Top experiences

No-one should leave Nouméa without visiting Amédée, the capital's most famous islet. It is home to an impressive 19th century metal lighthouse and a natural marine reserve known for its tropical fish and turtles. If you want to take a break from swimming and relaxing, the climb to the lighthouse offers an incredible 360° panorama over the lagoon and the coral reef!

The New Caledonian lagoons are full of underwater wonders, including manta rays. These mysterious devilfish are often found around the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands, where they can be observed by snorkellers, as well as on scuba dive trips throughout the whole territory. A truly unforgettable encounter!

The Oro Bay swimming pool is a natural aquarium, with translucent water and schools of multicoloured fish. This coral basin is sheltered from the currents, surrounded by New Caledonia pines and a beautiful white sand beach. It is easily accessible via a trail to the north of the Isle of Pines or from Upi Bay by dugout canoe.

In the heart of the Blue River Provincial Park, the Drowned Forest is famous for the hundreds of bleached gum oak trunks that have emerged from the lake since the creation of a huge dam. It is accessible during the day, but nothing compares to kayaking through this ghostly setting in the moonlight!

The Isle of Pines lagoon is full of beautiful yet deserted islands, populated only by coconut palms and New Caledonia pines. Set sail on a nautical day trip to swim in translucent waters with manta rays, turtles and dolphins. Enjoy a lobster on the beach in your own private paradise!

Immortalised by the famous photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, this striking feature has been shared around the world. The Heart of Voh was formed naturally by the surrounding mangrove. Best seen from the air, a microlight is the ultimate way to take in this memorable sight!

It's impossible to miss the imposing black limestone rock that looms out of the waters of Hienghène Bay. Known as "La Poule" because of its striking resemblance to a hen, it has even influenced the legends of the local tribes, who made it the ancestral guardian of the region and one of the symbols of their country. To get a closer look and navigate around the surrounding Lindéralique rocks, a kayak is the way to go!

Ouvéa, known as the island closest to paradise, is home to one of the country's most beautiful beaches: Mouli. A picture-postcard destination with white sand and crystal clear water, it is the perfect place to just relax. Mouli Bridge, the only bridge between the south and north of the island, is also worth a visit!

You cannot leave New Caledonia without sailing around Upi Bay in a traditional dugout canoe. Follow the current to the stunning Isle of Pines, concealed between huge coral rocks that seem to float on the turquoise lagoon. In terms of wildlife, keep a lookout for turtles, rays and dolphins!

From July to September, humpback whales come to give birth in the warm waters of the New Caledonian lagoon. Seeing these giants emerge from the waters is a truly extraordinary experience! The best way to witness these special moments is to take a catamaran from Prony Bay in the Great South or from Nouméa.

With calm water and constant winds, the Poé lagoon in Bourail is perfect for kitesurfing. After a few hours of lessons to master your kite, you can enjoy complete freedom on the water and in the air, whether you prefer speed or freestyling.

Taking off from Bourail Beach may be an impressive feat, but it is nothing compared to the view of the New Caledonian lagoon from the sky. Lacy coral, waves breaking on the barrier reef, schools of rays, endless shades of blue and green... No wonder it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!