Dive New Caledonia

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of our 6 page Diving Brochure.

The New Caledonia Lagoon

Covering an area of 24,000 sq km and 1600km long, the New Caledonia Lagoon is the largest in the world. It is so unique that it has recently been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

And featuring over 900 varieties of coral, and over 15,000 marine species, it is truly a unique underwater paradise. Especially as the relatively low numbers of divers to this region have enabled the diving sites here to remain pristine.

Visual Highlights

Whales migrate to the bays in the Southern Lagoon during the mating season (July-September).
The opportunity to see a huge variety of marine life including turtles, dugongs, nautilus, manta rays, sun fish and thousands of varieties of tropical fish and corals. Plus parrotfish, blue rockling, grouper, leopard rays, reef sharks, tuna, "tazars", "vivaneaux", mullet… as well as lobster and their local cousins, "popinées".
The lagoon is blessed with luxuriant marine flora: caverns carpeted in "bryozoaires" and gorgonia, sponges, fluorescent corals, tiara shaped sea-eggs, starfish, and crinoids.
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 on Lifou Island.
On rare occasions, the fascinating living fossil Nautilus macromphalus may rise from its usual habitat at a depth of 150 to 600 metres.

Snorkeling

New Caledonia is home to some of the most beautiful islands on earth, surrounded by a myriad of small coral islands and atolls that are perfect for calm water snorkeling. The Isle of Pines is also a snorkeling paradise. Clear turquoise water and fine white sandy beaches can be found all over the island. There are also several small islets within the island’s protective reef.

There is a choice of professional dive operators in New Caledonia who can take you to some of the most beautiful places to snorkel in the world. There is a range of Full Day and Half Day trips available, with departures from Nouméa every day. There is even a special night snorkeling trip that uses special torches to illuminate the magnificent fluorescent corals. In Nouméa, snorkeling equipment is also available at many resorts and can be hired from the centrally located Plages Loisirs.

Scuba Diving

Dive in warm, peaceful crystal clear waters that attract divers from around the world - for all levels from first-timer to advanced. Dives available are adapted to the levels and preferences of individual divers, and include simple introductory dives, first dives, courses and diplomas, underwater photography and night dives. In New Caledonia, diving is a real pleasure, with comfortable water temperatures of between 21°C and 28°C depending on the season.

There are many PADI, SSI and CMAS approved diving centres, all offering beginners courses, training and certification for discovery dives, caving, night dives and photo dives. Full equipment is available for hire.

For Your Peace of Mind

New Caledonia Diving Association
The New Caledonia Diving Association is made up of 11 dive centres. The Association produces and sells the “Dive Card”, which gives divers access to the most beautiful sites in New Caledonia in conjunction with the affiliated dive centres. The professional dive centres are also obliged to hold a tourist license to operate, which is controlled annually.

Dive Security
The Comex 1800 decompression chamber has been operational since June 2004 to respond to any diving accident. The decompression chamber is located near Nouméa’s main hospital, accessible by land, sea or air. It is managed by the legal association of 1901 "Sécurité Plongée" (Diving Safety)

Baggage Allowance on Air Caledonie
A supplementary baggage allowance of 10kg (total of 20kg maximum) is permitted on domestic flights for people wishing to dive out of Nouméa. It is advisable to obtain further information from your dive operator or from the domestic airline, Air Calédonie, before confirming your airline ticket.

Click the links below to visit some of the Diving providers in New Caledonia.

ABYSS PLONGEE
AMEDEE DIVING CLUB
BOUTS D'BROUSSE
KUNIE SCUBA CENTER
LAGOON SAFARIS
NAUTAC ALIZE (South Pacific Tours)
NOUVELLE CALEDONIE PLONGEE