locals come across from nearby Aneityum and set up their market on the days when cruise ships call into the island.

In 1974 Queen Elizabeth aboard the Royal Yacht Brittania made an unscheduled stop at Mystery Island for a royal picnic in paradise.

Tips:

(1) Wear lightweight clothing and a hat, and comfortable shoes.

(2) Make sure you have your shades on and take sunscreen with you.

(3) While locals occasionally sell food and drink onshore, make sure you take some bottled water with you.

(4) Australian dollars are accepted on the island but credit...