Shefa Province dive sites

The underwater post office at Hideaway Island is a genuine functioning postal service operated with Vanuatu Post. Waterproof postcards are available for purchase at the island's dive shop. Divers and snorkellers take the postcards underwater to a marked post box at approximately three metres depth, where they deposit their cards. The post box is emptied regularly by resort staff and the cards are franked with a special waterproof stamp before being sent through Vanuatu's postal system. Cards typically take two to four weeks to reach international destinations.

Not at all. Hideaway Island is accessible to snorkellers, swimmers, and introductory divers as well as certified divers. The marine sanctuary begins directly from the beach and the coral reef is healthy in shallow water from one to three metres. Snorkellers can see the same reef fish and coral gardens that divers explore at greater depth. The island offers Discover Scuba Diving introductions for non-certified visitors. Gear rental including snorkels, masks, and fins is available at the island.

Hideaway Island is located off Mele Beach, approximately fifteen minutes by taxi from Port Vila town centre. A small ferry operates continuously between Mele Beach and the island throughout the day, with the crossing taking less than two minutes. No advance booking is required. A day pass includes the ferry, beach access, and use of basic facilities. Diving and snorkel gear are rented separately. The island operates year-round but the best conditions are during the dry season from April to October.

The hot springs at Tutum Bay are generally safe for divers. The vents emit water at temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius, which is hot but not dangerously so for brief contact. The heated water rises quickly and mixes with cooler seawater within a metre or two of the vent openings. Divers can feel distinct warm patches as they swim over vent areas and can safely place their hands near the vents to feel the temperature difference. The volcanic gases are primarily carbon dioxide and are not toxic at the concentrations found here. Guides advise against placing bare skin directly on the vent openings where temperatures are highest.

Tutum Bay is located on the north coast of Efate island, approximately 45 minutes by road from Port Vila followed by a short boat ride. Most Port Vila dive operators offer half-day or full-day excursions to Tutum Bay. The drive passes through rural Vanuatu villages and offers scenic views of the island's volcanic interior. Some operators combine Tutum Bay with other north Efate dive sites for a full day of diving. The site can also be reached entirely by boat from Port Vila, though this takes somewhat longer.