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Sport & Activities
Watersports: Snorkelling 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 the Amédée Lighthouse Reserve (including shark feeding), Escapade Island (around Ilôt Maître), La Dieppoise (shipwreck of a Royal Navy patrol ship sunk in 1988), the Prony Needle, the Ténia Horn (near Boulouparis), the Fault (near Poé), the Hienghene Reef and Lifou Island. There are many PADI-approved diving centres 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 centres, contact New Caledonia Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). The Bay of Anse Vata and Côte Blanche, both in Nouméa, are the favourite 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’ favourite 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, particularly on Turtle Island, where special facilities are available. 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 watching: From July to September, humpback whales can be spotted during the mating season in the bays of the southern lagoon and Lifou. Excursions are organised from Nouméa and from the south of the mainland to spot them. The whales may also be seen during scuba diving trips.
Boat trips: Excursions in Melanesian outrigger canoes are organised 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.
Hiking: Arrangements 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.
Horseriding: Excursions are organised from Nouméa, La Foa, Bourail, Dumbea and 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.
Golf: New Caledonia has three 18-hole golf courses plus driving ranges and putting greens. Private lessons, hire of equipment and restaurants are available at the Tina Golf Club, Dumbéa Golf Club and Ouenghi Golf Club.
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