Making the most of Lifou
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 near the village of Easo.
Easo beach stretches about 300 m on either side of the tender dock. It’s a beautiful beach, with palm trees backing a golden stretch of sand, which gently shelves into the turquoise water. Facilities include a nearby café, restrooms, and beach equipment hire. There’s also a colorful local market next to the pier.
Lifou does not have a traditional downtown area, but the main village near Easo is We (also known as Wé or Xepenehe), located approximately 3 miles (about 5 kilometers) from the tender jetty.
The commune of Lifou is made up of Lifou Island, the largest and most heavily populated of the Loyalty Islands, its smaller neighbor Tiga Island, and several uninhabited islets in between these two. All these islands lie among the Loyalty Islands, 190 km to the northeast of New Caledonia's mainland.
Lifou is the largest coral atoll in the Loyalty archipelago. Lifou has the wonderful charm of an island that has managed to preserve its own traditional Kanak culture. You'll stand there awestruck in front of all of its breathtakingly beautiful views. Lifou is special in that it has a number of diversified landscapes; the northern coast of the island is made up of high, steep cliffs, whilst the southern side has pristine white sand beaches with stunning turquoise waters.
The walking paths and tracks, to the churches, beaches & lookouts are great, with some smooth roads and a few 'bumpy' uneven paths, so take good walking shoes, or wear your 'reef/aqua' shoes. The humidity makes it a bit of a hard slog, at times, but the subsequent views are well worth it. Make sure you take a bottle of water with you.
Getting around
Close to where you get off the tender there is a large thatched-roof hut where a few locals will have items for sale. About 10m further from the water there is a tiny thatched-roof hut where the locals sell the tours. The tours are in cars and people-movers and go to the church, the village and the chief's hut. A stop is made near the water where there is a good view across to the ship. Cost about $15 pp
The snorkeling is very good over in the next bay about 10 mins easy walk and the water is much clearer if you go out a little way out from the other swimmers.
Travel across the island to see the dramatic cliffs of Jokin. Lifou Island is an ancient coral atoll that has become raised high above sea level over time. The towering cliffs once formed the walls of the island's barrier reef. Once the island's barrier reef walls, they offer dazzling views of Lifou's clear aquamarine water, vibrant fish population and the occasional whale.
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.
Locals will set up a market selling souvenirs and food near the pier.
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