Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
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- KERIANN B1 contributionFriendly staffWe stayed at Hideaway Island resort, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. We enjoyed the snorkeling very much as well as the fire show which is just across the way at the Beach Bar on Friday nights. Stella, Edwin, and Louisa in particular were especially accommodating. We did a dive there, which was incredible. The gear may need to be updated but Edwin worked with us well and the equipment.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 June 2024
- Wendy D19 contributionsHideaway Island, Good snorkelingLovely snorkeling beach - Definitely wear beach shoes as the coral "sand" is harsh. $8 per postcard to post in the underwater postbox ... still waiting for it to arrive but it has only been 1 week since we posted it. I think it was worth it for the novelty as long as it arrives in my mailbox lol. There is an entry fee for this island, I can't remember whether it was $15AUD or $25AUD each?? Straight off the beach are lovely corals and a wide array of tropical fish. Easy and fun snorkeling - take your own mask and snorkel and I would recommend flippers too. From Mele wharf the ferry to hideaway island is free but you can walk there at low tide if you want to get your legs wet ... i reckon the ferry ride is worth the wait though. We had a wander around the island (was near low tide) and it only took about 10 minutes .. I would also recommend this as you get to see more than the 'touristy' side of it.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 September 2024
- Explore1630051826736 contributionsVery good snorkellingIt really is worth spending a morning (or afternoon) on Hideaway Island. Some of the best snorkelling I've done, particularly on the far left, out on the edge. Loved the drop-off to the deep blue! I saw an squid, gliding over the coral and changing colour. Amazing fish. Worth the 2000 vat island fee (which includes the boat ride over and back).Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 September 2024
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4.0
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Heinz Z
Sydney, Australia24 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
On to Hideaway Island for some snorkelling and walking around the island perimeter. Entrance fee is now 2000 VATs per adult, which is about AUD 25. Snorkel gear and fins is 1500 on top, so better bring your own stuff, including reef shoes, as the beach is all rough corals.
No need to book a tour or taxi like others mentioned, just flag down any bus in town and ask the driver if he takes you to Hideaway Island for 300 VATs per person and most likely he or the next one will say yes. Locals pay 150 or less, by the way.
If you ask how much it is to go to a specific place, the standard response is often 1000VAT. It’s always better to offer them a more realistic price upfront and maybe haggle a bit.
Don’t expect the underwater post office to look like it does on the official pics. It’s rather neglected now and there is certainly no one waiting for you, the mailbox is still there, though, and hopefully will get emptied every now and then, if someone buys a special water proof postcard at the kiosk beforehand.
The reef has been severely damaged earlier this year and only a few fish are left. For beginners it’s ok and the two floating platforms are much fun for the kids, too.
For dinner we had some decent but non-crunchy bruschettas and a superb coconut chicken curry with wine at the island restaurant. Prices are average, which means unaffordable for the locals at AUD 30 and up for mains but ok for western tourists as long as you keep in mind that your money helps them repair and recover from two cyclones this year alone.
As it was Friday we went back on the mainland for the fire show at the Beach Bar which was quite impressive and lasted for about an hour. A good dozen men and women put up a fast and exciting show with a decent choreography to modern music and a few stunts as well.
Written 10 October 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.
Rutland S
Gold Coast, Australia17 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Old and tired with mostly dull reef. Clearly over commercialised and not the place to go if you want to experience snorkeling on high quality reef.
Entry fees and hire fees for snorkeling gear all high and felt like it was all about squeezing the dollars out of the tourists.
Entry fees and hire fees for snorkeling gear all high and felt like it was all about squeezing the dollars out of the tourists.
Written 20 September 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.
Eric J
Newcastle, Australia83 contributions
Jan 2023
Hideaway is a small but lovely little island about 20mins outside of Port Vila. There is a fee to visit the island. It has Villas that you can book and stay in, it definitely is a place to do nothing, apart from the beach area there is very little to do, if you're a diver on the other hand then there is quite a number of spots reasonably close to have some great diving fun.
It has a nice little cafe/restaurant with reasonably priced meals and drinks, it is very popular day trip place as the waters to swim in are very safe and the area is very protected, so it makes for a great ocean swim. Good for children and adults alike.
On cruise ship days this place can get very crowded, be aware if you are heading out for a relaxing few hours, this may not happen on days when any cruise liners are in. Port Vila.
It has a nice little cafe/restaurant with reasonably priced meals and drinks, it is very popular day trip place as the waters to swim in are very safe and the area is very protected, so it makes for a great ocean swim. Good for children and adults alike.
On cruise ship days this place can get very crowded, be aware if you are heading out for a relaxing few hours, this may not happen on days when any cruise liners are in. Port Vila.
Written 6 February 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.
Grant G
Brisbane, Australia37 contributions
July 2023 • Family
Day tripped to the island, 1000 vatu entry, free ferry service to get over, just hang out on the jetty and someone will come get you. (Tip: Avoid the scammy coconut men who will try to solicit you there.)
Good snorkelling, lots of people, average to bad food, poorly tended beach and facilities have done their dash. Everything is a bit tired and worn out from the deck chairs to the jetty and the bar. Worth it for a day trip that won't kill your budget though.
Good snorkelling, lots of people, average to bad food, poorly tended beach and facilities have done their dash. Everything is a bit tired and worn out from the deck chairs to the jetty and the bar. Worth it for a day trip that won't kill your budget though.
Written 31 July 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.
Simon F
25 contributions
Jan 2020
I had tried to contact these guys for quite some time but got very little info. Eventually under the missinformation from various operators I booked a snorkelling safari through the hotel which was 16100 VAT for three adults one kid. The return taxi from the hotel was quoted as 6000VAT (Fixed prices are now standard throughout the taxis on vanuatu though you can bargain in slow times) the ferry ride the entry onto hideaway and ferry would have come to 1600vat per adult and kids under 12 free making it 4800. A total of 10800 VAT. The snorkelling safari which I thought took you passed the breakers onto a clean reef actually took us a little way off shore threw us off and we swam back. We were actually already out there and swam back to get on the boat!! this is 800 VAT each making it 3200. Total14000 VAT to do it privately. So if the convenience is worth $2000 VAT then go that way. I wouldnt bother with the snorkelling safari as it basically wasted about an hour of actual snorkelling time and I skipped the glass bottom boat tour which again simply goes where you are snorkelling.
As for the reviews that the reef is wrecked. We last visited this place in 2004 and despite living on the great barrier reef it iwas some of the best snorkelling I have ever done. They had TC Pam come through in 2015 and it decimated the reef. They have been working very hard to rebuild it including artificial reef structures and there is some areas of great coral rebuild.
As for the reviews that the reef is wrecked. We last visited this place in 2004 and despite living on the great barrier reef it iwas some of the best snorkelling I have ever done. They had TC Pam come through in 2015 and it decimated the reef. They have been working very hard to rebuild it including artificial reef structures and there is some areas of great coral rebuild.
Written 19 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.
Teja
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia177 contributions
Dec 2022
TBH, ultimately Hideaway is just a conventional small resort. I'm not entirely sure I'd book a stay on the island itself, at least not on my first trip to Vanuatu, since in order to get to other places you have to catch a boat to the main island. But for a repeat visit, it might suit some people.
The restaurant is very nice, and there is an onsite dive centre. The coral reef (if you explore a little bit towards the left of the beach away from the underwater post office) is actually quite nice, though fewer fishes than I'd expect for an intact reef.
For day trips, you could get there by car, or hiring a driver. The ferry boat is frequent, so you don't really need to be too anxious about what times to come (although obviously the earlier you arrive, the longer you have on Hideaway). The ferry itself is free, but there is an entrance fee to Hideaway. You could also take the van buses, which is also easy to do. However, I'm told there are fewer such buses going back the other way towards Port Vila in the evenings when you would want to leave. That said, there seemed to be taxi guys waiting around at the boat landing, so maybe it's not a big deal.
The restaurant is very nice, and there is an onsite dive centre. The coral reef (if you explore a little bit towards the left of the beach away from the underwater post office) is actually quite nice, though fewer fishes than I'd expect for an intact reef.
For day trips, you could get there by car, or hiring a driver. The ferry boat is frequent, so you don't really need to be too anxious about what times to come (although obviously the earlier you arrive, the longer you have on Hideaway). The ferry itself is free, but there is an entrance fee to Hideaway. You could also take the van buses, which is also easy to do. However, I'm told there are fewer such buses going back the other way towards Port Vila in the evenings when you would want to leave. That said, there seemed to be taxi guys waiting around at the boat landing, so maybe it's not a big deal.
Written 23 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.
PushinP
Canberra, Australia25 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
We took a free ferry over to the island and we had to pay 1250Vats, and the only reason was to access the underwater post office. For snorkel goggles + breathing tube was another 700-1000Vats'ish + for flippers was extra money, and on top of that- if you wanted to write a letter to someone and then snorkel in to drop it in the post box, was an extra 600Vats, basically for you to be able to go there to send a letter, you're looking at 2500Vats or more per person. Although the food was cheaper than on the mainland, and the quality of food was amazing (was not expecting that). That's not a place I'd go back. The fishes there were amazing, with all the colorfull ones, but if you do decide coming here- take your own snorkel gear.
Written 28 August 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.
Sarah G
Melbourne, Australia85 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Over hyped. Very disappointing. You will find loads of taxi drivers, boat driver and bus drivers hyping up this island. We decided after our 4th trip to Vanuatu to see for ourselves what the hype was all about? Let me just say I was extremely disappointed to say the least.
Things you need to know before visiting the island. Wear beach shoes!!! The ground is covered in broken coral. No soft sand here. You will pay an entry fee. This does NOT cover anything! just entry. Bring your own snorkelling gear or pay around $10 to hire. Eat before arriving. Unfortunately we waited over an hour for our meal and ended up having to cancel it just so the kids had some time in the water before leaving. Our drinks took around half hour and we couldn’t order what we originally wanted as they had run out.So in all the experience cost us (family of 6) around $130 just for transport there and entry. The island really has nothing special about it. Definitely more beautiful spots in Vanuatu to see. Blue lagoon, waterfalls, a million beaches! If you really want to see the hyped up island for yourself just expect to pay pay pay! You also are not allowed to take your own drinks or food with you. This is obviously just money making scheme. You can get a better experience at any other resort without greedy undertone.
Things you need to know before visiting the island. Wear beach shoes!!! The ground is covered in broken coral. No soft sand here. You will pay an entry fee. This does NOT cover anything! just entry. Bring your own snorkelling gear or pay around $10 to hire. Eat before arriving. Unfortunately we waited over an hour for our meal and ended up having to cancel it just so the kids had some time in the water before leaving. Our drinks took around half hour and we couldn’t order what we originally wanted as they had run out.So in all the experience cost us (family of 6) around $130 just for transport there and entry. The island really has nothing special about it. Definitely more beautiful spots in Vanuatu to see. Blue lagoon, waterfalls, a million beaches! If you really want to see the hyped up island for yourself just expect to pay pay pay! You also are not allowed to take your own drinks or food with you. This is obviously just money making scheme. You can get a better experience at any other resort without greedy undertone.
Written 31 December 2019
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.
sue_marieUk
York, UK91 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Took the free ferry over, and paid 1250 vatu entrance fees plus another 1200 to hire snorkelling equipment.
There’s a gift shop, cafe, bar and toilets.
Lots of signs telling day trippers that you ‘can’t go past this point’ because those paths were for resident guests only.
This means you only get a certain stretch of coral beach to use, without being able to stroll further.
Snorkelling was good with quite a few different fish but sad to see all the coral is bleached white.
I stayed three hours, which was plenty for me.
At the bar I highly recommend the fresh fruit punch. Delicious!
There’s a gift shop, cafe, bar and toilets.
Lots of signs telling day trippers that you ‘can’t go past this point’ because those paths were for resident guests only.
This means you only get a certain stretch of coral beach to use, without being able to stroll further.
Snorkelling was good with quite a few different fish but sad to see all the coral is bleached white.
I stayed three hours, which was plenty for me.
At the bar I highly recommend the fresh fruit punch. Delicious!
Written 18 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.
Lyn A
Bozeman, MT255 contributions
Feb 2020
During low tide you can walk to this island or if you want you can do the swim. We chose the short ferry ride which is included in the Island fees once you arrive. The snorkelling was very enjoyable, but do watch out for a local trigger fish that will attack you if you swim in its territory. Recommend snorkelling during high tide so that you can swim directly over the reef versus around the edges of the reef.
Written 25 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.
Hi, I am interested in going on a day trip to Hideaway Island and I was wondering if it was worth it if I didn’t have reed shoes? Is it still possible to snorkel? Thanks!
Written 24 May 2019
Yes, You don't really need Reef shoes there. The main "beach" is weathered coral and ok to walk on.
Written 26 May 2019
Hi yes were are taking son 9 and daughter 13 and have herd it may not be safe .And is it best to book outings from cruises or safe to get taxi .And any suggestions fun thing to do.Thanks
Written 6 March 2019
Personal security for tourists is absoltuely safe. Jsut don't forget to leave your mobile on the bus - this is the most frequent cause of people losing items.
Written 13 September 2019
I think you have confused Hideaway with the turtle sanctuary - the photos posted are of that.
Written 15 February 2018
if i added any photos which i cant remember doing it was of hideaway island
Written 16 February 2018
If we made it to hideaway island by ourselves, is there somewhere safe to leave our bags if we go snorkelling together?
Written 22 December 2017
We left our stuff stowed under the beach loungers, and didnt have any issues.
We went on a non-cruise day, so it wasnt very crowded, and went on our own using the local buses - cost 500 vatu each way per person (~AUD5), and we arranged a time for the driver to pick us up in the afternoon.
Written 24 December 2017
Myself & two boys (14 & 9) will be arriving by P/Dawn to Port Vila at the end of Feb 2018 - the Half day North Efate Snorkelling Adventure states it's $100 pp - have heard that it's relatively easy to find your own way by going to the road & getting a free taxi there yourself; are they really free? I'm not good at directions nor can I speak French; so v nervous about it. We want to be coming away with the most wonderful experiences but want to not pay for a tour if it's just as easy to find our own way - or is it best to pay/book a tour if your novice at it all? We want to post a card at the underwater post office - is it easy to find where to purchase these, if not with a tour?
Also really want to go to the Blue Lagoon on the same day is this possible? and do the Big Zipline Track - we unfortunately only have a day visit; so your opinions on what is doable/recommended would be gold. Thk-u.
Written 28 November 2017
Hi. Hideaway Island is well worth the visit. The snorkeling there was the best we experienced in Vanuatu. Lots of fish and easily accessible pretty close to the beach. The taxis certainly aren't free but they are very reasonable. The Blue Lagoon is ok, nothing spectacular, and is situated a fair drive from Port Vila. Make sure you do the cascades which are close to Hideaway. Well worth a visit. Hope this helps.
Written 2 December 2017
Hi, my husband and I are experienced scuba divers, how much is a dive trip? Also, can one hire dive gear and go for a shore dive? Thanks!
Written 28 November 2017
you can hire dive gear at the resort.. if you take your own they insist on sending a dive guide wit you and this is well worth it as they showed us things we otherwise wouldn't see... this is also relatively inexpensive , I am not sure how much hiring would cost, cheers Darrell
Written 30 November 2017
Hi, can anyone tell me if Hideaway Island accepts $ AUD.
Thanks :)
Written 18 July 2017
Hmmm I paid in vatu , and don't recall a sign , BUT if you are exchanging money do it when you get there!! Way better exchange rate
Written 18 July 2017
Kathy L
Melbourne, Florida
We will be arriving by cruise ship on Oct16. I use a small colapsable handicapped scooter. Would I be able to get my scooter on a bus from the cruise ship ? Would I be able to take it on the little boat to Hideaway Island?
Written 14 June 2017
You might be able to do it. The locals are very friendly & will help you were they can but overall the country is unfortunately not very accessible to individuals with disabilities. Best to book an official tour who may be able to cater to your needs.
Written 14 July 2017
A Tripadvisor member
hi, i am going to Vila on the March 10 cruise and there is this sanctuary as a full day trip, but i have heard that hideaway island is also very cool place to snorkel and visit. if we take our own bus to visit both on the day is that possible? if so how much would it cost?
Written 26 February 2017
Shouldn't cost you more than 1000 Vatu per person one way for a bus or you're definitely paying foreigner prices. It costed me 300 Vatu to get from the middle of port Vila to hideaway via bus.
Written 27 February 2017
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