Top 9 Wildlife Experiences in New Caledonia for Nature Lovers
Posted by on 05 Apr 2022
New Caledonia is a popular destination because of its gorgeous white beaches, natural attractions and rich Kanak heritage. The list of places to visit is endless.
But of all the fascinating things the serene paradise offers, first-time travellers are impressed by its abundance of wildlife.
This area is a hotspot for exotic animals because of its long-isolated evolution. Most likely, you'll encounter various birds, bats, fishes and reptiles unique to the island.
Make the most of your tropical wildlife safari adventure with our list of wildlife experiences in New Caledonia.
9 Wildlife Tours & Experiences in New Caledonia
Birdwatching
Forest Tours
Whale Watching
Fishing Safaris and Tours
Turtle Watching
Snorkelling
Shark Nurseries
Diving Escapades
Zoological Parks
New Caledonia is a haven for bird lovers. It is home to more than 200 bird species, and 27 are found only in the islands. Families and bird watchers can have the time of their lives watching the birds of New Caledonia.
The islands offer plenty of great spots for birdwatching. For example, the Blue River Park gives guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the rare Kagu bird. Pay attention to your surroundings to catch these flightless birds. But don’t forget to admire the breathtaking view of the Caledonian South along the way!
Other bird species you should feel excited about are the Ouvéa horned parakeet, New Caledonian crow, the symbolic goliath imperial pigeon and exotic peacocks.
If you’re looking for an alternative to beach holidays, you might enjoy exploring the forests of New Caledonia. The islands have vast areas for vegetation full of exotic plants and animals. It’s one of the best ways to witness the beauty of nature in New Caledonia.
You can choose to go hiking, biking, or horse riding to explore these lush forests. The Giant Ferns Park, for example, is home to various wildlife species unique to the islands. For example, you may easily spot a deer or a wild boar roaming across the trail.
The Deva Estate at Bourail is another must-see natural attraction in New Caledonia. As one of the largest surviving dry forest areas in the islands, it houses rare and diverse animal species.
Whale watching is another activity that brings excitement to guests visiting New Caledonia. You can look forward to the arrival of humpback whales from the southern hemisphere. They migrate north every year to escape the cold waters of Antarctica and move to the warm waters of the Pacific.
Curious onlookers can spot them in the Prony Bay in Grande Terre. These captivating sea animals come in large groups between July and September.
Keep an eye out for them when sailing the seas. These playful animals spring out of the water without warning, so be careful!
If you’re looking for the best fishing areas on Earth, visit the South Pacific. After all, fishing is an integral part of the culture in this region. New Caledonia, in particular, boasts a spectacular array of fishing safaris for everyone.
Try different fishing techniques in the islands. Modern fishing enthusiasts will delight in flyfishing, deep-sea fishing and net casting excursions. Meanwhile, if you prefer a more traditional approach, you’ll feel more comfortable with crab hunting methods.
Different fish species are available all year round, from marlins, mahi-mahi, tuna, swordfish and great barracudas. In these fishing tours, catching one is only half of the excitement because the other half is releasing them back to the ocean.
Turtles are also abundant in the shores and seas of New Caledonia. Fun fact: turtles belong to the protected species in the archipelago. These sea creatures typically lay their eggs on the beaches from December to February.
One of the best places to see them is on Bourail in the Grande Terre. Guided tours are also available in the Lagoon Aquarium and other beaches where you can get a glimpse of these adorable marine animals. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them while laying their eggs!
New Caledonia is a spectacular place thriving with marine wildlife. One of the best ways to spot these creatures is by snorkelling.
Hundreds of sea animals await snorkellers who visit the islands. Thousands of fish and sea reptiles paint the underwater landscape in multicolour to take your breath away.
When visiting Noumea, you can drop by the Pontoon’s stunning Tamanou Reef and the nearby Kouare Island. The Duck Islands also offer gorgeous seascapes in its marine reserve.
Make your South Pacific trip more exciting for you and your family with a shark safari visit! It’s a great way to get your kids interested in nature during your holiday in New Caledonia.
In the northern tip of Ouvéa lies a lemon shark nursery. This shark haven takes you to a passage where the sharks rest. Follow the trail of these lemon sharks and trace them back to their natural habitat. Along the way, you might catch a small baby shark growing its first fin.
The waters of New Caledonia have impressive underwater landscapes and colourful fishes. Enjoy a glimpse of the world under the sea and go on a diving spree in the South Pacific! Underwater excursions are available for divers of all levels.
The lagoon offers crystal-clear views of underwater creatures and vibrant corals. Some of the best diving spots are in the Ilse of Pines, the Duck Islands and the Easo Reef in Lifou.
Round up your tropical wildlife safari adventure in New Caledonia with a trip to a zoological park. This dry forest park lies in the heart of Noumea, so you can easily visit before your scheduled flight.
Take an educational walk with your kids and be amazed at the biodiversity in New Caledonia. Spot giant geckos and other unique reptiles along the way.
You can also visit different kinds of ducks and parakeets. If you're lucky, you might even see some flying foxes!
Plan the Ultimate Wildlife Adventure in New Caledonia
Make the most of your trip and visit must-see attractions where you can reconnect with nature and find serenity. Every natural wonder, from the whales of the sea to the Kagu birds of the forests, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for families, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Explore this tropical paradise on your next holiday with our New Caledonia holiday packages.
