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defaultThe islets near Nouméa are true pockets of nature. In just a few minutes by water taxi from Anse Vata, you’ll be at îlot Canard or îlot Maître, ready to enjoy a relaxing moment away from the city traffic. It’s up to you to choose the programme! Take a dip, sip a cocktail in the shade of a parasol, walk around the islet, or explore the seabed. An underwater trail has been specially laid out on the îlot Canard. Over a 400-metre, shallow course, young and old alike can observe the fish, equipped with an aquaguide. Kite surfers can enjoy their favourite sport on the îlot Maître, while yachts anchor for the weekend, sheltered from the swell. Both islets have bars to end the day on a high note. You can even treat yourself to a night of luxury in a bungalow on stilts at the Escapade de l’îlot Maître hotel.
Plus, on certain evenings of the year, festive events are organised: a chance to dance the night away in this unusual setting. Find all the events in our agenda !
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Ilot Canard Charlotte Bertonneau 9452
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defaultMost of the South Province’s islets are located in protected marine areas. You’ll discover a wide variety of corals and all sorts of colourful fish. All you need to do is put on fins, a mask, and a snorkel to enjoy these underwater worlds. Clownfish, butterflyfish, parrots and more are all there to greet you. Striped surgeonfish, turtles, or reef sharks might also cross your path. On the islets Canard, Maître, Signal, Larégnère, Amédée, Konduyo, Ténia or even those in the Great South, such as Casy or Némou in Port-Bouquet, you won’t get tired of these easily accessible natural spectacles! These little paradises are not only great for snorkelling, but also for spending the day picnicking, lounging on the beach, or relaxing in the shade of the farés. The more sporty types can opt for a scuba dive not far from the islets. Numerous service providers offer outings for novices and experts alike.
When snorkelling, you swim close to the water’s surface. The sun is beating down hard and can be dangerous. Remember to wear a UV protective T-shirt to avoid getting caught off guard.
Ilot Brosse Charlotte Bertonneau Patrice Hauser 07741Many seabird species nest during the warm season, and the presence of humans is jeopardising their survival.
When you see a red flag on an islet, landing is prohibited. We’re counting on your vigilance!
A long weekend on a catamaran with a skipper to explore the deserted islets of the southern lagoon is a dream come true! Departing from Nouméa, you’ll quickly find small, sheltered anchorages that are not often visited. The most famous of these cruises is undoubtedly the one that takes you to the “five islands” of Uatérembi, Ua, Uatio, Ngé and Gi. In addition to discovering underwater worlds full of fish to observe, the cruises also allow you to disembark on some of the islets. On the agenda: hiking, kite surfing, and relaxing with a beach game. The must-do: watching the starry sky from the boat, far from the coast, is a moment of grace!
To learn more, visit our page dedicated to catamaran cruises.
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Caledonia Charter Charlotte Bertonneau 5677As well as offering visitors a breathtaking natural spectacle, some of the islets have preserved vestiges of the past. On the îlot Signal, a small, landscaped path leads you to an old beacon that once served as a signal for ships. Captain Tardy de Montravel was responsible for this triangular, 10-meter-high construction, made of wood and corals. The goal? To guide ships heading for Port-de-France (Nouméa) through the Dumbéa pass. On the islet Amédée, you can admire the famous lighthouse of the same name. Standing at 56 metres, it’s one of the tallest in the world. No fewer than 247 steps allow you to reach its summit and admire its metal structure. Finally, in the Great South, Casy islet was home to the tribes of the island Ouen, then to the employees of the Prony prison camp. Today, a trail leads to a cemetery where the first convict family to settle here is buried.
The tips : Information panels are set up along the trails on these islets. It’s a fascinating and instructive read!
Izifoil Ilot Goeland Charlotte Bertonneau 1071In the South Province, a number of islets are ideal for getting together with family and friends in a rich, unspoilt natural setting. These are great opportunities for picnics, beach games, swimming, and even camping. Most of the islets close to the coast are equipped with dry toilets, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities (it’s generally prohibited to build fires outside the designated areas). Some are also ideal for water sports: kite surfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, snorkelling, and more. To help you make your choice, here are a few easily accessible islets where you can pitch your tent:
Treat yourself to a dream setting for lunch or have a picnic on an islet! In the shade of a faré, surrounded by coconut palms or columnar pines, overlooking the turquoise lagoon… In New Caledonia, dining with your feet in the sand is not an unattainable luxury! Many islands have landscaped areas with shaded tables. You can also simply bring your own mat. Some paradisal spots can be visited with a local guide. This is the case of îlots Moro and Brosse off the Île des Pins. On a day trip, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a delicious lobster meal amidst the columnar pines. A picnic you won’t soon forget!
Neutomo Ilot Brosse Charlotte Bertonneau 0103The area around the islands of the South Province is very popular with water sports enthusiasts. The taxi-boats load up the equipment and, in just a few minutes, you’ll be at top-notch spots. Kite surfers prefer the îlot Maître, close to Nouméa and suitable for all levels. They also like to go to Tenia, off Boulouparis, a site that is often deserted. Surfers also take advantage of Ténia to get to the nearby pass. For families with kids, îlot Canard is the perfect spot for a snorkeling trip to discover the aquatic fauna. Snorkelling (called PMT here, for “palmes, masque et tuba”, which is French for fins, mask, snorkel) is also very popular on Signal, Larégnère and Ténia.
