SWIMMING RESTRICTION IN NOUMEA
As a preventative measure for the shark risk observed near Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, the city council has issued an order “prohibiting temporarily any swimming within 300m of the Noumea coastline" outside the supervised swimming area, while "water activities remain allowed", outside the prohibited dates, at the discretion of participants until 30 November 2023 (see Order No. 2023/1669).
This restriction is applicable in Noumea ONLY. The rest of New Caledonia remains fully accessible.
This restriction is only applicable in the water, visitors are allowed on the beach.
This restriction affects the following tourist areas:
- • Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay)
- • Plage de l’Anse-Vata (Anse-Vata Beach)
- • Îlot Canards (Duck Island)
- • Îlot Maître
- • Îlots Sainte-Marie et Uere (Sainte-Marie and Uere Islets)
- • Kuendu Beach
- • Magenta Beach
This restriction was implemented as a temporary precautionary measure, periodically re-evaluated, to allow local authorities in order to:
- Deploy campaigns to regulate the most dangerous species
- Conduct awareness activities for visitors
- Strengthen surveillance/assistance teams and processes
- Evaluate the implementation of a restricted supervised swimming area in the Lemon Bay
- Prepare for the upcoming installation of shark nets on major beaches
UPDATE: SUPERVISED SWIMMING AREA AT LEMON BAY
From Friday, May 5th, a restricted swimming area supervised by 4 lifeguards, 2 on the beach and 2 on the water, will be accessible 7 days a week from 8:45 am to 4 pm.
Delimited by buoys, it extends 200m on either side of the Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay) aid station and 20 meters deep.
Outside of these hours, and during the prohibited dates, swimming remains prohibited on the Lemon Bay beach.
WHERE TO GO FOR A DIP
Discover the surrounding islets
Accessible in less than an hour by taxiboat or private shuttle, several beautiful islets are available, some of them with picnic areas.
Dive in a pool
Besides your accommodation’s pool, you will find a wide selection of public pools and spas, some equipped with waterslides for children.
Go on a daytrip into nature
Book a daytrip or hire a car and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature surrounding Nouméa with rivers, lakes, and further islands.
WHERE TO GO TO ENJOY NOUMEA IN A DIFFERENT WAY...
Visit a museum
Discover the cultural, historical and artistic heritage of the archipelago in the capital's museums.
Fly over the lagoon
By helicopter, microlight, plane or even paraglider, admire the surroundings of the capital, its lagoon and its islets, from the sky!
Go shopping
Visit the Noumea municipal market or the city's boutiques for a shopping session.
Discover the local fauna
Ideal for a family outing to discover marine and terrestrial species: the Aquarium des Lagons and the Zoological and Forestry Park!
Play indoor / outdoor
Cinema, casino, indoor game... Even in bad weather, day or night, it is always easy to have fun with friends or family.
Stroll around
Explore the city step by step between historic urban routes and nature walks to panoramic viewpoints!
Golf with a view
Only 10 minutes from downtown Noumea, the Tina International Golf Course awaits you on its 18-hole course!
