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
Ships anchor just off the island and carry their passengers ashore by tender.
Bring a printable map ashore.
Sightseeing
Emerald Bay and Poum village lie within the world's largest lagoon, at the northern end of New Caledonia's principal island, Grande Terre. New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France, and the setting provides a distinctive backdrop to beautiful, uninhabited Divine Island.
Beyond swimming and snorkelling, there is very little to do during a Poum visit. The setting is beautiful, and most cruise lines will supply a picnic lunch and bar facilities on the beach. Certain ships even set up underwater speakers.
A warning about the beach: it consists entirely of fragments of dead coral. This is quite remarkable, but the coral is uncomfortable to walk on barefoot, so purchase reef shoes before travelling.
Food and shopping
New Caledonia is extremely expensive because much of its food must be imported. Bargaining is not part of the culture, and attempting it may cause offence.
Money
The currency is the CFP franc (XPF
Staying connected
French is the official language.
English and Japanese are both spoken widely across Poum's hotels, restaurants and shops.
Opening Hours and
In Poum, shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1400-1800; Sat 0730-1100.
Observed holidays are New Year's Day, 1 Jan; Easter Monday; Labour Day, 1 May; 1945 Victory Day, 8 May; Ascension; Whit Monday; Bastille Day, 14 Jul; Assumption, 15 Aug; French Treaty Day, 24 Sep; All Saints' Day, 1 Nov; Armistice Day, 11 Nov; Christmas Day, 25 Dec; and New Year's Eve, 31 Dec.