On to Hideaway Island for some snorkelling and walking around the island perimeter. Entrance fee is now 2000 VATs per adult, which is about AUD 25. Snorkel gear and fins is 1500 on top, so better bring your own stuff, including reef shoes, as the beach is all rough corals. No need to book a tour or taxi like others mentioned, just flag down any bus in town and ask the driver if he takes you to Hideaway Island for 300 VATs per person and most likely he or the next one will say yes. Locals pay 150 or less, by the way. If you ask how much it is to go to a specific place, the standard response is often 1000VAT. It’s always better to offer them a more realistic price upfront and maybe haggle a bit. Don’t expect the underwater post office to look like it does on the official pics. It’s rather neglected now and there is certainly no one waiting for you, the mailbox is still there, though, and hopefully will get emptied every now and then, if someone buys a special water proof postcard at the kiosk beforehand. The reef has been severely damaged earlier this year and only a few fish are left. For beginners it’s ok and the two floating platforms are much fun for the kids, too. For dinner we had some decent but non-crunchy bruschettas and a superb coconut chicken curry with wine at the island restaurant. Prices are average, which means unaffordable for the locals at AUD 30 and up for mains but ok for western tourists as long as you keep in mind that your money helps them repair and recover from two cyclones this year alone. As it was Friday we went back on the mainland for the fire show at the Beach Bar which was quite impressive and lasted for about an hour. A good dozen men and women put up a fast and exciting show with a decent choreography to modern music and a few stunts as well.

Worth the experience but unfortunately the snorkeling wasn't that great compared to other places. If you go here - reef shoes are a must! The water's edge is made up of dead coral and sea shells. We had a nice meal here and managed to enjoy quite a few hours in the peaceful surroundings.

We stayed at Hideaway Island resort, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. We enjoyed the snorkeling very much as well as the fire show which is just across the way at the Beach Bar on Friday nights. Stella, Edwin, and Louisa in particular were especially accommodating. We did a dive there, which was incredible. The gear may need to be updated but Edwin worked with us well and the equipment.

Lovely snorkeling beach - Definitely wear beach shoes as the coral "sand" is harsh. $8 per postcard to post in the underwater postbox ... still waiting for it to arrive but it has only been 1 week since we posted it. I think it was worth it for the novelty as long as it arrives in my mailbox lol. There is an entry fee for this island, I can't remember whether it was $15AUD or $25AUD each?? Straight off the beach are lovely corals and a wide array of tropical fish. Easy and fun snorkeling - take your own mask and snorkel and I would recommend flippers too. From Mele wharf the ferry to hideaway island is free but you can walk there at low tide if you want to get your legs wet ... i reckon the ferry ride is worth the wait though. We had a wander around the island (was near low tide) and it only took about 10 minutes .. I would also recommend this as you get to see more than the 'touristy' side of it.

It really is worth spending a morning (or afternoon) on Hideaway Island. Some of the best snorkelling I've done, particularly on the far left, out on the edge. Loved the drop-off to the deep blue! I saw an squid, gliding over the coral and changing colour. Amazing fish. Worth the 2000 vat island fee (which includes the boat ride over and back).