WatersportsSnorkeling and diving are very popular. The New Caledonian authorities have created marine reserves on several islets to protect marine fauna and flora. There are also sunken shipwrecks, which act as artificial reefs. Some of the best dive sites include: around Nouméa, the
Amédée Lighthouse Reserve (including shark feeding),
La Dieppoise (shipwreck of a Royal Navy patrol ship sunk in 1988), and
Ilot Maître; to the south, the
Prony Needle; to the north, the
Tenia Horn (near Boulouparis), the
Fault (near Bourail)
and the
Hienghene Reef; and
Lifou in the
Loyalty Islands. There are many PADI-approved diving centers on the mainland and the outlying islands, all offering beginners’ courses, training and certification. Night dives and photo dives are also available. For a list of diving centers, contact New Caledonia Tourism (see
General Info section).
The Bay of Anse Vata and
Côte Blanche, both in Nouméa, are the favorite locations for windsurfing. International competitions such as the
Trophée des Alizés attract some of the world’s top competitors. Fishing is one of the locals’ favorite pastimes, which visitors can participate in by accompanying them on fishing expeditions to catch tuna, marlin or snapper. Chartered fishing boats can also be hired. The coral barrier reef off the shore of Nouméa is excellent for underwater spearfishing. The main location for freshwater fishing is
Yaté Lake, which is open from January to October.
Whale watchingFrom July to September, humpback whales can be spotted during the mating season in the bays of the southern lagoon and Lifou. Excursions are organized from Nouméa and from the south of the mainland to spot them. The whales may also be seen during scuba diving trips.
Boat tripsExcursions in Melanesian outrigger canoes are organized at the
Isle of Pines. Several operators offer trips to the coral reefs in glass-bottomed boats from which visitors can observe the marine life. Reservations can be made from
gîtes or hotels on the islands. Sailing boats can be chartered with or without a skipper. Kayaks or canoes can be rented to explore New Caledonia’s network of rivers, streams and lakes.
HikingArrangements can be made in the capital for trips into the interior. Botanical excursions through the forest of
Mount Koghi (with French- or English-speaking guides) are also available.
Horse ridingExcursions are organized from Nouméa, Dumbea, La Foa, Bourail, Thio and the Koné villages. These vary from simple rides to major expeditions to the local bush (which involve crossing the mountain range, mustering cattle and camping in the mountains). Advance booking is essential.
GolfNew Caledonia has three 18-hole golf courses plus driving ranges and putting greens. Private lessons, hire of equipment and restaurants are available at the Dumbéa Golf Club, Ouenghi Golf Club and Tina Golf Club.
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