Scuba Diving club,
Southern California
Sea Sabres
World’s Only
Underwater Post Office
Vanuatu Post has created an official Post Office with a difference. It is the
world’s only Underwater Post Office.
Situated within the Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary, the Post Office will be
manned by four Post Office staff who have recently completed their Open Water
dive training at Hideaway Island.
As the bottom of the post office sits in around three metres of water both
divers and snorkelers will be able to post special “waterproof postcards”. If
snorkelers cannot duck-dive down that far, Hideaway Island staff will be on the
spot to help out.
During opening hours the cards will be cancelled/embossed by the postal staff
in the Underwater Post Office. Instead of being stamped with ink to show that
the card has been sent, the Post office has developed a new embossed cancellation
device.
Out of hours the post cards can be posted in the
underwater post box attached to the post office or taken to the main post
office in town. All are guaranteed to receive the special cancellation from
this unique underwater paradise before being delivered both locally and
internationally.
Placed on site by Vanuatu Post, this official and currently unique postal
location was approved by local Ni-Vanuatu and will be open for business from
Monday May 26, 2003.
Opening hours will be posted on the beach at Hideaway Island, and a special
flag will float above the site when there are postal workers in the water.
This new Post Office recognises that the Republic of Vanuatu’s is made up of 83
islands and is a marine paradise. The sea is such an important part of life in
Vanuatu so in addition to opening the worlds first Underwater Post Office,
Vanuatu Post has issued a new stamp issue and minisheet featuring snorkeling.
Vanuatu was designed for snorkeling. Its countless good snorkeling spots are
very popular especially Hideaway Island (near Port Vila) and Samoa Point (in
Havannah Harbour), on Efate.
Visitors who wish to view the colourful coral gardens and the immense
numbers of tropical fish, can utilise boat tour operators that cater for
snorkelers as well as “free snorkel” from beaches and resorts around Vila and Luganville.
The sport is accessible for both young and old and much pleasure can be had in
sea temperatures that can reach 30C. Thanks to Vanuatu’s Marine Park laws, the
protected healthy coral reefs and abundant and varied marine life remain one of
the Republic’s greatest natural attractions.
Vanuatu Post encourages visitors to literally look below the surface of this
beautiful country and grab a mask, fins and snorkel, and visit the Underwater
Post Office. They guarantee you will discover unlimited fun and unforgettable
adventures!
Back to Non Sequitur
Posted June 30, 2003