Ever post letters underwater? At these locations, you can!
While posting letters has become a thing of the past with the augment of technology and social media, it is undeniable that the charm of letters and post boxes is irreplacable. And even more amazing is when you can post your letters underwater! Yes, you read it right! These four locations in the world have actual underwater post offices wherein you can post waterproof postcards!
1. Vanuatu Post Office, Hideaway Island
Located about 160 feet off the coast of Vanautu, sits the World’s First Underwater Post Office. Vanuatu is an island located about 1,000 miles east of northern Australia.
It was opened in 2003 as the world’s first underwater post office to literally make it possible for vacationers to send postcards back home from under the sea.
The postcards are made of waterproof plastic and embossed with a special stamp. They are collected on time at 3 p.m. each day.The post office developed a special metal device that marks each postcard without using ink, which would smear on contact.
Visitors know that the post office is open for business when a flag is flown at the surface.The Vanuatu underwater post office is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and people who possess the talent to hold breath underwater for a long time.There’s also a mailbox located on terra firma at the resort that will mail the waterproof postcards.
2. Susami Bay Post Office, Japan
The world’s deepest postbox is in Susami Bay in Japan. It’s 10 meters underwater, and diving suits are needed to pick up and drop off the mail. The mail box that is placed underwater usually receives around 1,000 to 1,500 pieces of mails each day, many posted by family members for their loved ones.
This postbox lures people who purchase the water-proof cards on which the message is written with the help of the oil-based paint markers.Due to this, the message can remain intact on the card despite the underwater immersion. People then dive into the sea to post their mail, and it is said to be a thrilling experience for many people who engage in this activity.
The Guinness Book of World Records recognized this red postbox of Susami Bay in the year 2002, within which approximately 32,000 pieces of mail have been posted to date. There are many other submarine postboxes in various countries as well, several of which have entered the World Records Book for varied reasons. But the one in Japan is considered being unique, as the cards posted here, (which are available nowadays to be purchased from the local general stores) are often edible, and some are flavored mails that have been developed by the local business of Susami Bay.
3.Risør Underwater Post Office, Norway
This is a post office constructed by use of a diving bell. It was built as a tourist attraction and located on the ocean floor in Risør, a small town on the southern Norwegian coast. Authorized by the Norwegian Postal system as a bona fide post office, eligible for collection and processing of letters, it is the only dry underwater post office in the world.Other underwater post offices operate in wet environments. It is in operation during the summer months, as this period coincides with the tourist season as well as the warmer climate.
Though initially a success, the number of letters dwindled after the first few years. As the work (and cost) involved with the running of the post office began to increase, the closure of the office was decided and the 2011 season was to be its last in service.However, the town’s tourism board and local businesses offered their support and persuaded the divers to continue the tradition.
The structure is moored to the bottom by a 5-ton weight.
