The Isle of Pins: between dreamlike beaches and spectacular scenery

Welcome to the »closest island to paradise« 

Pacific Island, Kunié (in the Kanak language), better known as the Island of Pines, is an integral part of the French territory of New Caledonia. It is located in the southeast of the large mainland of New Caledonia in the coral sea, about 110km from Nouméa. We were lucky enough to spend two days there during this fabulous trip to New Caledonia, and even today we still tear up when we recall those magical moments. Words really fail to describe the beauty of the scenery… Lush vegetation, wonderful lagoons, deep seas rich in a unique biodiversity – the Island of Pines truly has everything to seduce…

A true haven of nature where time seems to have stopped, the calm and the softness of the climate of this timeless place will quickly make you forget the long hours of travel from mainland France, allowing you to explore this exceptional corner of paradise, often described by many people as the most beautiful island in the world…

How to get to the Isle des Pins?

To get to the Isle of Pins, several modes of transport are available to you. The air connection is made from the Magenta airport, located in the heart of Nouméa near the Tjibaou Cultural Center. If, like many visitors, your point of arrival is the international airport of Tontouta-Nouméa, know that there is a bus line available, the shuttles of the company Arc En Ciel, as well as numerous taxis that regularly serve the city and the main tourist routes.

The flight to the Isle of Pins only takes about twenty minutes! Be sure to get on the plane first so you can sit «at the window» to enjoy the beauty of the scenery as you fly over the island.

More information about Air connections Noumea Isle des Pins

The maritime connection, on the other hand, is made with the Betico 2, a modern transport vessel with a catamaran hull. This vessel serves several destinations, including the Isle of Pins. The journey from Nouméa to the Isle of Pins takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes but can vary depending on weather conditions. If the sea is rough or if you have seasickness, consider paying an extra fee to sit in one of the comfortable seats on the upper deck; you will feel less of the movements of the boat.

More information about the maritime connections aboard the Betico 2

Where to sleep?

Whether you want to spend a night there before exploring this corner of paradise that is the Isle des Pins or take advantage of the luxury amenities offered by the various hotels on the island, you will find a wide selection of accommodations suited to your budget on site.

Le Kou-Bugny ★ ★ ★

Le Kou-Bougny is a 3-star hotel located in Kuto Bay, one of the most beautiful bays on the Isle of Pines. This charming and very comfortable establishment will immerse you in the local culture with its bungalows and beautifully decorated houses. A must-visit for the hotel’s restaurant «The Three Sails» Located on the beach, from which you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views. Note that the hotel is ideally located a short walk from the Betico 2 boat dock, which connects with Noumea.

More information about the Kou-Bougny

The Meridien île des Pins ★★★★★

This 5-star hotel located just steps from Oro Bay is a true haven of peace where you can recharge your batteries thanks to the numerous luxury amenities offered, such as the swimming pool, the spa and the restaurant that offers a wide variety of fine and delicious local dishes. A must-visit for lovers who want to enjoy a dream vacation in an idyllic setting. A must-see is the restaurant located in front of this magnificent infinity pool and the dreamlike bungalows that have private access to the lagoon.

More information about Le Meridien Isle des Pins

Some must-do activities on the Isle of Pins

Crossing the bay of Upi by pirogue

The Isle of Pins offers you an exceptional setting and many idyllic beaches that encourage relaxation and walks. The most active of you will be happy to discover the many activities the island offers, such as: crossing the bay of Upi, A trip from the Kou-Bugny hotel that, for 1 hour and 30 minutes, will allow you to discover the magnificence of the lagoon at the whim of the sea winds, on a Traditional pirogue. You will surely have the chance to observe sea turtles, sharks, rays and dolphins that will accompany you for part of the crossing… An unforgettable memory and an activity that everyone is encouraged to take part in ; you will be in for a treat!

 

The natural swimming pool of the Bay of Oro

Once the boat trip in the bay of Upi is over, you will cross this beautiful lush forest for about forty minutes to finally arrive at the Natural swimming pool of the Bay of Oro, a unique place in the world located in the heart of the island, home to hundreds of species of colorful fish that you can admire and interact with in clear water in a setting that you won’t soon forget… This crystal-clear natural pool is surrounded by magnificent and gigantic Pins Colonnaires, An astonishing setting that transports us once again out of time, into a world almost unreal!

From the hotels on the island, you will also have the option of traveling by minibus from one point to another on the island, but you can also rent bicycles or a scooter to discover these wonderful places at your own pace and with complete freedom.

Practical information for the boat crossing from Upi Bay:

• The departure from the Kou-Bugny hotel takes place at 7:45 a.m. A shuttle will take you to Saint Joseph Bay, from where you will embark for the crossing by boat.
• Consider booking the activity in advance to ensure you have space.
• Consider bringing 200 F when you arrive in the Bay of Oro
• Also consider bringing along some snacks by asking the hotel to prepare sandwiches for you the day before (which you will pick up in the morning before leaving for the activity), by booking a table at the Kou-Gny restaurant (tel: +687 46 10 65) or at the hotel’s restaurant Le Meridien (tel: +687 26 50 00).
• A shuttle will pick you up at 3:00 p.m. in front of the Meridien hotel to take you back to the Kou-Bugny hotel.

If you want to enjoy the wonders of the Isle of Pines even more, you can also take a marine diving, take boat trips to the Nokanhui atoll or towards the Morot islet,But also to go for beautiful things Hiking through and around the island to discover all these natural riches. It is best to be accompanied by a guide or to have permission from the local authorities to venture into Kanak territory and discover this fascinating culture. The opportunity to «do the Coutume,» that is, to give a small gift to the chief of the tribe you meet (cigarettes, money, fabric, etc.) to thank him for welcoming you into his territory. Also, be sure to behave in a decent, respectful, and non-provocative manner (bikini, nudism, etc.). We will discuss this further in our article on tips for preparing a trip to New Caledonia.

Find even more information about the island of Pins and on the New Caledonia by visiting the site of the tourism office.

* Stay was made possible thanks to a partnership with the tourism office of New Caledonia. The content of this article only reflects my opinion; I maintain complete freedom in my statements, and my recommendations are always objective.