By the newcaledoniatravel.com team · Updated 6 October 2026 · Activities
The UNESCO-listed lagoon makes New Caledonia one of the Pacific's great underwater destinations, with easy shore snorkelling and serious diving on the passes.
Best snorkelling
- Îlot Canard (Nouméa): marked underwater trail, five minutes by water taxi.
- Amédée Lighthouse: turtles and reef fish straight off the beach.
- Jinek Bay (Lifou): a protected bay with superb coral.
- Oro natural pool (Isle of Pines): calm and crystal clear.
- Poé (Bourail): shallow reef close to the shore.
Best diving
- Boulari Pass near Amédée: big pelagics, sharks and rays.
- Isle of Pines: caves and dramatic drop-offs on the outer reef.
- Poindimié and Hienghène on the East Coast: lush, little-visited reefs.
- Lifou: excellent visibility and caverns.
Tips
Water temperatures run from about 22°C in winter to 28°C in summer. Use reef-safe sunscreen, don't touch anything, and check that your insurance covers diving.
Plan your New Caledonia trip
Hotels, tours and transport in one place.
Header photo: Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 3.0
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