Vanuatu's Underwater Post Office

Vanuatu Post’s Underwater Post Office, submerged at the Hideaway Island near Port Vila, has received fame all over the world. Sited in a marine sanctuary, the location of the Underwater Post Office is spectacular with many species of brightly colored fish and brilliant coral displays against a turquoise-blue backdrop.

While the setting for the Post Office is stunning, it is the uniqueness of the idea that has captured the imagination of the world’s media. Television networks from New Zealand, Australia and Japan having visited for program material, which as screened to millions, and it is now a must-see for tourist who visits Port Vila, via Air Vanuatu or on one of the many cruise ships. They are not disappointed.

The Post Office is only 50 meters offshore and at only 3 meters below the surface is very accessible to young and old alike, and hundreds have participated in posting one of the special waterproof postcards that are available. These cards are collected regularly by one of Vanuatu Post’s four trained scuba divers and cancelled before delivering locally and overseas. So successful are these postcards that can be written on underwater, that more are being reprinted and additional designs added. Customers know when the “postman” is on duty as a regulation flag is mounted on a buoy on the surface.