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Mystery Island: when your ship stops here

An island with no one living on it: the beach and the reef, a walk round it in under an hour, and the islanders who paddle over to sell lunch.

Facts checked Nov 3, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Mystery Island, Inyeug to the people of Vanuatu, is a small island of about 16 hectares (40 acres) about 1 km south of Aneityum, the southernmost big island of Vanuatu. No one lives on it: it is a grass airstrip, a beach and a reef. Cruise ships call here regularly and land their guests by boat. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip landed here in 1974, and the name Mystery Island was coined for the newspaper report of the visit.

Sources: Wikipedia: Mystery Island (Vanuatu); Holland America Line (a cruise line): Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. The beach and the reef

    Vanuatu's tourism office describes Mystery Island as the uninhabited islet that cruise ships visit for its clear water and reef snorkelling. Intao Reef runs along the west and south of the island, and the soft sandy beaches are the reason most people come.

    Tip: Ask on the day about the landing spot and the weather, as the tourism office advises, and look at the reef without touching it.

    Sources: Vanuatu Tourism Office: Aneityum; Wikipedia: Mystery Island (Vanuatu); Holland America Line (a cruise line): Mystery Island, Vanuatu

  2. 2. Walk round the island

    The whole island can be walked round in under an hour. The grass airstrip takes up the middle; small planes from Port Vila, by way of Tanna, land on it a few times a week.

    Tip: There is no town, no shop and no bus: bring what you need for the day from the ship, and a hat.

    Sources: Holland America Line (a cruise line): Mystery Island, Vanuatu; Wikipedia: Mystery Island (Vanuatu)

  3. 3. Lunch and souvenirs from the islanders

    On a ship day people from Aneityum, the island next door, paddle across and set up stalls near the landing, where they grill fish and sell snacks and souvenirs. On other days, the tourism office says, the island is very quiet.

    Tip: Bring cash in small notes: there is no bank or cash machine on an island where no one lives.

    Sources: Holland America Line (a cruise line): Mystery Island, Vanuatu; Vanuatu Tourism Office: Aneityum; Wikipedia: Mystery Island (Vanuatu)

What to skip

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Mystery Island

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Mystery Island, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 3, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Mystery Island

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