Hideaway Island Marine Reserve, Port Vila: Address, Phone Number, Hideaway Island Marine Reserve Reviews: 4/5
Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
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Restaurants
4 within 3 miles
Attractions
12 within 6 miles
Underwater Post Office
519
192 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Wet N Wild Adventure Park
227
1.2 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Mele Cascades
2,975
1.4 miWaterfalls
The Secret Garden
170
0.9 miGardens
Cascades Waterfalls
115
1.4 miWaterfalls
Port Vila Markets
559
Flea & Street Markets
Iririki Island
260
Islands
The Vanuatu Cultural Centre
221
Speciality Museums
Rainbow Botanic Gardens
15
1.8 miGardens
Port Vila Handicraft Market
44
Flea & Street Markets
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
1,892 reviews
Excellent
898
Very good
646
Average
252
Poor
62
Terrible
34
Simon F
31 contributions
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 January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sue_marieUk
York, UK97 contributions
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 January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lyn A
Bozeman, MT262 contributions
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 February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah G
Melton, Australia32 contributions
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 December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OZHasie
Brisbane, Australia219 contributions
Couples
Spent the late morning and early afternoon on Hideaway island snorkeling as my partner wanted to post a post card from the underwater mail box. This was quaint and fun to do.
The island itself and facilities are a bit run down and it is clear that it experiences heavy foot traffic from tourists.
The on island snorkeling hire is very bad with the snorkeling gear not functioning properly and definitely bordering on dangerous to use the gear. I’m a dive master and I struggled to use the gear. So if you have your own bring that along.
Don’t pay for a day trip to the island with local tour operators or with your hotel/resort as you will feel like you’ve been ripped off. We negotiated a price with one of the local water taxis who took us there waited while we snorkeled had lunch and then took us back to Port Villa.
The island itself and facilities are a bit run down and it is clear that it experiences heavy foot traffic from tourists.
The on island snorkeling hire is very bad with the snorkeling gear not functioning properly and definitely bordering on dangerous to use the gear. I’m a dive master and I struggled to use the gear. So if you have your own bring that along.
Don’t pay for a day trip to the island with local tour operators or with your hotel/resort as you will feel like you’ve been ripped off. We negotiated a price with one of the local water taxis who took us there waited while we snorkeled had lunch and then took us back to Port Villa.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SMCJan
Canberra, Australia57 contributions
Friends
Spent a wonderful week on Hideaway. While the reef has been severely damaged the snorkeling is incredible with the variety of fish. Our cabin was ideally situated with views across Mele Bay toward Vila and refreshed by topic breezes. We had a verandah to relax on with the constant sound of waves on the reef at our door. Paulina, Louisa and Stella were among the helpful staff and looked after us beautifully. Recommend doing the Mele Village walk and night snorkeling arranged for Hideaway guests. Meals are a bit more expensive on Hideaway but there are plenty of options close by. Reception staff were very helpful in arranging tours and liaising with drivers.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel S
Papamoa, New Zealand20 contributions
There are a range of tours based around Port Vila, we didn't want to go and look at turtles in concrete pens so we steered clear and just paid 400vt for a ride in a 'B' van out to Mele beach, then took the free ferry across to Hideaway Resort. We paid 1250 each plus 1200 to hire masks and fins which is a bit extortionate but still a lot cheaper than getting there with a tour. A good couple of hours of snorkelling (watch out for sunburn if you have fair skin on back etc), cool fish and some very pretty smaller corals in shallow water protected by the island from ocean swells and wind. The underwater post office is a bit of a gimmick of course, and the visibility was a bit bad when we were there, the glass bottomed boat tour would not have seen much. I had to dive down underwater and get close to the corals to see their amazing colour. Lots of dead coral everywhere hints at past glories before humans spoiled it :-) Overall a good place to snorkel pretty close to town.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Izymoo
Auckland Central, New Zealand7 contributions
We caught a water taxi to the island to enjoy some snorkeling. It costs 1250 Vatu per adult and 600 per child. You can get a ferry there for free but we chose a water taxi as there was a group of us. The food there was pretty good and not too badly priced compared to other places in Vanuatu, you're not allowed to bring food and drinks to the island but no one was policing it. You can leisurely walk around the whole island in 10 minutes.
The snorkelling was great and there's an underwater post office.
The snorkelling was great and there's an underwater post office.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debra R
Melbourne, Australia39 contributions
Catch ferry over to Island ferry free was $1250 for adult to enter. Had lunch in restaurant was nice . The actual resort looks very run down. The beach has no sand is all coral so make sure you have proper foot wear. Chairs to sit on along shore line. We went for the snorkeling and weren’t disappointed.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kaz H
Nhulunbuy, Australia115 contributions
Solo
Quick boat ride over to island included in the $25.00 dollar fee. Small coral island with an attached resort. Restaurant and bar with very reasonable prices. Can hire snorkelling gear or bring own. Entry to reef is right off the beach. Very safe snorkelling with great assortment of fish to a drop off for those who want to scuba. The famous underwater post office is here. Good facilities. Another one where you can spend whole day with family. Bring reef shoes if you have them. Toilets and showers provided. Had a great relaxing day here.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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!
WoollamiaTweety
Woollamia, Australia107 contributions
Yes, You don't really need Reef shoes there. The main "beach" is weathered coral and ok to walk on.
ann_and_grant
aussie4 contributions
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
Tania W
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia25 contributions
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.
MrPurser
Melbourne, Australia162 contributions
I think you have confused Hideaway with the turtle sanctuary - the photos posted are of that.
TonyBBrisbane
Brisbane, Australia39 contributions
if i added any photos which i cant remember doing it was of hideaway island
Rhiannon K
Botany, Australia14 contributions
If we made it to hideaway island by ourselves, is there somewhere safe to leave our bags if we go snorkelling together?
Karin C
Sydney, Australia126 contributions
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.
LaraLiu
Four Mile Creek, Australia25 contributions
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.
shots219
Nelson, New Zealand33 contributions
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.
EMMA P
6 contributions
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!
Darrell P
Brisbane, Australia251 contributions
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
Kathy L
Melbourne, FL
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?
Daniel A
Adelaide, Australia15 contributions
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.
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?
aussiedan7
14 contributions
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hideaway Island Marine Reserve
- We recommend booking Hideaway Island Marine Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Hideaway Island Marine Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Hideaway Island Marine Reserve:
- (0.01 mi) Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary
- (0.42 mi) Vanuatu Beachfront Apartments
- (1.24 mi) Island Magic Resort
- (4.66 mi) Villa 25
- (4.72 mi) Paradise Cove Resort
- Restaurants near Hideaway Island Marine Reserve:
- (0.42 mi) The Beach Bar
- (4.73 mi) Paradise Cove Restaurant
- (4.89 mi) The Blue Marlin Club
- (3.99 mi) Kesorn's Exotic Thai Restaurant
- (5.27 mi) Stonegrill Restaurant