Making the most of Ile des Pins
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The ships anchor up just off the island and tender passengers ashore to the Bay of Kuto. You will be greeted by native music and dance. From there you can stroll to the beach or explore the lanes. This is no resort area, it is very ‘rustic’ and that is why it so appealing to many.
Printable map to take along.
Named for the unique pines (some more than 200 ft/60 m tall) covering the interior of the island, Ile des Pins is a South Pacific beachcomber's paradise. The pure white beaches of Kuto and Kanumera Bays, surrounded by coconut trees and wild orchids, are truly among the best in the world.
Getting around
There are tour operators offering various tours immediately to the right when you get off the tender and around to the left near the area where the locals put on dance shows and set up market stalls.
Head to one of the island's interesting caves: Ouatchia (beautiful stalagmites), Wemwanyi, or Queen Hortense's Cave (a popular cave where a 19th-century queen supposedly hid during a tribal war) and Troisieme, or the Third (stalactites and stalagmites in a partially flooded cave)
A guide comes in handy by visiting these caves.
Nearby places
Visit Piscine Naturelle, a natural swimming pool in a shallow enclosed lagoon connected to the ocean through a series of narrow caves full of beautifu fish species. Taxi $30 each way. 20 km. The entrance to the pool cost USD2.00 and the snorkel gear is USD5.00 to hire. It is located next to the fabulous Meridien resort.
Food and shopping
New Caledonia is very expensive, since much of the food needs to be imported. There is no culture of bargaining either and attempting such might cause offense.
Money
Currency CFP franc (XPF)
Staying connected
Official languages French
English, and Japanese are widely spoken at hotels, restaurants, and shops
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1400-1800, Sat 0730-1100