Hike, ride, discover, dive or relax... New Caledonia is full of experiences that will make your heart soar. The archipelago will fuel your travel with a thousand emotions from A for adrenaline, to Z for zen!
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 adrenaline rush of skydiving is rivalled only by the sight of the largest lagoon in the world from the air. The experience of jumping from over 4000 metres and free-falling at more than 200 km/h is truly indescribable. Not to mention the memorable minutes spent suspended in mid-air once the parachute has deployed!
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.
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!
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.
Marvel at a UNESCO site with a joy flight over the lagoon
Marvel at a UNESCO site with a joy flight over the lagoon
Thrills
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!
Try kitesurfing, windsurfing or paddleboarding in the Nouméa lagoon
Try kitesurfing, windsurfing or paddleboarding in the Nouméa lagoon
Sport
The Nouméa lagoon is a veritable paradise for boardsports. Whether your prefer kitesurfing, paddleboarding or windsurfing, just choose your board and dive into the turquoise water. Kitesurfers flock to Le Méridien Beach in Nouméa, windsurfers to the Côte Blanche and paddleboarders to Anse Vata Beach. Sun, sea and surf all year round!
A popular hiking destination, New Caledonia has two long-distance footpaths (Grande Randonnées) in the north and south for amateurs and more experienced hikers. The GR®1 in the North will lead you through the mountain range to the heart of the Melanesian world, from Ponérihouen to Touho. This sporty adventure also includes tribal accommodation along the East Coast!
If you're always on the lookout for extreme adventures, the Côte Oubliée is the place to go. This untouched and uninhabited wilderness between Yaté and Thio offers a total escape from everyday life. Only accessible by sea and under the supervision of a guide, you can explore this pristine region by kayak, having packed camping equipment and supplies for 4 days.
Let your inner Indiana Jones go wild as you speed around 270 hectares of private property on a quad bike. In Sarraméa, in the region of La Foa, the trails that crisscross the hills are ideal for off-road adventures. Thrills and breathtaking views guaranteed!
