ISLE OF PINES
Isle of Pines is arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is unique, no arguing about that, it mixes typical tropical island vegetation and colonnary pines, which are found only in New Caledonia. When Captain James Cook discovered the island in 1774 he was struck by this singular vegetation, and named the island accordingly.
Kuto bay, Kanuméra bay, Upi bay and the Oro natural swimming pool are four of the most amazing sites to be seen, and are what makes it’s reputation as the ‘Closest island to Paradise’, as coined by Katsura Morimura in her best seller novel in 1964.
Our advice: stay 2 nights at least at Isle of Pines. The longer you stay the more relaxed you will be by the time you leave!!
Equipment: sun protection (sun glasses, sunscreen, hats), snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel, flippers are optional), and mosquito repellent for some locations.
3 days Isle of Pines Package in a charming guest house:
Fly from Nouméa domestic airport to Isle of Pines, a shuttle van awaits you at the arrival gate. Day off, just settle in and relax. On the second day, early morning departure for the Upi Bay excursion on a traditional dugout canoe, arrive at the Oro natural swimming pool and have a traditional Boonia for lunch. Return to Nouméa on the third day.
From 300 EUROS € per person, double or twin share bedrooms, breakfast included. Extra night: 40 EUROS € per person.
3 days Isle of Pines Package in a 4 stars hotel : double or twin share bedrooms, breakfast , domestic flights and airport transfers included. Same excursions as above. From 510 EUROS € per person. Extra night: 135 EUROS € per person.
Optional activities at Isle of Pines : scuba diving, day trips to Nokanhui islets, guided fishing trips, visit the Queen Hortense cave, walk to the N’Ga mountain top (1 hour).
BETICO FERRY to ISLE OF PINES The Betico ferry is the cheapest way to get to Isle of Pines, however it is not a good option for people who tend to be sea sick.
Our Tip: fly to Isle of Pines and return to Noumea on the Betico. The return trip on the boat is much steadier, and offers great panoramic views with sunsets in the background.
The Betico ferry departs from central Noumea and takes 2.5 hours to arrive in Kuto Bay. The ferry departs from Noumea at 7 am, and leaves Kuto Bay at 5 pm. Passengers must arrive 45 minutes prior to departure.
LOYALTY ISLANDS
Believe it or not the Loyalty Islands are even more relaxed than Isle of Pines. Tourism is not as developed there, you will find a couple 2 star hotels, a lot of guest houses, and bed breakfast homes which allow you to truly experience the relaxed Kanak way of life.
LIFOU is the largest of the Loyalty Islands and offers the greatest variety of landscapes. It his highly advisable to rent a car to discover the white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, vanilla plantations, and other wonders the ‘Drehu’ people will show you.
Our tip: take your snorkelling gear to discover Easo, an easily accessible location with shallow waters, beautiful coral and schools of tropical fish.
3 days Lifou package: 2 nights accommodation in a 2 star hotel, breakfasts, domestic flights, car rental (airport pick up and drop off) included.
From 440 EUROS € per person on a twin or double share basis.
Other activities on offer: scuba diving, guided walks
MARE is the most mysterious island, home to many legends and myths. To discover the island's magnificent hidden coves and beaches local guidance is necessary. 3 days Maré Package: domestic flights, airport transfers, 2 nights acommodation, breakfast included. From 420 EUROS € per person.
Rental cars available at the hotel.
SAILING TO THE ISLANDS Make an exclusive chartered catamaran booking for you, your family and friends, or book a double cabin on our scheduled cruises.
5 day cruises: to the Southern lagoon or the Isle of Pines. 7 day cruises: to Isle of Pines + Southern Lagoon or Loyalty Islands.
From 220 EUROS € per day per person, 2 scuba dives, full board included.
You are welcome to bring your own alcohol, within reason.
More information about the KUARE and other ships on offer in our cruises section.
ISLANDS DAY TRIPS Short on time but still in need of an absolute mind blowing island relaxation?
In one day you can visit Ouvea, Lifou or Isle of Pines.
Take the first flight from Noumea to the island of your dreams and fly back with the last flight.
Shuttles to key locations and car rentals are available on site.
SCUBA DIVING ON THE ISLANDS
Count about 110 EUROS € per person for a 2 dives day-trip.Count about 75 EUROS € per person for a first dive experience.
Prices may vary on each island.
Of course, all scuba dive activities are managed by dive instructors in agreed scuba centers.
INTER ISLANDS PASS
Domestic airline AIR CALEDONIE has a special deal for all international travelers: the inter-islands PASS.
This pass offers a bargain price for a total of 4 flights between Noumea and the islands.
Most advisable option for those who want to discover both the isle of pines and the Loyalties with minimum travel time.
Contact us for more details about this special deal.
Main selection of hotels in our offers :
GITE D'ORO Chez Regis - Isle of Pines.
HOTEL OURE - Isle of Pines
DREHU VILLAGE - Lifou
NENGONE VILLAGE - Maré
Isle of Pines: unique landscapes!!
Our tip: don't forget your snorkelling gear and eat local seafood!!
Isle of Pines: unique landscapes!! 
