Tag: noumea south caledonia

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Noumea, New Caledonia, in the South Pacific.

Perched overlooking the life-filled reefs of Noumea Lagoon, Noumea is the vibrant and colorful capital of New Caledonia.

Catch some shade in the city’s center, beneath Coconut Palm Square, and absorb the vibrant fusion of French and Kanak cultures. Or take a leisurely open-air stroll along the waterfront, where white boats bob and jostle on the lapping waters. Bring your tongs – the local word for flip-flops – there will be plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and leaf through paperbacks on dazzling beaches.

Noumea is a perfect jumping-off point for serene island adventures, too. Enjoy a voyage to the island paradise of Amedee Isl – a tiny green land with a narrow historic lighthouse rocketing up from its center. Climb 247 steps for the stunning view of the blotchy blue waters all around. Or, explore the waters to swim among turtles and orange clownfish.

Set among the New Caledonian barrier reef, there are incredible diving opportunities, and glass-bottom boats offer you a dry window into the underwater world. Kick back on some of the softest sand imaginable and enjoy glorious sea views from the inviting shade of coconut palms.

More island jaunts like Illot Maitre – which translates to the Master Isle – tempt, where you’ll find idyllic strings of stilted bungalows laced across the crystal-clear, shallow waters. Swim in the sparkling sea, and sprawl across the white sand beaches that are waiting.

Back in the city, try soft coconut crab, following a starter of New Caledonian prawns. Bougna is the traditional Melanesian dish of choice and a social experience in which locals share a mixture of vegetables and chicken in coconut milk, slow-cooked for hours in a banana-leaf-lined pit.

10:15 Enrichment Lecture with William Lokey: “Cruising Through the Ring of Fire”.
See how much we have learned about our Earth in the past 100 years, including the Theory of Plate Tectonics, and what we think the Earth is up to along our voyage

Today’s Excursion – Best of Noumea, New Caledonia.

Today’s Excursion – Best of Noumea.

We experienced the history, cultures, and scenic splendour of Noumea.

Noumea, Church of the Immaculate Conception

We departed the pier with a panoramic drive through the outskirts of Noumea. There are superb views of Nouméa and the ship as we drive along the road to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1874, and the oldest in New Caledonia. While exploring its interior, we viewed exquisite stained-glass windows depicting the miracles of Lourdes.

Ouen Toro, Anse Vata, Nouméa Aquarium, Nouméa, Baie des Citrons, Coconut Square

We continued back to Nouméa via the bays and stopped at La Ouen Toro Hill to take in panoramic views of the city, picturesque tropical islands, and reef-protected waters. Next, we drove to Anse Vata and the aquarium to see the stunning marine life of New Caledonia, including the fascinating prehistoric nautilus and rare fluorescent corals.

We continued to Baie des Citrons, passing elegant waterside apartments, numerous marina facilities, and the downtown area. Continue on to the central shopping district and beautiful Coconut Square before heading back to the pier.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.