Making the most of Mare
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
Cruise passengers tender ashore at Tadine, Mare's main town.
Take a printable map with you.
Mare is the southernmost Loyalty Island and also the highest. Rugged cliffs fringe its shores, broken by fine-sand inlets. Across the island, the central plain has numerous caves and natural swimming pools left from the old lagoon…
Tadine is Maré's main village, a peaceful little port where visitors receive a warm welcome but are expected to observe local tribal customs.
The natural aquarium lies about 1.2 miles from Tadine towards Eni, a beautiful pool of translucent water.
At Eni, a water hole just inside the village on the left offers another place to swim.
Food and shopping
New Caledonia is costly because much of its food is imported. Bargaining is not part of the culture and attempting it may offend.
Money
The local currency is CFP franc (XPF.
Staying connected
French is the official language.
Hotels, restaurants and shops commonly use English and Japanese.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours run Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1400-1800, plus Sat 0730-1100.