Explore Loyalty Islands Province through two rich strands of discovery: cultural festivals and experiences on the water. On Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa, you’ll encounter traditions, cliffside landscapes and different ways to experience the coast.
Festivals that bring culture and cuisine together
The Fêtes des Îles Loyauté take place each year on Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa, offering cultural and traditional activities. If you’d like to include a festival in your trip, check the dates in advance.
On Maré, the Fête de l’avocat adds a culinary highlight: the festival includes a producers’ market, craft stalls and food stalls serving Maré avocado in a variety of recipes. At the Fête du Wajuyu in Roh, the vivaneau de Maré (snapper) takes center stage in November; activities include boat trips and snorkeling. Check the dates for this event before you travel, too.
Cliffs, atoll and experiences on the water
On Ouvéa, one beach stretches for two kilometers. The Atoll d’Ouvéa et Beautemps-Beaupré also has a special status: it is included as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Lagoons of New Caledonia.” A boat excursion to the Pléiades du Sud visits the islets and includes snorkeling. A guided excursion to the Falaises de Lékiny combines snorkeling with swimming among fish. The Baie de Lékiny is classified as a “customary and natural reserve.”
The two snorkeling experiences differ in their destinations and itineraries: the trip to the Pléiades du Sud goes by boat to the islets, while the guided excursion at the Falaises de Lékiny also includes swimming among fish. You can choose between these activities based on the experience that interests you most.
On Lifou, the Falaises de Jokin rise to almost 60 meters in places and offer ocean views. Visitors can dive in clear water at the foot of the cliffs; local conditions may vary. On Maré, guided hikes include routes to the Terrasses de Shabadran, where steep cliffs descend to the ocean.
Getting to and finding your way around Lifou
Air Calédonie flights from Nouméa reach Wanaham airfield on Lifou in about 40 minutes. Flight times and availability may change; check current schedules before your trip.
The Village d’Easo on Lifou is a visitor center equipped to receive cruise passengers. Its facilities include a local craft market, a snack bar, restrooms, an information office and several leisure and dining areas. If any specific facilities are important to your visit, check their current status in advance.
When looking for a vacation rental, choosing an island or location can be a helpful starting point. First consider whether festivals, cliffs and hikes or boat trips and snorkeling experiences are the main focus of your trip; the place names mentioned here can help guide your search.
New Caledonia in a broader context
New Caledonia provides the broader geographical context. Its lagoons are home to an exceptional diversity of coral and fish species; a continuous sequence of habitats extends from mangroves to seagrass meadows. Bougna is also part of New Caledonia’s culinary heritage: this dish is usually made with fish or meat, tubers, Poingo bananas and coconut milk. It is cooked in banana leaves surrounded by hot stones.
Discover more destinations: South Province, North Province.
Return to the main travel overview: New Caledonia.
