Things to do & places to visit in Ile Des Pins, New Caledonia

Ile Des Pins #2 destination in New Caledonia 2023. The average rating score is 4.44 based on 3.495 traveler reviews, of 23 attractions. Timezone: Pacific/Noumea, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 13:01.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Atoll de Nokanhui (65 reviews)
- Pure paradise
Other Outdoor Activities

Was not easy to find someone who took me there, but after an hour search I was able to find a local guy in Vao, who took me there for a few hours on his fishing boat. Paid around 50 USD, which was a totally fair price for an one hour ride on his boat + 2 hours stay on the island. I had a chance to be on one of the best beaches in world, but this is something else, i'ts only yourlself in the middle of the pacific ocean on a small white sandy island with only 1 palm tree. Unforgettable experience! This is a must do while on vacation in Isle Of Pines! See more..
5.0 Oriana Nautique (27 reviews)
- Incredible
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours

The tour with Charly was absolutely amazing. We joined a group to Moro Island where we snorkelled over amazing coral reef. We also saw some loggerhead turtles and the blue coral. It was all spectacular and the price was very reasonable. Well done to Charly and his family from Oriana Nautique. See more..
5.0 Brush Island (23 reviews)
- Paradise on earth and wild
Islands

Got there with Mana Nautic. Two adults and three young children! We just lived it. The food was good and the landscape is just stunning. Saw few turtles and sting rays. Again, the view is just amazing! The water is perfect and the sand is so fluffy and white! Worth it See more..
5.0 Gadji Kayak (camping-vanilleraie De Gadji) (1 review)
- Plus qu'une activité, un échange culturel !
Scuba & Snorkelling • Water Sports • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing

Nous sommes un groupe d'amis qui souhaitions profiter du soleil et de cet endroit paradisiaque.
Nous n'avons pas était déçus de rencontrer Nicole !
Maîtresse des lieux, Nicole propose une location libre de canoë de mer pour aller visiter la baie de Gadji. Nicole a été très flexible sur le prix et les horaires, que nous avons définis nous-même après la sortie :) Son frère, Alex, est venu nous chercher en voiture à notre hôtel. Il y a de nombreux îlots à découvrir, notamment celui qui a accueilli Koh-Lanta en 2005 (saison 5) où nous avons accosté pour profiter de la plage et aller plonger en masque et tuba. Sous l'eau, une diversité folle en coraux, poissons et autres animaux marins. Sur l'eau, les couleurs turquoises sont si intenses qu'elles font penser à des photos retouchées en augmentant la saturation au max :p
Après avoir pic-niqué sur l'un des îlots, nous avons repris les canoës pour rentrer et avons croisé plusieurs tortues de mer (elles nagent super vite !).
Après avoir rangé les canoës, Nicole nous attendait avec une grande carafe de jus de fruits qu'elle venait de presser. Elle nous a ensuite fait visité son jardin en bois expliquant comment elle faisait pousser la vanille. Du Santal, de l'Aloe Vera, des Papayers... un endroit riche !
Après avoir passé plusieurs heures à échanger avec Nicole, nous sommes repartis émus par cette rencontre.
Alex, nous a ensuite ramené à notre hôtel en fin de journée, après avoir fait un détour pour nous à la baie de St Maurice (un autre incontournable).
Je recommande vivement d'aller faire la rencontre de Nicole qui vous fera découvrir plus que des paysages... See more..
5.0 Plage de Kutema (1 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

See more..
5.0 Atoll de Nokanhui (65 reviews)
- Pure paradise
Other Outdoor Activities

Was not easy to find someone who took me there, but after an hour search I was able to find a local guy in Vao, who took me there for a few hours on his fishing boat. Paid around 50 USD, which was a totally fair price for an one hour ride on his boat + 2 hours stay on the island. I had a chance to be on one of the best beaches in world, but this is something else, i'ts only yourlself in the middle of the pacific ocean on a small white sandy island with only 1 palm tree. Unforgettable experience! This is a must do while on vacation in Isle Of Pines! See more..
5.0 Oriana Nautique (27 reviews)
- Incredible
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours

The tour with Charly was absolutely amazing. We joined a group to Moro Island where we snorkelled over amazing coral reef. We also saw some loggerhead turtles and the blue coral. It was all spectacular and the price was very reasonable. Well done to Charly and his family from Oriana Nautique. See more..
5.0 Brush Island (23 reviews)
- Paradise on earth and wild
Islands

Got there with Mana Nautic. Two adults and three young children! We just lived it. The food was good and the landscape is just stunning. Saw few turtles and sting rays. Again, the view is just amazing! The water is perfect and the sand is so fluffy and white! Worth it See more..
5.0 Gadji Kayak (camping-vanilleraie De Gadji) (1 review)
- Plus qu'une activité, un échange culturel !
Scuba & Snorkelling • Water Sports • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing

Nous sommes un groupe d'amis qui souhaitions profiter du soleil et de cet endroit paradisiaque.
Nous n'avons pas était déçus de rencontrer Nicole !
Maîtresse des lieux, Nicole propose une location libre de canoë de mer pour aller visiter la baie de Gadji. Nicole a été très flexible sur le prix et les horaires, que nous avons définis nous-même après la sortie :) Son frère, Alex, est venu nous chercher en voiture à notre hôtel. Il y a de nombreux îlots à découvrir, notamment celui qui a accueilli Koh-Lanta en 2005 (saison 5) où nous avons accosté pour profiter de la plage et aller plonger en masque et tuba. Sous l'eau, une diversité folle en coraux, poissons et autres animaux marins. Sur l'eau, les couleurs turquoises sont si intenses qu'elles font penser à des photos retouchées en augmentant la saturation au max :p
Après avoir pic-niqué sur l'un des îlots, nous avons repris les canoës pour rentrer et avons croisé plusieurs tortues de mer (elles nagent super vite !).
Après avoir rangé les canoës, Nicole nous attendait avec une grande carafe de jus de fruits qu'elle venait de presser. Elle nous a ensuite fait visité son jardin en bois expliquant comment elle faisait pousser la vanille. Du Santal, de l'Aloe Vera, des Papayers... un endroit riche !
Après avoir passé plusieurs heures à échanger avec Nicole, nous sommes repartis émus par cette rencontre.
Alex, nous a ensuite ramené à notre hôtel en fin de journée, après avoir fait un détour pour nous à la baie de St Maurice (un autre incontournable).
Je recommande vivement d'aller faire la rencontre de Nicole qui vous fera découvrir plus que des paysages... See more..
5.0 Plage de Kutema (1 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

See more..
4.5 Piscine Naturelle (1.121 reviews)
- Hard to find!!
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

Once we found this gem, it was quite beautiful. Finding it though..,we found plenty of others having trouble finding it too. We finally followed the sign from the Le Meridien, the track took us to a fantastic lunch spot Le Koury. You need a reservation and they are BYO alcohol but the seafood was sensational (which we managed without a reservation). After lunch we walked along the beach out front of the restaurant and then there is a sign (the opposite end to Le’Meridien) pointing you to follow the river bed. about 10-15 and you will arrive. Lots of great fish and some coral. See more..
4.5 Kanumera Bay (502 reviews)
- Review of isle of pines day trip
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

We visited the isle of pines as part of a P&O cruise in June. This was our favourite island because there is much more to do here easily than lifou or mystery island. The most popular activities are swimming at kuto bay and snorkelling at kanumera bay. Kuto bay has a basic cafe that serves snacks, wine, beer and ice creams which was perfect for a quiet hour or two in the afternoon. There are a handful of stalls near the jetty that set up when a cruise ship comes in, and they do have some interesting souvenir items in addition to the usual tat. We love our Pareo featuring a colourful and fearsome kanak warrior. The stalls also offer 2 hour tours by bus of 6 local attractions. At $26 AUD, these were well worth it, but it pays to book straight away as if the tours are popular you may miss out. Our 8 year old enjoyed the tour immensely and took videos to show the class back home. The locals and friendly and welcoming compared to our day in port Vila, toilets were clean and you can see that there is local pride and effort made to retain the natural beauty of the place. We will definitely be going back to this lovely slice of paradise again but not on a cruise ship - it needs a couple of days! See more..
4.5 Kuto Bay (250 reviews)
- Kuto Bay ( baie de Kuto ) to Natural Pool and more - ile des Pins - cruise highlight!
Beaches

Our cruise ship anchored at Kuto Bay for the day. At the jetty we were greeted and given a leaf/floral head wreath, a tribal dance was being performed, and passengers dispersed to enjoy local beaches, tours or wander around the nearby market stalls. With our cruise ship not running tours to the acclaimed "natural pool" (Piscine Naturelle), I am pleased to have discovered a local driver Guy Vakie (kuu oro transport) prior to our trip. He met us at Kuto Bay in the morning from where we then enjoyed an affordable island tour - which included 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the amazing natural aquarium. Highlight of our South Pacific cruise trip! (I have done a seperate review for Piscine Naturelle). Guy dropped us back at Kuto Bay in plenty of time for the tender boat back to the ship. One day I will return to Kunie. Please message me privately if you would like to see photos from our day at the pacific islands Isle of Pines - or a contact email for Guy. See more..
4.5 Kunie Scuba Center (214 reviews)
- Life time experience
Scuba & Snorkelling

Pierre-Emmanuel and his team nailed it from the first contact (Phone call as I live in Sydney) to the end of the experience. The spot is simply a Must-Go for any divers but when you have a team behind to help you, sharing tips and technics, making the experience unique in its kind.. it becomes priceless ! In this quiet wonderful small island, you have to experience diving with them, trust me ! Hope to see you soon P.E and your team, Warm regards, Olivier See more..
4.5 Mana Nautique (208 reviews)
- Amazing ! 10/10
Monday: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Cultural Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Bus Tours

Amazing day ! Thoroughly recommend. We swam with manta ray and turtles. We saw leopard sharks, sea snakes, sting ray and so many fish. Lucas was an amazing guide, the water wasn’t as clear as normal but he worked hard to make sure we saw ad much as possible. Merci bcp See more..
4.5 Upi Bay (171 reviews)
- Wonderful spot to snorkle
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Arrived on a cruise ship - easy walk from the port. Such a gorgeous spot for snorkel and swim. This was the kids favourite memory from the cruise. Islanders sell food and drinks, offer hair braiding and sell trinkets. See more..
4.5 Oro Bay (158 reviews)
- Don't miss
Beaches

Beautiful! 20min drive from where tender boats drop you off if your on a cruise. $10 entrance fee Walk is 20-30min depending on tide. If tide is high you need to wade through thigh deep water- I did it barefoot the whole way but if you are not a barefoot person than reef shoes would be a good idea! Red & orange crabs are actually really cute & quite small! Don't see them in the water but do on land. When you get to oro bay the water is crystal clear! Go towards the far side where the ocean is for the warm current and most of the fish! The scenery and water is incredible- was hard to leave again. See more..
4.5 N'Ga Peak (151 reviews)
- Worth the effort
Mountains

A bit of a hard slog, especially if the weather is hot, but can be done by a family that includes a whining 11 year old daughter if you carry her backpack and threaten to leave her to walk back to the ship by herself ... it is all worth it when you get to the top though!!! I strongly recommend closed shoes (such as sneakers), a hat and a couple of bottles of water. We went first thing in the morning and were back in enough time to have a swim and a snorkel before going back to the ship for a late lunch. Signposts were a little vague, but once on the trail it was pretty easy to follow ... if you planning on doing the climb I suggest getting a map (such as the mud maps the cruise ships provide on their stop-over sheets) and getting someone to draw on it the way to go. See more..
4.5 Isle of Pines (114 reviews)
- Fantastic Private Tour with William Garcon
Spent < 1 hour Islands

We booked a private tour by email with William for our day trip on the ferry to Ile de Pins (Kunie Island). His email response was quick, informative and in excellent English, detailing places to visit, tour length and guaranteed departure for 2 people. We were met at the ferry and in 4 hours we covered all the points of interest on the island with great local knowledge, personality, professionalism and a sense of humour. Spectacular island - loved the time spent swimming at the Piscine Naturel aquarium. Many thanks to William for fantastic tour which was a highlight of our New Caledonia trip, we would highly recommend him. See more..
4.5 Neutomo Excursion (69 reviews)
- do not book anything with this company
Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours

A complete disaster, booked a month before the tour, confirmed by email, we called them the D Day, they told us that we were planned the next day (the good date was mentioned in the email confirmation), called them again they said they had a boat issue... They figured out to purpose something else and we said yes. One hour after they came back to us to say that wasn't possible anymore. Blocked at the hotel during the day, all other activities were already started or complete. "Sorry but not so sorry"... Do not plan anything with this company See more..
4.5 Ile Moro (26 reviews)
- Fantastic South Pacific Island
Spent 2-3 hours Islands

Beautiful island with all the expectations of a South Pacific location. Crystal clear waters, abundant elf fish and sea life etc. See more..
4.5 ZEVA TOURS Ile des Pins Guide (17 reviews)
- The only way to see the Isle of Pines!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I booked a tour with Zerena for 2nd Jan 2018 arriving by cruise ship. The planning was smooth with excellent communication via email. You don't pay until arrival so if the cruise line changes the itinerary there is no problem. We had 5 adults and the cost was for 8 so we simply mentioned it to someone on board in the line for excursions and we had our extra 3 which reduced the cost (cruise critic is also another way to find extra people). We booked a half day stopping first at Queen Hortense Grotto and then on to the natural aquarium. Zerena was an excellent guide with local knowledge and a great deal of enthusiasm. The ships tours can no longer go to the natural aquarium so a private tour is the only way to visit this beautiful snorkeling location. We also arrived at the grotto before the ships tours and so had the place to ourselves! There is a significant cost to visit the natural aquarium which results in the tour not being cheap but still great value. You will need to take xpf as she doesn't accept Aud. We found the half day tour perfect with the option to explore on our own from the tender port in the afternoon. Looking at the number of people snorkeling near the port really made us appreciate the tranquility on our private tour! Thanks Zerena! See more..
4.5 Baie de Gadji (5 reviews)
- Coco frais
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Endroit sympa , avec une cabane et un monsieur sympa qui vends de la coco fraîche , qu'on peut boire et manger.
(J ai bien aimé) , attention c'est l accsatif. See more..
4.5 Piscine Naturelle (1.121 reviews)
- Hard to find!!
Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

Once we found this gem, it was quite beautiful. Finding it though..,we found plenty of others having trouble finding it too. We finally followed the sign from the Le Meridien, the track took us to a fantastic lunch spot Le Koury. You need a reservation and they are BYO alcohol but the seafood was sensational (which we managed without a reservation). After lunch we walked along the beach out front of the restaurant and then there is a sign (the opposite end to Le’Meridien) pointing you to follow the river bed. about 10-15 and you will arrive. Lots of great fish and some coral. See more..
4.5 Kanumera Bay (502 reviews)
- Review of isle of pines day trip
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

We visited the isle of pines as part of a P&O cruise in June. This was our favourite island because there is much more to do here easily than lifou or mystery island. The most popular activities are swimming at kuto bay and snorkelling at kanumera bay. Kuto bay has a basic cafe that serves snacks, wine, beer and ice creams which was perfect for a quiet hour or two in the afternoon. There are a handful of stalls near the jetty that set up when a cruise ship comes in, and they do have some interesting souvenir items in addition to the usual tat. We love our Pareo featuring a colourful and fearsome kanak warrior. The stalls also offer 2 hour tours by bus of 6 local attractions. At $26 AUD, these were well worth it, but it pays to book straight away as if the tours are popular you may miss out. Our 8 year old enjoyed the tour immensely and took videos to show the class back home. The locals and friendly and welcoming compared to our day in port Vila, toilets were clean and you can see that there is local pride and effort made to retain the natural beauty of the place. We will definitely be going back to this lovely slice of paradise again but not on a cruise ship - it needs a couple of days! See more..
4.5 Kuto Bay (250 reviews)
- Kuto Bay ( baie de Kuto ) to Natural Pool and more - ile des Pins - cruise highlight!
Beaches

Our cruise ship anchored at Kuto Bay for the day. At the jetty we were greeted and given a leaf/floral head wreath, a tribal dance was being performed, and passengers dispersed to enjoy local beaches, tours or wander around the nearby market stalls. With our cruise ship not running tours to the acclaimed "natural pool" (Piscine Naturelle), I am pleased to have discovered a local driver Guy Vakie (kuu oro transport) prior to our trip. He met us at Kuto Bay in the morning from where we then enjoyed an affordable island tour - which included 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the amazing natural aquarium. Highlight of our South Pacific cruise trip! (I have done a seperate review for Piscine Naturelle). Guy dropped us back at Kuto Bay in plenty of time for the tender boat back to the ship. One day I will return to Kunie. Please message me privately if you would like to see photos from our day at the pacific islands Isle of Pines - or a contact email for Guy. See more..
4.5 Kunie Scuba Center (214 reviews)
- Life time experience
Scuba & Snorkelling

Pierre-Emmanuel and his team nailed it from the first contact (Phone call as I live in Sydney) to the end of the experience. The spot is simply a Must-Go for any divers but when you have a team behind to help you, sharing tips and technics, making the experience unique in its kind.. it becomes priceless ! In this quiet wonderful small island, you have to experience diving with them, trust me ! Hope to see you soon P.E and your team, Warm regards, Olivier See more..
4.5 Mana Nautique (208 reviews)
- Amazing ! 10/10
Monday: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Cultural Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Bus Tours

Amazing day ! Thoroughly recommend. We swam with manta ray and turtles. We saw leopard sharks, sea snakes, sting ray and so many fish. Lucas was an amazing guide, the water wasn’t as clear as normal but he worked hard to make sure we saw ad much as possible. Merci bcp See more..
4.5 Upi Bay (171 reviews)
- Wonderful spot to snorkle
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Arrived on a cruise ship - easy walk from the port. Such a gorgeous spot for snorkel and swim. This was the kids favourite memory from the cruise. Islanders sell food and drinks, offer hair braiding and sell trinkets. See more..
4.5 Oro Bay (158 reviews)
- Don't miss
Beaches

Beautiful! 20min drive from where tender boats drop you off if your on a cruise. $10 entrance fee Walk is 20-30min depending on tide. If tide is high you need to wade through thigh deep water- I did it barefoot the whole way but if you are not a barefoot person than reef shoes would be a good idea! Red & orange crabs are actually really cute & quite small! Don't see them in the water but do on land. When you get to oro bay the water is crystal clear! Go towards the far side where the ocean is for the warm current and most of the fish! The scenery and water is incredible- was hard to leave again. See more..