Throughout
our snorkeling tour of the islands across the Pacific, Alan has snorkeled and
I’ve watched from the seashore. Really
bad timing on that broken bone, but in Port Vila, we had the opportunity to go
on a glass-bottom boat so I could have some of the experience and Alan could
still snorkel. Perfect! With the tour boat located in the harbor, we
were out over the coral reefs within a few minutes. Our guide gave us an overview of the history,
culture, and government of the island, but was also knowledgeable about the
corals and fish of the area. With the
boat pausing frequently, he pointed out and identified what we were
seeing. Upon stopping, the snorkelers
entered the water and the remainder of the guest stayed on board with fish food
to attract small tropical fish to the surface of the clear, turquoise
waters. Not like snorkeling but better
than sitting on the beach.
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| Hideaway Island |
On returning
to shore, we hired a local taxi for a trip into town for lunch. With some further negotiations, we wound up
not only going to lunch, but to another snorkeling location. Hideaway Island is accessible only by ferry. The ferry is free, but if you want to stay
behind on the island there is a $15 per person charge. It’s a popular destination for snorkeling, but
best known as the only place in the world with an underwater post office. Waterproof postcards are available at the
shop at the beginning of the dock. In
order to mail a card, you must swim out about 150 feet; the box is located
about 10 feet underwater.
Another
unique feature, of Hideaway, is the coral beaches, no sand here, so barefoot
beach walking would not be recommended.
Our taxi
driver returned as scheduled and we were whisked back to the ship, for
departure to our next port of call.
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| Click on picture to enlarge--tiny blue fish swimming in coral |
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