Guided Village Walk

When ships arrive to Mystery Island, the locals from nearby Aneityum will bring their hand-crafts, local food, kava, and fresh coconuts as well as souvenirs so cruise guests can experience some of the local flavor.

However, discover the local culture and see where they live and make their homes and get a true taste of this part of the world. Travel to Aneityum, a small community that resides in the shadow of two volcanoes now dormant. First discovered in 1793 by French navigator D'Entrecastreaux, not until 1844 did James Paddon set up a trading station, selling Sandalwood and Kauri. Whalers would use Aneityum's sheltered harbor until the 1870s to melt whale blubber into oil.

In 1848 Presbyterian missionary John Geddie arrived and began to convert more than three quarters of the population to follow the Christian faith. He built a large stone church capable of seating his congregation that was then destroyed by a Tsunami in 1875, today the remains of the church can still be seen. There are an estimated 84 species of orchids, the largest collection in Vanuatu, that thrive here as the climate is better than its neighbor to the north, Tanna.

Meet the friendly, smiling people that call this home. They are less traditional than other islands but are just as easy to communicate with and are very welcoming. On this village walking tour you will view their traditional homes, local schools, medical dispensary and police station.