🇳🇪Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in New Caledonia

Coral Sea

sea

South Pacific Ocean

sea

Tropical Southwestern Pacific

province

New Caledonia

ecoregion

Vanuatu

ecoregion

Aquarium

Aquarium is a dive site situated on a coral reef, offering a depth of 6 meters for beginner divers. Certified divers can explore the outer slope of the reef, which features a complex structure of faults and caves. The site is characterized by a vibrant coral environment, home to anemones and clownfish. Additionally, divers may encounter pelagic species such as turtles and sharks during their dives.

-21.6878, 165.4642

Arche aux gorgonnes

Arche aux gorgonnes features a striking coral arch situated at a depth of 17 meters, with a steep drop-off extending from 35 meters to depths exceeding 60 meters. This site is characterized by an abundance of gorgonians, making it ideal for deep diving. Marine life includes grey sharks, white tip reef sharks, offshore sharks, and eagle rays, along with a variety of fish and nudibranchs. The entry to the site is from the shore.

-21.7497, 165.5060

bargibenti

Bargibenti features two prominent pinnacles located at the entrance of the Grande Passe de Poindimié. Divers can descend into the blue waters to search for Bargibenti seahorses and garden eels. The site is also known for sightings of various large pelagic species, including grey sharks, blacktip sharks, white tip sharks, eagle rays, and stingrays. The macro life is rich, with diverse nudibranchs and black coral shrimp present in the area.

-20.8355, 165.3947

Boulari Plateau Manta

Boulari Plateau Manta features a plateau at a depth of 13 meters that extends into the Boulari pass. This site is characterized by strong currents and is primarily a drift dive. It is known for its cleaning station, which attracts manta rays, making it a prime location for observing these creatures. In addition to manta rays, divers may encounter grey reef sharks, schools of jacks, octopus, and moray eels.

-22.4949, 166.4411

Carouso Mio

Carouso Mio features a prominent arch adorned with gorgonians located on the outer reef. The dive site is accessible via shore entry and is situated at coordinates -20.829500, 165.408900. Divers can expect to encounter gray sharks, barracudas, and other pelagic species that often approach for underwater photography opportunities. The site offers a unique underwater landscape with a pinnacle that descends into the clear blue depths, providing an excellent environment for divers.

-20.8295, 165.4089

Chemin des écoliers

Chemin des écoliers is situated in the Poindimié channel and features a series of pinnacles along with interconnected tunnels and caverns. The site is known for its diverse coral species, including gorgonians, tabular corals, and massive porites. Depending on the tidal conditions and current, divers may encounter various marine life such as barracudas, sharks, eagle rays, and humpback parrots.

-20.8369, 165.3879

Dahab de Nous

Dahab de Nous consists of a series of five pinnacles situated on the outer reef, characterized by large gorgonian corals. Divers navigate between these pinnacles through narrow canyons and faults. A notable feature of this site is a long tunnel that is illuminated by shafts of light, leading to the final pinnacle. The area is frequented by schools of pelagic fish, including jacks, rays, and tunas, enhancing the underwater experience.

-20.8312, 165.4046

épave du Umbolt

The wreck of the Umbolt is a fishing vessel intentionally sunk, resting on a sandy bottom at a depth of 20 meters. The wreck is oriented at an angle, leaning to the starboard side. Divers can expect generally good visibility at this site, which is well-preserved and offers shelter from wave action. Marine life commonly observed includes scorpionfish, shrimp, and schools of jackfish. There is also a possibility of encountering sharks and stingrays in the vicinity.

-22.3285, 166.2360

Ever Propérity

Ever Propérity is located at the coordinates -22.456100, 166.366700 and features a dive site situated at the base of a wreck that is grounded on the reef. The area showcases a plateau that exceeds 10 meters in depth, characterized by numerous passages, arches, and caves. A notable drop-off is present, descending to depths of 70 meters. The site is sensitive to swell conditions. Marine life includes a variety of reef fish, macro fauna, and ovula-type shellfish, with pelagic species such as sharks, tuna, and rays frequently observed along the reef.

-22.4561, 166.3667

Extasy

Extasy is a dive site located approximately 1.5 hours by boat from Noumea. This site is infrequently visited, providing opportunities to observe grey sharks, eagle rays, and various gorgonians. The average depth at this location is around 25 meters, and divers should be prepared for strong currents. Notable marine life includes bumphead parrotfish, groupers, and napoleons, making it a diverse underwater environment.

-22.7357, 166.6957

Faille de Poe

Faille de Poe is situated in the center of Poe Lagoon and features a unique rift that resembles an ancient riverbed. Divers can expect limited visibility and strong currents, making it essential for divers to have a minimum of 20 logged dives. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including large schools of barracudas, stingrays, jacks, sharks, and guitarfish.

-21.6041, 165.3389

Fausse passe de Uitoé

Fausse passe de Uitoé is characterized by a sandy beach and a notable drop-off, making it an interesting dive site. The area is best explored during calm weather conditions, as the current in the bay is generally very weak. Divers can expect to encounter leopard sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and various reef fish. Additionally, there is a chance to see pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, tuna, and manta rays.

-22.2828, 166.1835

Forêt du Snark

Forêt du Snark is a shallow dive site ideal for beginners and training, featuring a well-preserved coral reef. The site offers opportunities to observe grey sharks, stingrays, turtles, schools of barracuda, and various coral fish. The sandy beach entry provides easy access for divers. Depths range from 12 to 22 meters, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers.

-22.4675, 166.3970

Grand coude de Kele

Grand coude de Kele is located approximately 40 minutes from the dive center and offers a variety of dive experiences. The site features both shallow and deep dives, allowing divers to encounter a diverse range of marine life. Notable species include schools of grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, leopard sharks, barracuda, and various nudibranchs. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater environment.

-21.7459, 165.5080

grande passe

Grande Passe offers a dynamic dive experience characterized by a strong current that varies with the tide. Divers typically enter the site by boat and navigate across the main plateau. The underwater landscape features pinnacles adorned with gorgonians. Marine life is abundant, including blacktip and whitetip sharks, grey sharks, tunas, jackfish, and barracudas. Caution is advised when entering and exiting the water due to the current conditions.

-20.8359, 165.3813

Green Turtle

Green Turtle is a dive site accessible from the shore, located at coordinates -21.689500, 165.462300. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels and features a diverse marine ecosystem. Notable marine life includes green turtles, porcelain crabs, eagle rays, bulldozer shrimp, nudibranchs, pipefishes, white tip sharks, and ghost pipefishes. The site offers various diving experiences, allowing divers to explore different aspects of the underwater environment.

-21.6895, 165.4623

Grottes aux Chats

Grottes aux Chats features a cave system that reaches depths of 60 meters, with a chimney that allows divers to ascend to 35 meters. This site is suitable for decompression dives and extended range diving, with dive durations of up to 60 minutes possible. Marine life includes stingrays, pelagic species, eagle rays, lobsters, crocodile fish, various reef fish, anemones, and nudibranchs.

-21.6878, 165.4638

Îlot Maître

Îlot Maître is a dive site located on the edge of the Maître islet, characterized by a sandy bottom interspersed with potato corals. The site is ideal for training exercises, particularly between depths of 3 meters and 6 meters, and is sheltered from prevailing winds. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including numerous turtles, nudibranchs, parrotfish, and rays resting in the sand.

-22.3326, 166.4078

jardin d'alcyon

Jardin d'Alcyon is a notable pinnacle located within the Ant Pass, characterized by its rich coral coverage. This site is particularly renowned for its macro life, where divers can discover various species by closely observing the underwater environment. Commonly spotted marine life includes nudibranchs, dragon shrimps, syngnathids, porcelain crabs, and gorgonian spiders. Additionally, divers may encounter a shoal of platax upon entering the water. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore its unique features.

-20.8913, 165.4774

Jardin de Marc

Jardin de Marc is a drift dive site located to the north of the Boulari pass, featuring a gentle slope that descends from 6 meters to 50 meters. The site is marked by a ray-shaped stele dedicated to Marc, a diver who cherished this location. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life along the external slope, including schools of trevally, bannerfish, soldier fish, as well as turtles, rays, and sharks.

-22.4906, 166.4322

Just for Nous

Just for Nous is a shore entry dive site featuring a submerged pinnacle located within the pass of the ant. Divers can explore a cave that extends to a depth of 25 meters. Navigating through the gorgonians is essential to access this underwater feature, where divers may encounter a moray eel, known as the guardian of this site. The area is also home to various marine life, including kingfish, jacks, and barracudas. Photographers should ensure they have adequate lighting to capture the vibrant schools of anthias that inhabit the gorgonian forests.

-20.8886, 165.4789

l’arche

L'Arche is a notable dive site characterized by a prominent pinnacle located in the Grand Passage. The site features a significant arch that rises over 20 meters, adorned with large gorgonian corals. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of pelagic species, including grey reef sharks, white tip and black tip sharks, as well as wahoo, barracudas, and clown triggerfish. The presence of actinia anemones adds to the site's biodiversity. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.

-20.8362, 165.3881

L'Aiguille de Prony.

L'Aiguille de Prony is characterized by a series of underwater peaks that emerge from warm water currents. The primary peak begins at a depth of 3 meters and descends to 40 meters, featuring multiple plateaus and hot-water vents distributed along its height. This site is particularly suited for macro photography, with the presence of an endemic nudibranch species. However, visibility is frequently limited, which may affect the overall diving experience.

-22.3299, 166.8332

la caverne d'Albi baba

La Caverne d'Albi Baba offers a unique diving experience with a depth reaching 40 meters, leading to the drop-off of the Poindimié trench. Divers can explore a significant chimney that descends into a cavern at 60 meters, which opens onto the summit ridge of the trench. The trench itself extends to depths exceeding 300 meters. Marine life is abundant, featuring pelagic species such as carrangues, tunas, thazars, barracudas, and large schools of platax and fusillers. Occasionally, divers may encounter a school of albi near the cave's exit.

-20.8338, 165.3816

La Diéppoise, wreck

La Diéppoise is the wreck of an anti-mine vessel that later served as a lighthouse and beacon ship. The wreck lies at a depth of 25 meters, making it accessible for divers. Originally constructed with a wooden hull to evade magnetic mines, the wood has since decayed, leaving only the ribs visible, which allows for a glimpse inside the structure. While the site has limited fixed fauna, divers can observe schools of fish in the vicinity, along with occasional sightings of sharks and rays passing by.

-22.4811, 166.4419

la faille de baye

La Faille de Baye is accessed from the shore and features a descent through a chimney leading into a canyon adorned with gorgonians. Divers can observe large schools of hatchet fish swirling within the rift, along with various lobsters and prawns. The site is also frequented by numerous pelagic fish, providing an expansive view into the blue waters beyond the canyon.

-20.8935, 165.4897

Labyrinthe 1

Labyrinthe 1 is characterized by a complex network of passages, tunnels, and small arches, all adorned with gorgonians. Divers are advised to stay close to their guide to navigate through the intricate layout. The site is also near a cleaning station, which often attracts curious globulas drawn in by the bubbles produced by divers.

-20.7705, 165.2851

Le Sournois

Le Sournois is located at the edge of the lagoon, featuring depths that range from 6 meters to 20 meters. This site is notable for its high concentration of fish, including numerous schools of reef fish. Divers may also encounter pelagic species such as grey reef sharks, mantas, and leopard rays. Occasionally, nautiluses can be spotted here as well. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.

-22.5237, 166.4507

Les tunnels d’Actinéria

Les tunnels d’Actinéria is characterized by a series of small faults and tunnels, providing shelter from external swell and wind. This site offers diverse marine encounters, including species such as discus anemones, orangutan crabs, various sizes of sharks, and even tiger sharks. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its unique underwater features.

-20.8334, 165.4007

Magic drift

Magic Drift offers a dynamic diving experience amidst pinnacles adorned with gorgonians. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including tazars, humpback parrotfish, tuna, barracuda, eagle rays, gray sharks, and reef sharks. The dive features a strong current, allowing for a rapid drift through the site. The location is situated at coordinates -20.836000, 165.380800 and requires entry by boat.

-20.8360, 165.3808

Manta point

Manta Point is a dive site known for its cleaning stations frequented by oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) and reef mantas (Mobula alfredi). Divers can observe these majestic creatures, each with unique colors and spot patterns, as they perform their graceful movements. The dive begins with a descent into the blue waters at the confluence of currents, which is essential for reaching the cleaning station. This site is recommended for experienced divers due to the strong currents and the depth at which the mantas are typically found.

-20.7737, 165.2796

Mirlo

Mirlo is located at coordinates -20.988600, 165.534000 and is accessible via shore entry. The dive site is situated approximately 45 minutes from the large pass of Bayes. It features significant underwater formations, including large faults adorned with giant gorgonians. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of pelagic species, including schools of blue fusiliers, jacks, barracudas, and thazars. Grey sharks and, on rare occasions, hammerhead sharks may also be spotted in the area.

-20.9886, 165.5340

Mur Aux lôches

Mur Aux lôches is located at the inner wall of the Dumbéa pass, featuring a vertical wall that begins at a depth of 5 meters and descends to 25 meters. The site is characterized by strong currents that attract a variety of pelagic species. Divers may encounter large schools of around 70 grey reef sharks, along with other marine life such as napoleons and mantas during their dive. Occasional sightings of hammerheads, great whites, bull sharks, and dogtooth tuna have also been reported.

-22.3627, 166.2573

Natacha

Natacha is situated in the BAYES channel, approximately 45 minutes from the nearest boat launch. The dive site features four pinnacles adorned with large gorgonians, showcasing a variety of species and colors. Divers can observe numerous schools of jacks and blue fusiliers swimming around the pinnacles, while sharks are often seen cruising in the area.

-20.9759, 165.5478

Pascaline

Pascaline offers a diverse underwater environment with features such as tunnels and arches. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including grey sharks, white tip sharks, black tip sharks, and large schools of blue fusiliers and surgeons. The site is also home to unique species like pygmy seahorses and various nudibranchs, making it suitable for both wide-angle and macro photography. The entry to the site is from the shore, providing easy access for divers.

-20.8366, 165.3805

Passe de Mato

Passe de Mato is located in the deep southern region, approximately two hours from Nouméa. The dive site features a plateau that begins at a depth of 10 meters and extends down to 70 meters. It is exposed to swell conditions, which can affect visibility. Divers can expect to encounter typical fauna associated with outer drop-offs, including a variety of reef fish and macro life along the wall. The channel offers opportunities for pelagic sightings in the open water.

-22.6868, 166.6467

Passe exterieure Boulari

Passe exterieure Boulari is located on the outer side of the Boulari pass and serves as a starting point for drift dives in the channel. The site is characterized by incoming currents, which attract a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see grey reef sharks, barracudas, loaches, mantas, reef fish, and eagle rays during their dive. The conditions here are suitable for experienced divers due to the current dynamics.

-22.4932, 166.4365

Passe intérieure de Boulari

Passe intérieure de Boulari is located on the inside of the Boulari pass and serves as the entry point for drift dives when the outgoing current is present. It can also be utilized for return trips. The site is home to a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and loaches, as well as whitetip reef sharks. Additionally, pelagic species such as grey reef sharks and eagle rays are often observed passing through the area.

-22.4879, 166.4397

Phuket

Phuket offers divers a unique underwater experience characterized by walls adorned with gorgonians and vibrant tunnels. The site features clusters of porite corals, which are home to colorful Christmas tree worms, alongside black and bubble corals. Large formations of acropora can also be observed. Marine life includes species such as kingfish, jacks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, nurse sharks, as well as orangutan and porcelain crabs. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its rich biodiversity.

-20.8366, 165.3844

Pinacle d’Actineria

Pinacle d’Actineria is located on the outer reef and is well-protected from trade winds, making it accessible for divers of all levels. The site features a unique underwater landscape characterized by faults, small tunnels, and prominent pinnacles. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including large schools of humpback parrotfish and surgeonfish. Notable anemones such as a striking purple anemone and a disk anemone can also be found here.

-20.8331, 165.3984

Pinacle du 19 Novembre

Pinacle du 19 Novembre features a complex underwater landscape with large faults, varying canyons, and tunnels. The site is adorned with numerous gorgonians, including giant anemones and whip gorgonians that host various marine life such as Zanzibar shrimps and gobies. Divers can observe thazars, surgeonfish, schools of blue fusiliers, jacks, and sharks in the area. The dive site is accessed by boat.

-20.8335, 165.4103

pointe de Dumbéa

Pointe de Dumbéa is located at the outer entrance of the Dumbéa pass, featuring a plateau at a depth of 14 meters that transitions to a drop-off reaching 40 meters. Divers can experience this site by drifting towards the mur aux loches during an incoming current or by remaining stationary. The site is known for sightings of grey reef sharks within the Dumbéa channel, along with the potential to encounter various pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, great white sharks, and bull sharks.

-22.3669, 166.2560

récif intérieur de Dumbéa

The récif intérieur de Dumbéa is located on the lagoon side of the Dumbéa pass. The dive site features a sandy bottom that ranges from 6 meters to 14 meters in depth, with the reef situated on the inside. This area is known for its abundant marine life, including large schools of jacks, barracudas, tarpons, Napoleon wrasse, loaches, eagle rays, and sharks. The site also marks the beginning of the Dumbéa pass drift, where divers can experience outgoing currents.

-22.3636, 166.2632

Récif Prony

Récif Prony is a wind-sheltered reef that is well-suited for beginner divers. The dive site features a depth range from 3 meters to 12 meters. Divers can observe a variety of lagoon fauna, including small lagoon fish, crustaceans, clownfish, parrotfish, nudibranchs, and schools of sand dabs and coral spuds. The site provides a calm environment for training and exploration.

-22.2629, 166.3296

Récif Tabu

Récif Tabu features a gently sloping sandy reef that transitions into a rocky drop-off on one side. This site provides a sheltered environment, making it suitable for beginner divers. The wreck of the Toho 5 is located beneath the surface, adding an interesting feature to explore. Marine life includes various species such as unicorn fish, clownfish, surgeonfish, and loaches. Divers may also encounter sand rays, whitetip sharks, and garden eels resting on the sandy bottom.

-22.4806, 166.4466

Sarconphitum

Sarconphitum is located opposite the BAYES islet and features a drop-off characterized by formations resembling mushrooms on a sandy bottom. The area is rich in marine life, including garden eels, various shells, nudibranchs, and species such as sharks and tuna. Divers can also observe blue fusiliers and leather corals, along with egg cowries. The site is accessed from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly.

-20.8940, 165.4802

sea horse

The Sea Horse dive site is situated on the outer side of the Dumbéa pass, specifically on the right-hand side. This location features a rich plateau that begins at depths over 10 meters and transitions into a drop-off that reaches down to 60 meters. The area is known for its diverse marine life, particularly on the plateau where schools of fish are abundant. Divers may encounter pelagic species along the drop-off, including hammerhead sharks, albacore, whales, eagle rays, and mantas. Additionally, sightings of swordfish have been reported. Conditions can include swell and current, making it essential for divers to be aware of their surroundings.

-22.3419, 166.2307

Spot aux surfeurs

Spot aux surfeurs is situated in a sheltered false pass, providing protection from wind and swell. The dive site features a plateau that extends 6 meters in length before descending to depths of 60 meters. This location is suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners and those in training. The plateau is abundant with marine life, showcasing schools of surgeonfish, sardines, and parrotfish. The drop-off area is home to pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, albacore, tuna, and rays.

-22.3310, 166.2217

Tépava

Tépava is situated along the reef of Maître Islet within the lagoon, providing a habitat rich in marine life. The site is particularly known for its abundance of turtles in the shallow waters. Divers can also encounter large schools of bighead trevally, as well as white tip sharks, octopus, moray eels, loaches, and barracudas. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this vibrant underwater ecosystem.

-22.3469, 166.4111

Tignes

Tignes offers divers access to the Vallée Blanche, characterized by a sandy bottom that supports a diverse range of marine life. Notable species include humpback parrotfish, large-lipped castex, trout loaches, leopard sharks, nurse sharks, and giant clams. The site is suitable for both scuba diving and freediving, with conditions that allow for exploration of its unique biodiversity. Entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience the underwater ecosystem directly.

-20.8443, 165.4181

Toho II, wreck

The Toho II is a 55-meter longliner wreck that has been intentionally sunk in 25 meters of water near Nouméa. The site features boulders located at the stern and remnants of an old US Army pontoon. Divers can often observe a turtle resting on the bow, along with numerous norned sea snakes. A school of trevally is frequently seen around the bow area. Visibility at this site can often be poor, which may affect the diving experience.

-22.3176, 166.4570

Toho V (Wreck)

The Toho V is a 55-meter longliner wreck intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, resting at a depth of 25 meters. It is positioned on its keel on a sandy bottom adjacent to Tabu Reef. The site is known for its good visibility, making it suitable for divers. A dive lamp is recommended for exploring the wreck, and divers should be cautious of lionfish in the area. Marine life commonly observed includes jacks, loaches, and Pterois, with a notable increase in alvins around April, when they can obscure the wreck.

-22.4828, 166.4446

tombant 60

Tombant 60 is a site suited for deep technical diving, with a descent reaching depths of 40 meters before approaching a drop-off that extends beyond 120 meters. Divers can observe large gorgonians, some measuring over 4 meters in length. Advanced nitrox training is recommended due to the potential for narcosis at these depths. The site is accessed from the shore.

-20.8336, 165.3949

tubs ans co

Tubs ans Co features a complex system of deep tunnels and caves that are home to a variety of marine life, including porcelain lobsters, blue lobsters, large cleaner shrimps, and various species of crabs. Divers can also encounter jacks, thazars, and barracudas in the area. It is essential to have underwater lights and maintain perfect buoyancy while exploring this site due to its intricate structure.

-20.8355, 165.3819

Val d’Isère

Val d’Isère is situated within a unique double barrier reef, one of only nine globally. The dive site features a sandy seabed and a rich diversity of corals, with over 130 species documented. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including blacktip and whitetip sharks, moray eels, barracuda, and both green and bighead turtles. The dive concludes with the observation of impressive coral formations, often referred to as coral roses.

-20.8454, 165.4208

Vertigo

Vertigo is characterized by its unique underwater landscape featuring various topographical elements such as cracks, tunnels, and shafts of light. The site is abundant with anemones, including giant, red, and pizza anemones, which host a variety of small marine life like crabs and shrimps. This dive site offers a rich exploration opportunity for divers interested in observing diverse marine ecosystems.

-20.8347, 165.3961

Waneck

Waneck offers a diverse underwater landscape characterized by numerous pinnacles, arches, and small tunnels. The site is rich in macro life, including species such as the Bargibent's seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), various nudibranchs, and the orangutan spider. For those interested in larger marine life, the area is frequented by barracudas, sharks, and large fish like Platax. The dive site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore its unique features and abundant marine biodiversity.

-20.8373, 165.3902

Zorglub

Zorglub offers an intriguing cave diving experience characterized by extensive tunnels illuminated by shafts of light. Divers may encounter hatchet fish while navigating through these passages, requiring good stabilization skills. The site is also home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, humpback parrots, tuna, and king mackerel in the surrounding waters. Additionally, the macro environment within the tunnels features species such as sea pens, enhancing the biodiversity of the dive.

-20.8349, 165.4134