New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines is a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. Surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise colored waters that lap gently at the white sand beaches, the island is surrounded by several smaller islets that are also bounded by its protective reef. Beautiful topside and amazing beneath the surface, the island is surrounded by fantastic dive sites. Here are three of the best.
Garden of Eden
A series of deep fissures that penetrate the top of the coral reef, creating grottoes and canyons, Garden of Eden begins at a depth of about 11 meters and features maximum depth at 45 meters. With visibility at 30 meters most of the time, it features tunnels and swimthroughs teeming with reef fish and crustaceans, the garden features a wealth of hard corals and soft coral alike. Huge gorgonians and big bouquets of sponge add even more color to an already spectacular scene. Here, you may encounter grey reef sharks, some as large as 3 meters long, along with densely packed schools of glassfish and anthias. As you ascend, you may be led through a chimney which starts at fourteen meters and brings you back up to the reef top; a perfect ending to an amazing dive!
Gorgonian Valley
The first pygmy seahorses ever discovered were found offshore from New Caledonia in the 1960’s, and when you dive Gorgonian Valley, you may encounter some of these incredible little creatures. Besides the seahorses, you’ll find reef fish in abundance, including tangs and Moorish idols, butterfly fish and angelfish, clouds of bright orange anthias, and many others. Crustaceans are here in abundance as well, and so are little cowries, intricately detailed shrimps, and countless nudibranchs. The valley itself is amazing, offering a steep, sloping profile that drops away to maximum depth of 50 meters. Be sure to bring a good light with you on this dive; though visibility is excellent, sometimes topping 30 meters, you’ll want to be able to see all the colors on display.
Kasmira Reef
A magnificent mound shaped reef that rises up from the seabed at 17 meters to within just 3 meters of the surface, Kasmira Reef offers visibility that sometimes exceeds 30 meters. With lovely coral heads and dense schools of yellowtail snappers, plus lots of pipefish and blue lunar fusiliers, it is a good place to encounter nurse sharks, some as large as 3 meters long. Large stingrays with discs as wide as 1.5 meters have been encountered here as well, and it is not uncommon to spot manta rays and reef sharks passing in the blue. Watch for groupers, moray eels and lots of different species of damselfish, along with countless other tropical fish and other creatures.
Isle of Pines boasts an airport and does have a few hotels; if you’re looking for a quiet place to get away from it all while enjoying some world class diving, this is certainly a good place to do just that. As space is limited, be sure to plan in advance for what may well be one of the most memorable trips you’ve ever taken.