About New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a dependent overseas territory of France in the southwest Pacific Ocean, comprising the main island of Grand Terre and a number of offshore archipelagos. Boasting one of the largest lagoons in the world, which reaches 24,000 square kilometres and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an enormous barrier reef fringing the shores of Grand Terre, New Caledonia is one of the best scuba diving locations on the planet. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of beautiful, palm-lined beaches to choose from and numerous hiking trails taking you across forested mountains and canyons. New Caledonia boasts some exquisite French cuisine, too, which is best enjoyed in a beachfront cafe whilst admiring the stunning coastal views. The island’s main ferry terminal is in the capital, Noumea towards the south, where a few sailings are provided to the Loyalty Islands, Mare Island and the Isle of Pines each week.

About Lifou Island

Lifou Island is a French commune within the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia, an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. More traditional than the resort-clad Isle of Pines, Lifou is just as beautiful, offering a fascinating insight into indigenous Pacific life while boasting cliff-top views, colourful reefs and sheltered coves. And as the world’s largest atoll, a ring-shaped island made of coral, it has some of the finest reefs in New Caledonia, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Even if you’re just passing through, there’s plenty to catch your eye. The stunning, clifftop Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes is one of the most prominent landmarks and there are native villages spread throughout the island, where you’re likely to bump into some of the friendly locals. Ferries dock in the island’s capital and largest settlement, We, with a few routes every week from the capital of New Caledonia, Noumea, and Mare in the Loyalty Islands, found just to the southeast of Lifou.