Making the most of Ouvea Iles Loyante
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
Ships anchor just offshore from the island, with passengers tendered ashore.
Bring a printable map.
Ouvéa is a commune in New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands Province, a French overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean. It includes Ouvéa Island, smaller Mouli Island and Faiava Island, plus several surrounding islets; all lie in the Loyalty Islands northeast of New Caledonia's mainland.
Often called the closest island to paradise, Ouvea is praised as New Caledonia's finest beach and one of the Pacific's loveliest coral atolls. A 25km stretch of clean white sand borders a turquoise lagoon, and at some points the single-road island is less than 40 meters wide. Mild conditions, welcoming Melanesian and Polynesian residents and magnificent seascapes give Ouvea an earthly-paradise feel.
Food and shopping
New Caledonia is expensive because much of its food is imported. Bargaining is not part of the culture, and attempts to do so may cause offence.
Money
The currency is the CFP franc (XPF.
Staying connected
French is the official language.
English and Japanese are widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Opening Hours and
Opening times are Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1400-1800, Sat 0730-1100.