Chief Roi Mata Domain & Artok Island Tour of Vanuatu
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
The Lelepa Region communities have only recently developed this fascinating guided, full-day tour to Artok or Hat Island, the revered mass burial site of Chief Roi Mata and the fifty or more individuals who accompanied him to the afterlife. Immediately after Roi Mata’s burial, around 400 years ago, a prohibition was imposed on the island preventing people from residing there. The maintenance of this prohibition for over four centuries has led to the development of a unique biodiversity on the island, where a number of rare and endemic plant and animal species have found refuge. Visitors will be treated to an exclusive day-long adventure that will provide people with an appreciation of the World Heritage values of this spectacular island and its rich cultural and environmental history. This tour includes lunch and transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
What To Expect
The Lelepa region communities have only recently developed this fascinating full day tour to Artok or Hat Island, the revered mass burial site of Chief Roi Mata and the fifty or more individuals who accompanied him to the afterlife.
Chief Roi Mata's Domain
mmediately after Roi Mata’s burial, around 400 years ago, a prohibition was imposed on the island preventing people from residing there. The maintenance of this prohibition over four centuries has led to the development of a unique biodiversity on the island, where a number of rare and endemic plant and animal species have found refuge. Visitors will be treated to an exclusive day-long adventure that will provide people with an appreciation of the World Heritage values of this spectacular island and its rich cultural and environmental history.
Options
Chief Roi Mata Domain & Artok Island Tour of Vanuatu
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Buffet lunch
Afternoon tea
Local, professional guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Transport in a fully air-conditioned vehicle
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hat Island and extras
W3494WZallisonw,Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Boat ride across to Aratok v good. Coco was a great guide and his mother prepared us a lovely lunch Inc fried bananas- the best. Hard to snorkel because of rocky outcrops.
Important part of Vanuatu’s history.
O3283TAdavidb,Sep 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The domain and the story of Chief Roi Mata is a pivotal part of ni-Vanuatu history and culture. It was worthwhile to visit the site as well as the related sites of fele cave on Lelepa and the village. Depending on tides you might have to wade out to the boat so wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Excellent tour for something different
robmU2962ZD,Aug 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour and excellent guide. Despite the weather not being perfect the tour carried on albeit modified to take the weather into account. We couldnt get to Hat Island but saw addtional parts of the coast which were stunning. I would not recomend booking through Tripadvisor, they were over twice the price that a fellow traveller booked directly with the local tour company.
Love the History
Brad T,May 22, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Its not until you here the story behind Chief Roi Mata that you realise why the Vanuatu people have called this a Heritage Site. I good look back in History
Thought we were going to see the Hat...
David K,Jan 13, 2018
- Review from Viator
1.00Thought we were going to see the Hat island. It was not part of the tour. Although the guides were very nice, the only good part of the tour was going into the cave. Not worth the money paid.
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Operated by Atmosphere Tours & Transfers