View of Oro Bay at Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
ISLE AWAY YOUR STRESS

Cruise to Isle Of Pines, New Caledonia

Time will stop when you first lay eyes on the Isle of Pines' glittering blue water and white, powdery beaches. Nicknamed "The Jewel of the Pacific," this small isle greets you with the spiny trees that line its shores — these pines give the island its name. Formed from nutritious volcanic rock, the isle is surrounded by the New Calendonia Barrier Reef. Cruise to Isle of Pines and head to secluded Upi Bay, where you can go snorkeling and see the reef up-close, as well as clownfish, sea turtles and other exotic sea life. Or take the one-hour hike through lush rainforest to the top of N'Ga Peak. From the summit, you can spot the natural pool at Oro Bay — head there afterward to relax and splash around in the clear waters surrounded by pines.
National Language French
Currency Accepted CFP Franc (XPF)

Things To Do in Isle Of Pines

Pic N'ga towering over Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Play King of the Island

Pic N'ga towering over Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Pic N'ga towering over Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Play King of the Island

The hike up to the highest point, Pic N'Ga, takes only an hour. As you walk, catch glimpses native bird life and soak in the perfume of tropical flora. At the summit, your hard work is rewarded with panoramic views of the entire island and the never-ending blue ocean.

Rocky coast at Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Go Au Naturelle

Rocky coast at Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Rocky coast at Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Go Au Naturelle

A quick taxi ride will land you at Piscine Naturelle, a natural saltwater lagoon filled with clear blue waters and powder-soft sand. Less crowded than the other areas, these shallow waters are the perfect spot to slow down and take in the natural splendor.

Kanumera Bay at Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Kanumera Bay at Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Snorkel Around the Sacred Rock

Snorkel in warm waters in Kanumera Bay during your cruise. You'll come across an ancient sacred rock covered by vegetation. Made from pure limestone, it's passionately protected by the Melanesian people. Swim its circumference, and catch glances of colorful schools of fish passing by.

Traditional Israeli shawarma and falafel with fried eggplant
Traditional Israeli shawarma and falafel with fried eggplant

Local Cuisine

The isle is small but well-prepared for tourists. At Kuto Bay — yet another snorkeling spot — you'll find a small cafe serving island food and drink. Try bougna, an island specialty of fish, chicken or lobster with yams cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in a banana leaf. Bulimes, the local snails, are also a delicacy. Cruise to Isle of Pines and walk along the shores, and you'll pass local-run stalls selling BBQ meat skewers and tasty grilled lobsters.

Ceramic plates and other souvenirs in the flea markets in Haifa, Israel
Ceramic plates and other souvenirs in the flea markets in Haifa, Israel

Shopping

Dotted around the bay areas are little market stalls where you can shop for souvenirs. The Islanders make a fragrant oil from the roots and inner trunk of sandalwood trees, or pick up a pareo — a local sarong — for your beach trips back home.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Wear a shirt that covers your shoulders and shorts to your knees if you leave the beaches.
2 You can rent snorkeling equipment from shops near the port if you don't have your own.
3 Be sure to wear coral-friendly sunblock that is environmentally friendly!

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