River bathing spotsin Southern New Caledonia

River bathing spots

Looking for a refreshing break? Head for a freshwater dip in the rivers of South Province. Discover the streams that flow into the sea, the little creeks nestled in the valleys, the secret waterfalls. Enjoy the natural pools or try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding. From the foot of the central range and right up to the edge of the lagoon, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind by the river.

Swimming near Nouméa, at the Dumbéa river

If you’re looking for a freshwater swimming spot not far from Nouméa, the Dumbéa river is the place to go. The water is cool, perfect during the hot season, and most importantly, it’s crystal clear. The water takes on turquoise hues, contrasting with the red earth of the trails. With the green of the vegetation, the setting is simply stunning! The Dumbéa nature park has been protected since 2013, with the aim of preserving South Province’s natural riches. Numerous water holes are accessible on the river. Even on weekends, families come for picnics and relaxation, but the crowd is never too dense. Just walk a bit further on to find “your” natural pool, away from the hustle and bustle.

Some of Dumbéa’s river swimming spots:

Les Marmites de Dumbéa : this easy trail winds along the river, then heads up the mountainside to the old Dumbéa dam. It used to supply the city of Nouméa with water. The landscapes of the Koghi mountains and distant waterfalls complete this lush setting. The view from the dam is magnificent.
Le Trou des Nurses : a natural pool that is perfect for swimming. Located on the Koé road in the Couvelée valley, its name was given in memory of the American nurses who worked nearby during the Second World War, and came here to cool off.
Le Parc Fayard : more family-friendly, this park offers rest and relaxation on a large lawn by the river. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards there for a mix of sport and leisure. The shallow water along the banks is perfect for kids.

Did you know?

Since December 2019, an ingenious free shuttle service has been running from Parc Fayard to the Haute-Dumbéa river. Cars can no longer park at the provincial park, and parking at the Trou des Nurses is limited.

Valérie, Tourist Office of Nouméa

Swimming at Boulouparis

Located about 50 km from Nouméa, just past the airport, the Tontouta valley is also a great spot for a swim. You can access Tontouta River directly from the RT1 bridge, the main road of Grande Terre. On weekends, you can’t miss the place: there are plenty of swimmers, and you even see kids and teenagers jumping into the water from the bridge. A few kilometres further on, the Ouenghi river becomes an opportunity for refreshing dips. While there are many private properties, some service providers offer access to swimming sites. The paillottes de la Ouenghi offer kayak rentals for river excursions.

Rivers of the Great South

If there’s one ultimate adventure destination, it’s New Caledonia’s Great South! Among the many activities that you can try, river activities are among the most popular. First there’s the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, where you can swim and go canoeing or kayaking., On the way to the park, you’ll cross the Rivière des Pirogues, a popular spot for a refreshing stop. A little further on, the site de la Netcha, located on the river of the same name, also reveals well-equipped spots where you can jump, swim, kayak, camp, or have a picnic. To access it, you’ll need to buy a ticket, which will give you access to landscaped areas and other points of interest on the site. The Wadiana waterfall (or Goro Falls) is another easily accessible spot, with natural pools that are perfect for a dip.

And for an original swim, why not try the old hot springs around Prony? There are a total of three hot springs with sulphurous waters. Among them, the Baie de Carénage is very easy to access and has a pontoon where you can dock if you arrive by kayak or dinghy

A word of advice

Check before heading to the hot springs. Sometimes swimming is prohibited due to high sulphur levels.

Adventure and swimming at the Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue

You’ll find beautiful crystalline water holes in the park, on the Rivière Blanche side. The advantage is that you can reach them by car, which is handy for bringing your picnic. On the Rivière Bleue side, the park’s free shuttles drop you off at various strategic spots. Many of the stops lead to beautiful natural cavities, holes, and swimming areas. The wild setting is ideal for observing native wildlife, like the famous cagou. Providers like Sud Loisirs or Aventure Pulsion organise beautiful kayak trips on the river. The kayak excursion into the Flooded forest on an evening with a full-moon is a must-do. Don’t miss the chance to experience these magical moments outside of time, among the trees submerged in water.

Close to the range, near Thio

Change of scenery in Thio. Crossing the range, on the road that winds from Boulouparis to Thio, streams meander through the mountains. Many creeks, like the Japanese creek, are perfect for a refreshing stop. The small waterfalls of Vincent creek or the trou d’eau de la Tô De offer small cascades and swimming opportunities. The Ouindo tribe also offers access (with permission) to a hot spring.

La Foa, Sarraméa, Farino, Moindou: from waterfalls to pools

The Stations Vertes of La Foa, Farino and Moindou have lovely river swimming spots. In La Foa, you can enjoy swimming spots during a tribal visit. Because water is necessary for the fields, tribes often settle on the banks of creeks, as at Oui Poin, Katricoin or Oua Tom. Near Farino, the waterfall of the same name can be reached after a short walk. In Sarraméa, you can enjoy a good swim at the Marmite de Géant. Also known as Trou Feuillet or Cuve de Sarraméa, it’s a large pool with a natural slide. It’s an easy walk from the Évasion hotel. Finally, on the Moindou side, a walk leads to the Moindou river, where you can swim near the dam.

Bourail, between beaches and rivers

While the Bourail region is best known for its lagoon and coral reef, it still has hidden treasures. One of them is the Ny waterfall. About thirty minutes from Bourail, a family from the Pothé tribe welcomes you to their land. With your hosts, you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall and a succession of water holes perfect for swimming. You can picnic there or book a meal to share. Swimming and naps are part of the programme. If you’re up for it, your guide and host will also be happy to take you on a short hike to discover petroglyphs and hidden waterfalls in the forest. Among other wonderful places for a freshwater swim, don’t miss:

The Téné River, accessible from certain properties that welcome the public, like Les Bergers de Dreamland.
The Néra River, where the service provider Bourail Trip Kayak offers kayak tours by day or by light of the moon.

More to see in southern New Caledonia