Inyeug, more commonly known as Mystery Island, is a tiny, uninhabited islet off the coast of Aneityum in Vanuatu’s southernmost province. Measuring just 1.5 kilometers long, the island is completely free of roads, shops, and electricity. What it offers instead is pure seclusion and untouched beauty. Cruise ships often anchor offshore, bringing day visitors to its white-sand beaches and shallow coral lagoons, but once they depart, the island returns to stillness, with only the breeze and birdsong to break the silence.
Despite being uninhabited today, Inyeug holds a curious past. Local legends say the island was once avoided by residents of nearby Aneityum because of spirits believed to roam its shores. The name “Mystery Island” was coined in the mid-20th century to capture this eerie reputation, but today, it's known more for its serenity than spookiness. While no one lives on Inyeug, the nearby Aneityum community manages the island, offering tours, cultural displays, and traditional crafts to visitors when ships arrive.
Snorkeling around Inyeug is one of its main attractions. The waters are calm and exceptionally clear, revealing coral gardens just steps from the sand. Schools of butterflyfish, anemonefish, and the occasional sea turtle drift through the reef. There’s no need for a boat or guide, just a mask, fins, and a sense of curiosity. For those who prefer to stay dry, a walk along the shoreline offers views of Aneityum’s volcanic mountains and the occasional sighting of flying fish leaping across the water.