Activities: SCUBA DIVING
Scuba dive in a huge area: New Caledonia has the largest and most beautiful coral lagoon in the world… a lagoon of 24,000 sq km… with a 1,600 km long barrier reef that borders a sea environment of exceptional variety and beauty and an abundance of fish.
This “Great Reef” is the unique home to nearly 2,000 different varieties of fish including 200 unknown species, and more remains to be discovered ! This is the result of the archipelago’s location in the immense expanse between the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. The water temperature ranges from 21° to 28°C providing ideal conditions in which coral, shells and fish thrive.
Whales migrate to the bays in the Southern Lagoon during the mating season (July-September). All year round, one can see underwater caves dotted with madrepores, unusually shaped sea sponges and fluorescent corals, while sea urchins, star fish, turtles, sea cows and humpback whales are all in the cast of the permanent colourful ballet performing in the lagoon. An amazing array of exotic fish and crustaceans make diving in New Caledonia a breathtaking and an unforgettable experience. Shell enthusiasts have up to 6,500 different types of molluscs to discover, including the endemic Cyprae niger or the Lambis. On rare occasions, the fascinating living fossil Nautilus macromphalus may rise from its usual habitat at a depth of 150 to 600 metres.
Marine reserves have been created by the New Caledonian Authorities on several islets to protect marine fauna and flora. There are also sunken shipwrecks, which act as artificial reefs and make great diving spots. Discover the Amédée Lighthouse Reserve, the Prony Needle in the south, the famous Ténia Horn near Boulouparis, the “Fault” near Poé, the underwater slopes on the ocean side of the reef, the Gorgonia Valley and the freshwater caves of the Isle of Pines, the Gazelle Pass to the north, the Hienghène Reef to the east and so many other sites of Lifou Island.
There are many PADI and SSI, CMAS approved diving centres on the Mainland and the outlying islands, all offering beginners courses, training and certification for discovery dives, caving, night dives and photo dives. Full equipment available for hire (fins, masks, snorkels, wetsuits, …).
New Caledonia has established its own regulations with regard to underwater diving (deliberation dated 27 August 2002) with the objective of conforming to the international courses and qualifications (PADI, ANMP, FFESSM, CMAS, SSI,…). The professional dive centres are also obliged to hold a tourist license to operate, which is controlled annually.
Accommodation ranges from Melanesian “gîtes” (local small hotel ) to five star hotels, situated close to the diving centres.
NOUVELLE-CALEDONIE PLONGEE
The association « Nouvelle-Calédonie Plongée » (New Caledonia Diving) is made up of 11 dive centres (total of 15 dive centres throughout the archipelago). The Association produces and sells the “Carte Plongée + » (Dive Card +) which gives divers access to the most beautiful sites in New Caledonia in conjunction with the affiliated dive centres.
DIVE SECURITY
The Comex 1800 decompression chamber has been operational since June 2004 to respond to any diving accident. The 24 hour constraint every day of the year is integrated into the emergency plan. The decompression chamber is located near Nouméa’s main hospital, accessible by land, sea or air. It is managed by the legal association of 1901 “Sécurité Plongée” (Diving Safety)
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON AIR CALEDONIE
A supplementary baggage allowance of 10kg (total of 20kg maximum) is permitted on domestic flights for people wishing to dive out of Nouméa. It is advisable to obtain further information from your dive operator or from the domestic airline, Air Calédonie, before confirming your airline ticket.
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