Scuba Diving at Underwater Post Office Vanuatu (2024)

Explore the extraordinary with Hideaway Island’s underwater marvel – the Underwater Post Office Vanuatu! Dive into an unforgettable experience as you discover the world’s only underwater post office nestled in the pristine waters of Vanuatu. Immerse yourself in the unique opportunity to send postcards from beneath the waves, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Experience the thrill of exploring this one-of-a-kind attraction, where every dive is a journey into the depths of excitement and wonder. Join us as we delve into the underwater realm and uncover the magic of Vanuatu’s Underwater Post Office.

When I first heard about the existence of an underwater functioning post office, I couldn’t believe it. “Seriously? That’s unbelievable!” I thought, brushing it off as one of those exaggerated tourist tales. However, during a recent Easter holiday, as I planned a trip to Vanuatu, a picturesque island nation in the South Pacific, I stumbled upon mention of the underwater post office again. To my surprise, it was not just a fantasy but a reality!

During my four-day visit to Vanuatu, I made it a point to explore this fascinating attraction. While scuba diving was on my agenda, it’s worth noting that snorkelers can also witness the underwater post office from the surface due to the clear waters. Many visitors choose to snorkel around the island, resulting in more snorkelers and free divers than scuba enthusiasts.

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Scuba Diving at Underwater Post Office Vanuatu

Vanuatu Post has established a fully operational official post office beneath the waters of Hideaway Island. Since its inauguration in 2003, this underwater marvel stands as the sole of its kind globally.

Conveniently situated at the kiosk of Hideaway Island Resort, visitors can purchase waterproof postcards and stamps specially designed for use at this extraordinary post office. Crafted from durable plastic, these postcards allow messages to be inscribed with a pencil, ensuring they remain intact underwater.

• Address: Mele Bay, Vanuatu.

Located at Mele Bay, Vanuatu, this submerged post office operates beneath a flag hoisted on the sea surface, signalling its readiness to serve. Postcards deposited here are retrieved daily at 3 PM and dispatched to their designated destinations. And here’s the kicker – I couldn’t resist sending a few postcards from this unique underwater post office to myself and my friends.

Scuba Diving at Hideaway Island Resort

Diving at Hideaway Island Resort is the ultimate choice for those eager to experience the underwater wonder of the working post office and send postcards. As a fully equipped 5-star PADI dive resort, Hideaway Island offers a range of scuba diving packages to suit every preference.

Click here to check for prices on the Booking.com website

Scheduled dives are available daily at 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 2 PM, providing ample opportunities to explore the depths. With over 15 dive sites surrounding the island, including both shore and boat dives, there’s something for divers of all skill levels to enjoy. Depths range from 12 to 40 meters, with several captivating shipwrecks resting between 24 to 27 meters, adding to the allure of the underwater adventure.

Shore Diving as a Non-Certified Diver

At the time, lacking certification as a diver, I chose the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) option, limiting my descent to 12 meters. It was conducted as a shore dive and provided an intimate encounter with the underwater post office. Guided by a friendly and accommodating instructor, I revelled in the serenity of the dive, soaking in the tranquil surroundings with ease.

About Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) offers a hassle-free introduction to the underwater realm without needing prior scuba diving experience or certification. Open to individuals aged ten and above, it’s an accessible option even for non-swimmers.

Participants receive fundamental skills training from instructors, who remain alongside them throughout the dive. Serving as a preliminary and optional phase before pursuing full certification as an Open-Water Diver, DSD provides a low-risk opportunity to gauge one’s affinity for diving. Given the significant investment in scuba diving courses, I strongly advocate for aspiring divers to start with DSD to ascertain their passion for the sport before committing to certification.

Dive Centre

The Hideaway Island Resort is a luxurious 5-star PADI establishment with dedicated instructors and dive masters on-site. Dive excursions adhere to scheduled start times, with options like the morning dive, which I eagerly embarked upon at 8:30 AM.

Dive Statistics

• Type of Dive: Shore Dive.
• Dive Site: Open Sea.
• Wet Suit required? Yes.
• Depth: Maximum of 12 metres.
• Visibility: 8 to 10 metres.
• Ideal For: Beginners.
• Current: No current.

Marine Life

The dive sites teem with a vibrant array of marine life, creating an ideal setting for captivating underwater photography. The diversity is breathtaking, from graceful batfish to enchanting clownfish, colourful butterflyfish, elegant angelfish, and delicate damsels. While I encountered abundant captivating macro marine life, including fascinating creatures like reef sharks, the focus leaned more towards miniature wonders than larger fish such as sharks.

Booking and Price

Booking my dive excursion was a breeze; I strolled to the dive centre and settled the required payment. Situated conveniently adjacent to the resort, accessing the dive centre was effortless and hassle-free. The cost for a single dive with the Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) option was approximately AUD 60, though prices may have since been adjusted. Additionally, the cost varies depending on the scuba diving packages selected, offering flexibility to cater to individual preferences and budgets.

Is Scuba Diving at Hideaway Island Safe for Solo Female Divers?

Travelling solo to Vanuatu, I embarked on solo dives with the dive centre at Hideaway Island Resort. Despite diving alone, I felt completely secure throughout the experience, with no moments of discomfort. However, remaining cautious and relying on your intuition while exploring the island is essential.

One common occurrence on the island is being approached by men inquiring about relationship status and proposing marriage, which initially made me uneasy. Yet, I soon understood that such interactions are customary on the island, as I encountered similar inquiries everywhere I went.

Closing Notes

My dive experience at Hideaway Island Resort was genuinely exhilarating. With ideal water temperatures, crystal-clear visibility, and abundant marine life, it offered everything a diver could desire. Now certified as a PADI Rescue Diver, I look forward to returning and delving into exploring other dive sites, particularly the intriguing wrecks.

Have you heard about the underwater working post office before? Share your thoughts by writing to me at Solopassport@gmail.com.

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