Top Things to do in Noumea
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What to do and see in Noumea, Grand Terre: The Best Nature & Parks
Noumea, on the island of Grand Terre, is the capital of the French territory of New Caledonia. The peaceful port city has a diverse population and colorful European architecture, reflecting its colonial history. Having served as the headquarters of the US Army during WWII, the tropical shrubbery of Ouen Toro Mount is now under the protection of abandoned Naval guns. The Michel Corbasson Zoological and Forest Park offers visitors shaded walks amongst rare birds and views out over the lagoon.
Restaurants in Noumea
1. Signal Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Ingsana40 - Sydney, Australia
Read the reviews booked this fast fun wet trip to Signal Island and loved it. Travelling with kids 9 16 and 18 always tricky trying to please everyone - this hit the spot. Be prepared for a bumpy fun ride over white caps to a deserted Island and swim with Turtles in their natural environment. Few lovely fish and gorgeous beaches around the Island. Remember there is nothing but one small covered table and seating area - nothing else Bring you own snorkel gear drinks and food and take all rubbish and empties back to the mainland with you. Loved this island would happily return Am happily recommending to do this trip from New Caledonia
2. Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,915 reviews
The "Aquarium des Lagons" is a public joint venture between the Government of New Caledonia, the Government of the Southern Province, and the City of Noumea. The statutes of the organization define its major goals and objectives : Management of the Aquarium Contribute to the promotion, protection and conservation of New Caledonia's aquatic environments Take part in the promotion of tourism in New Caledonia contribute to the distribution of scientific information relating to aquatic flora and fauna Develop partnership with other French, European or international institutions engaged in similar activities Our mission is to reach these goals and objectives. The Aquarium team, with the range of disciplines called for, is constantly working with this in mind.
Reviewed By kimaI1699BD - Brisbane, Australia
I was pleasantly surprised by the aquarium, it was bigger than expected and a good range of things to view. The turtles are adorable and huge! There is also a few sharks and some really big fish in the main tank. I also wouldn’t like to bump into that sting ray in the ocean!
3. Ilot Maitre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 481 reviews
Reviewed By nztraveldiva
If you want to snorkel in NC, definitely take the Water Taxi to Ilot Maître. Check the tides (we arrived about 2:00pm, halfway between low and high on the incoming tide and it was just deep enough) & I’d recommend taking a picnic to eat. This island is better laid out for day trippers than Ile aux canards, with a designated area of loungers etc that you don’t have to pay for (unlike IaC). Our taxi driver was kind enough to recommend that given the tide, we venture into the water to the right of the jetty where it’s deeper, and follow the reef along. We took his advice and were not disappointed, seeing lots of fish & of course turtles! Fabulous snorkelling. We were happy campers!
4. Les Boucles de Tina
5. Promenade Pierre-Vernier
6. Amedee Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By gogoagain
We, as a group of eight booked this tour through our ship. Efficient transfer by modern ferry to the island. Sufficient sun lounges and shade available. Snorkel gear can be rented for 10aud each (refundable). Lovely snorkeling, lots of fish and a few turtles. Lunch was a surprise. Buffet, well set up with lots of stations, food was very good and plentiful. Seafood was delicious. Entertainment was very good and payed back. Thourghly enjoyable day.
7. Lemon Bay
8. Mont Coffyn
9. Ile aux Canards island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,372 reviews
Reviewed By 706AndrewP - Melbourne, Australia
Less than 10 minutes offshore from Noumea by water taxi, this tiny island is well worth a visit.You can walk around it in little more than 5 minutes. Half of the centre is roped off to protect the bird life. The rest is a sculpture garden between low, meandering coral walls around a large traditional hut where you order food and drink and reserve snorkeling equipment. Arranged along the beach are a couple of dozen pairs of beach lounges each under an umbrella - $43 AUD for the day hire, and absolutely worth it. (They do regularly come around and check that you have paid for them, so don't try to sneak one!) As other reviewers have pointed out, it is not a place to get away from people. There is a couple of metres between each pair of lounges, and most are taken on a nice day, so don't expect a beach to yourself. It is 10 minutes from the city after all. Head north on Grande Terre or go to the Loyalty Islands (I recommend Lifou) if you want km of soft white sand beaches all to yourself. On Canards, you should be snorkeling anyway. The 'trail' along 5 buoys isn't particularly informative, but you don'y need it. Masses of fish (over 40 species identified, plus all those I couldn't), a harmless sea snake, but no turtles that day. The best and most convenient snorkeling, especially for kids, that I've ever done, Great Barrier Reef included. Sandals/reef shoes essential - it's a coral island, so no soft sand. Not particularly expensive, unless you're a huge eater - lounge and gear rental, plus food for 3 cost less than $100 AUD for the whole day - great value. The water taxi picked us up and dropped us off from our beachside hotel, and despite nominating a time to return, we stayed on for an extra 3 hours as we were enjoying it so much, with no issues. Just ask Jack the extremely helpful 'beach boy' to contact the taxi for you to reschedule. It's a great family day out a stone's throw from Noumea. Do pay attention to the volunteer guides, who are continually having to remind people to not stand on the coral!
10. Anse Vata Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,027 reviews
Reviewed By MaaritPG
nice beach where you can also rent surf boards, kite surf, or paddle or take a taxi boat to the nearby islands
