Man Scuba Diving
Lemon bay Nouméa
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Water Activities – Shark Risk
Feet in the Water
Checklist
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Drinking water
- Your camera
- Your snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel)
Good to know
Most beaches outside the capital are quiet and well-preserved, offering a true sense of disconnection !
Swimming and water activity restrictions are in place on Nouméa’s beaches, according to a schedule running until the end of the year.
Checklist
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Drinking water
- Your camera
- Your snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel)
Getting there
A wide range of taxi boat is available to reach the islets.
Good to know
Swimming and water activity restrictions are in place on Île aux Canards and Îlot Maître, according to a schedule running until the end of the year.
Current Restrictions in NouméaSTAY INFORMED ABOUT SHARK MANAGEMENT REGULATION CAMPAIGNS
Outside of Regulation Campaigns
Swimming is allowed only in a restricted area of Lemon Bay. More information
Water activities are practiced at the user’s own risk.
During Regulation Campaigns
The campaigns last 5 days and result in a 10-day ban on swimming and water activities on the beaches of Sainte-Marie, Magenta, Château Royal, Anse Vata, Kuendu Beach, Île aux Canards, and Îlot Maître.
Swimming remains permitted in the supervised area of Lemon Bay.
Sharks in New Caledonia
The Shark, a Sacred Animal
The shark is an ancient and sacred animal in Kanak culture. It is not seen as a threat, but rather as a totem animal representing a clan, just like the yam, the turtle, or the kaori tree.
More than 49 shark species have been recorded in New Caledonia, and they have coexisted with humans for centuries.
In the lagoon, you can observe reef sharks, which are completely harmless to humans, such as blacktip sharks, whitetip sharks, sleepy sharks, lemon sharks, grey reef sharks, and leopard sharks.
This incredible diversity is one of the treasures of our beautiful ecosystem and of the largest lagoon in the world.
Do not throw food or organic waste into the water.
Do not release your fish into the water, especially in anchoring or swimming areas, out of respect and for everyone’s safety.
Do not engage in water activities alone.
If you are fishing, do not hang fish from your belt.
Swim only in designated areas and follow the instructions of the authorities. Enjoy the supervised beaches and pay attention to the flag colors.
Do not swim in marinas or ports.
Do not swim at dusk, dawn, or after heavy rain.
The Shark is a Curious Animal
If you encounter a shark, stay calm, do not turn your back on it, and keep it in sight at all times.
If it approaches, point a light or an object towards it – this will confuse the shark and divert its attention.
Swim calmly towards the shore or return to your boat while keeping your composure.
