Making the most of Poum Emerald Bay
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.
Printable map to take along.
Sightseeing
Emerald Bay and the village of Poum sit within the world's largest lagoon at the northern tip of the main island, Grande Terre, in New Caledonia (an overseas territory of France), and provides a unique backdrop for the beautiful uninhabited Divine Island.
There is really not much to do when you visit Poum except swim and snorkel. It is a beautiful location and most cruise lins will provide a picnic lunch and bar facilities on the beach. Some ships even provide under-water speakers.
A word of warning about the beach. It is made up of all pieces of dead coral. Quite incredible but you cannot walk on the coral comfortably with bare feet, so buy yourselves some reef walkers before you go.
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
1 Jan New Year's Day. Easter Monday. 1 May Labour Day. 8 May 1945 Victory Day. Ascension. Whit Monday. 14 Jul Bastille Day. 15 Aug Assumption. 24 Sep French Treaty Day. 1 Nov All Saints' Day. 11 Nov Armistice Day. 25 Dec Christmas Day. 31 Dec New Year's Eve