Chief Roi Mata Domain & Artok Island Tour of Vanuatu

Overview

Available languages

English

French

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

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.

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Chief Roi Mata Domain & Artok Island Tour of Vanuatu

Pickup included

Reviews

4.00

5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Hat Island and extras
W3494WZallisonw,
Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Boat 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
5.00
The 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
5.00
Great 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
5.00
Its 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
1.00
Thought 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.