New Caledonia has the world's second biggest coral reef stretching 1600 kilometres around the mainland forming the world’s largest lagoon. Smaller islands surround the reef including the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines.
The diving is spectacular, expect clear waters and plentiful marine life including large pelagic fish species, dugongs, sharks, manta rays and macro life. There are also numerous shipwrecks, cave diving, dive sites outside the barrier reef. In short, New Caledonia offers something for everyone.
The town of Hienghene offers great diverse diving with visibility going beyond 30 metres in good conditions. Caves, tunnels and swim throughs abound with hard and soft corals of every colour. The giant sea fans make for some excellent photography.
Diving can be done year-round in New Caledonia but March- September offer the best chance to spot mantas and sharks
Divers will need a 3mm to 7mm wetsuit, depending on the time of year and cold tolerance. Visibility is usually good, though can vary from 30 to 100 feet (10 to 30 m).