Diving New Caledonia - The World's Largest Lagoon

This “Great Reef” is the unique home to nearly 2,000 different varieties of fish including 200 unknown species, and more remains to be discovered ! This is the result of the archipelago’s location in the immense expanse between the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. The water temperature ranges from 21° to 28°C providing ideal conditions in which coral, shells and fish thrive.

Whales migrate to the bays in the Southern Lagoon during the mating season (July-September). All year round, one can see underwater caves dotted with madrepores, unusually shaped sea sponges and fluorescent corals, while sea urchins, star fish, turtles, sea cows and humpback whales are all in the cast of the permanent colourful ballet performing in the lagoon. An amazing array of exotic fish and crustaceans make diving in New Caledonia a breathtaking and an unforgettable experience. Shell enthusiasts have up to 6,500 different types of molluscs to discover, including the endemic Cyprae niger or the Lambis. On rare occasions, the fascinating living fossil Nautilus macromphalus may rise from its usual habitat at a depth of 150 to 600 metres.

Marine reserves have been created by the New Caledonian Authorities on several islets to protect marine fauna and flora. There are also sunken shipwrecks, which act as artificial reefs and make great diving spots. Discover the Amédée Lighthouse Reserve, the Prony Needle in the south, the famous Ténia Horn near Boulouparis, the “Fault” near Poé, the underwater slopes on the ocean side of the reef, the Gorgonia Valley and the freshwater caves of the Isle of Pines, the Gazelle Pass to the north, the Hienghène Reef to the east and so many other sites of Lifou Island.