The following list highlights some of the best beaches in New Caledonia. So if you are in New Caledonia, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Loyalty Islands Province
Yejele Beach, Cengeite
Address – Yejele Beach, Cengeite, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°35’49.0″S 167°54’18.0″E
Yejele Beach is located on the southern coast of Maré Island, in the Loyalty Islands archipelago, part of New Caledonia. This beautiful beach of bright white sands is backdropped with both palm trees and pine trees. Its shallow waters are crystal clear, with coral reefs that extend all along the beach making it a great snorkeling spot. There are local food stalls along the beach offering meals, snacks and drinks. Yejele Beach is still unspoiled; a place where you can enjoy and admire nature, free from crowds and noises.
Eni Beach, Niri Bay
Address – Eni Beach, Niri Bay, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°37’39.0″S 167°56’48.4″E
Eni Beach is located on the Niri Bay, on the southern coast of Maré, one of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. This small beach, with soft white sand and turquoise waters, is a remote spot, quiet and perfect to relax and disconnect. The water is crystal clear with almost no waves, making this a safe spot for everyone to swim or snorkel. There are a few snack bars and local vendors around the area, or you can bring your own food and have a picnic on the green and shaded areas of the beach. This lovely beach is mostly frequented by locals, so it never gets busy or crowded.
Peng Beach, Lifou
Address – Plage de Peng, Lifou, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 20°54’33.4″S 167°07’15.5″E
Peng Beach is located on the western coast of Lifou, one of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. Remote and unspoiled, this white sandy beach is surrounded by a verdant forest, offering stunning views everywhere you look, especially during sunset. The turquoise water is clear and calm, safe for everyone to swim, with rocky caves for snorkeling. To reach this lovely spot, you need to follow a path through the forest; don’t forget to bring food and lots of water! Peng Beach is usually uncrowded and quiet, perfect to relax.
Patho Beach, Mare
Address – Patho Beach, Mare, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°34’55.0″S 168°06’26.7″E
Patho Beach is located in Patho, on the eastern coast of Maré, one of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. This extensive, picturesque beach offers pristine white sand, turquoise waters and stunning views, especially during sunrise. The water is crystal clear, shallow and calm, safe for swimming, with coral reefs and colorful fish for snorkeling. This area is remote, with scarce facilities, so make sure you bring your own food and everything you might need;. On the other hand, thanks to this, Patho Beach is uncrowded and perfect to relax in a quiet atmosphere.
Plage de Ouano, La Foa
Address – Plage de Ouano, La Foa, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°50’48.5″S 165°48’36.6″E
Ouano Beach is located in La Foa, on the southern coast of Grande Terre, the largest island in New Caledonia. This serene beach, with a long sandy coast and green areas, is a great spot to hang out with family or friends, having a picnic and camping at the beach. The shallow water is calm, with beautiful marine life making this a safe spot for swimming and snorkeling. The camping ground offers all necessary facilities, meals, barbecue areas and a welcoming staff. It never gets crowded or busy, and the beach is spacious and quiet, perfect to sunbathe and relax.
Luengoni Bay, Lifou
Address – Luengoni Bay, Lifou, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°02’06.0″S 167°24’39.0″E
Luengoni Bay is located on the eastern coast of Lifou, one of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. This extensive and picturesque beach offers soft white sand, verdant trees casting natural shade over the coast, and turquoise waters adding to the stunning view. The water is shallow, calm and crystal clear, rich with marine life, making this a great spot for snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles. Being so extensive and spacious, Luengoni Bay never gets crowded or busy, and the atmosphere is always peaceful. You can find a few local vendors and food stalls around the area, where you can get snacks, drinks and souvenirs.
Baie Des Tortues, Maré
Address – Baie Des Tortues, Maré, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°30’54.5″S 167°50’59.8″E
Baie Des Tortues, or Turtle Bay, is located on the western coast of Maré, one of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. Long and extensive, this white sandy beach is surrounded by pine and palm trees, and just like the name states, it’s a top beach for spotting sea turtles. The clear, turquoise waters are calm and shallow, safe for swimming and perfect for snorkeling. This is a favorite beach among locals, it never gets crowded, and you can find food stalls in the area; however, make sure to check the tide before your visit, and avoid low tide if you want to go snorkeling.
Chateaubriand Bay, Lifou
Address – Chateaubriand Bay, Lifou, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 20°54’32.8″S 167°15’28.4″E
Chateaubriand Bay is located on the eastern coast of Lifou, one of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. This lovely bay welcomes you with pristine white sand, bright blue waters, and an extensive coast for walking and sunbathing. The water is calm and shallow, with small waves for swimming and playing, and a nice, warm temperature for a relaxing bath. You can find stores, restaurants and accommodation along the road and around the area, just a short walk away from the shore. Even during the busiest days, the beach is long and spacious, and it never feels crowded or busy.
Wadra Bay, Mu
Address – Wadra Bay, Mu, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°05’57.7″S 167°24’25.3″E
Wadra Bay is located in Mu, on the eastern coast of Lifou, one of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. Both sandy and rocky, this natural and unspoiled beach is backdropped by lush trees, offering stunning coastal views with turquoise waters and warm weather. The calm water is turquoise and shallow, so clear that you can spot colorful fish swimming around without a snorkel. You can find a restaurant along the main road, and the green areas around the beach are perfect for picnics. This quiet beach never gets crowded, and the atmosphere and weather are nice for sunbathing and relaxing.
The Best Beaches in North Province
Plage Blanche, Poum
Address – Plage Blanche, Poum, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 20°17’45.6″S 164°06’01.3″E
Plage Banche is located in Malabou, on the northwestern coast of Grande Terre, the largest island in New Caledonia. Also known as White Beach, thi lovely coast offers pristine sand and bright blue waters backdropped by verdant trees, the perfect spot to unwind and relax. You can reach this lovely beach by 4×4 vehicle, or by following the path on foot, and you are rewarded with sunny weather and stunning views. The water is calm and safe for everyone to swim, and you can try canoeing around the area, have a bonfire, a barbecue and a picnic at the beach. It never gets crowded or busy, but keep in mind that most visitors arrive during weekend afternoons.
The Best Beaches in South Province
Kuto Beach, Kuto
Address – Kuto Beach, Kuto, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 22°39’24.9″S 167°26’36.4″E
Kuto Beach is located in Kuto, on the southern coast of Isle of Pines, part of New Caledonia. This crescent-shaped, white sandy beach is backdropped with verdant trees casting shade over the shore, and offers amazing views, especially at sunset. The crystal clear waters have a beautiful turquoise shade, and are perfect for snorkeling. Besides, being so warm and calm, swimming in Kuto Beach is a relaxing experience on its own, almost a must while in Kuto. There are restaurants and resorts nearby, all but a short walk away from the beach.
Baie Des Citrons, Noumea
Address – Baie Des Citrons,Lemon Bay, Nouméa, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 22°17’48.4″S 166°26’16.9″E
Baie Des Citrons, or Lemon Bay, is located in Nouméa, on the southern part of Grande Terre, part of New Caledonia. This is a long and thin strip of white sand, with clear waters of a beautiful blue color backdropped by verdant trees. To the left end of the beach, you can try snorkeling and spot many different sea creatures, such as turtles, octopuses and stingrays. The water is clear, warm and shallow, safe and perfect for everyone to swim. There are many different restaurants along the beach, as well as shops and resorts. Nightlife in Lemon Bay is renowned, with some bars and clubs giving a party-like atmosphere to the beach on weekend nights.
Anse Vata Beach, Noumea
Address – Anse Vata Beach, Noumea, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 22°18’10.1″S 166°26’31.2″E
Anse Vata Beach is located in Nouméa, on the southern part of Grande Terre, part of New Caledonia. Soft white sand stretches for as far as the eye can see on this picturesque beach, with bright blue waters backdropped by palm trees. The beach is rather windy, which makes it a perfect spot for windsurfing; you can get everything you need from a windsurfing store at the beach. Besides, you can get a water taxi to visit the islets nearby. During sunset, the views from the shore are breathtaking and unforgettable. There are restaurants of all kinds along the beach, as well as cafes, bars and stores. The beach tends to get busy during weekends, but it is extensive enough that it never feels crowded.
Poe Beach, Bourail
Address – Poe Beach, Bourail, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 21°36’38.8″S 165°23’17.2″E
Poe Beach is located in Bourail, on the southern coast of Grande Terre, part of New Caledonia. This thin stretch of white sand has a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, offering activities for everyone. You can rent a kayak to explore around the beach, or snorkel over the coral reef to admire the underwater life. The wind is perfect for kitesurfing, and there is the option to fly on a seaplane to admire the beach from above. There are some restaurants, fast food places and resorts in the area. The beach is usually calm and quiet, and never gets overly crowded.
Amédée Islet, Grande Terre
Address – Amédée Islet, New Caledonia
Google Maps Link – 22°28’34.2″S 166°28’08.2″E
Amédée Islet is located off the southern coast of Grande Terre, the largest island in New Caledonia. This beautiful, paradisiacal islet is the perfect getaway from a busy life, with white sand beaches and turquoise waters offering stunning views for unique photography. The water surrounding the island is rich with marine life, especially sea turtles, and you can swim and snorkel with this amazing creature. Besides, you can climb to the top of the lighthouse and admire the unique view. There is a snack bar near the pier, as well as a nice hotel with friendly staff. Keep in mind that this is a popular islet for tourists, and the beaches can be busy during summer.