Isle of Pines: Nature Experiences and Island Traditions

On the Isle of Pines, there are different ways to explore: a guided trip in a traditional outrigger canoe, snorkelling at the Piscine naturelle d’Oro, guided island tours and cave visits. These plans may be just what you need to decide where to stay. Consider which experiences you want to shape your stay and which excursions you would like to include.

Outrigger canoe trips and nature watching

Baie d’Upi lies in the southeast of the Isle of Pines. There, visitors can take a traditional outrigger canoe trip accompanied by a local pirogue operator. The canoes also represent knowledge passed down from generation to generation. The trip is therefore also part of an island tradition. At Piscine naturelle d’Oro, by contrast, the focus is on relaxing and observing tropical fish with a mask, fins and snorkel. This creates a clear contrast for planning your day: Baie d’Upi is associated with a guided canoe trip, while Oro is associated with snorkelling and fish watching. If you are weighing up a guided activity against time spent observing nature, these offer two different options.

Tours with different focuses

Kuu-Oro Transport offers tours of natural and cultural attractions on the Isle of Pines. Departures are available from the wharf or the airfield; booking is recommended. Neutomo Excursions offers guided island tours by minibus, introducing visitors to the island’s myths and legends. The tours therefore have different focuses: Kuu-Oro includes natural and cultural attractions in its programme, while Neutomo focuses on myths and legends. When planning your trip together, you can consider whether you would rather discover the sights or listen to the island’s stories.

Caves and local conditions

Grotte d’Oumagne, better known as Grotte de la Reine Hortense, lies in the north of the Isle of Pines. Access is a separate planning consideration for Grotte de la Troisième: the route by car follows a long, narrow forest track, and the terrain leading to the entrance is very uneven. Check access conditions locally, especially in wet weather. This allows you to plan separately for the northern location of Grotte de la Reine Hortense and the special access conditions at Grotte de la Troisième.

Excursions and local cuisine

Day or half-day excursions to Îlots Moro and Brosse depart from Kuto and/or Kanuméra; local products are sampled on the excursions. A typical excursion also includes lunch with lobster, lagoon fish, cassava fries and coconut rice. Menus may vary. The stated day or half-day duration helps you choose an excursion that fits your preferred timeframe. If you have a particular excursion in mind, its stated departure point may also be a factor when looking for a holiday rental.

Getting there and planning your accommodation

For almost fifteen years, the Betico 2 has provided a sea link between Nouméa, the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands. If you are planning to travel on the Betico 2, check the latest sailing times in advance. Specific departure points are also given for the island tours: Kuu-Oro lists the wharf or the airfield, while excursions to Îlots Moro and Brosse depart from Kuto and/or Kanuméra. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide which experiences matter to you and factor the relevant departure information into your travel plans. The canoe trip at Baie d’Upi, snorkelling at Oro, the tours and the cave visits offer different interests to help guide your choice.

Discover more destinations: Le Mont-Dore, Paita.

Return to the main travel overview: South Province.