Máre, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia

Máre is a beautiful island that is quite primitive and the major feature is the lovely landscape and Yedjele Beach. The cruise ship sells a $16 RT pass from Tadine to the beach, but I would wait until the day of the visit in case of inclement weather. The water was quite chilly in late October (73 degrees F), but lying in the numerous shaded beach areas was lovely. Bring that sunscreen!

Yedjele Beach is really lovely and has the reputation as being one of the best beaches in the world with the clean white sand and many trees nearby. The snorkeling was reported as good but not the best. The locals run stands mostly selling food (chicken and rice, fruits, banana cakes, snacks, and drink items (beer, water, soda.) They accept both US and AUS $. (Soda was $4 and beer $5).

Many people who did not want to venture to a chilly beach hiked down the road from the port. There appeared to be many interesting photo opportunities along the road and coastal area of Lifou. It is advised that you do not attempt to wonder into their villages as they are considered off-limits to tourists.

There is a grocery store at the port area that isn’t very obvious. Friends reported that it was very interesting, but that the owner only accepted the local Franc and was not helpful in converting the costs to AUS or USA dollars.

A crew member had rented a scooter and wiped out on the road as we returned on the bus back to the port. He was reportedly taken to the hospital and treated which resulted in a delayed departure for the ship.

There are two structures where locals sell souvenirs and both US and AUS dollars were accepted. One stand offered vanilla products from the vanilla plantation in Lifou that I wasn’t able to go to, so that worked out great for me!

BTW- the coastal areas around Máre and Lifou are national park areas and do not allow private boats so unlike other islands and ports, you will not see sailboats or small commercial vessels.

A review with photos can be found on my website under "Australia"

www.donnagawell.com

Lifou, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia

Lifou is a tender port and there is not a lot available around the jetty as you depart from the tender. There are several tin huts and small structures with a two tent area for fried and barbeque food items and souvenirs. Some of souvenirs are made in China, so be sure to check. The items are also pretty expensive and there is no bargaining.

The nearby beach was rather small but adequate with toilet facilities nearby. As you leave the area, there is a main road: to the left is the old Catholic church requiring some vigor with 200 steps to reach it. You can see the church from the beach. To the right is a road leading to a small area with another church. There are ship tours available that take you to farther out regions.

There are some mildly interesting areas to explore around the port. A campground, huts and some houses were nearby.

The ship passengers were unaware of a ceremony that took place between the island officials and the ship’s officers as this was the Explorer of the Seas inaugural sailing to Lifou. There was a local cultural performance before the ceremony. The ship’s officers received a lei and traditional woven straw hat and the ship had several bags of gifts for the islanders.

We were nearby when we heard the singing and went to view the ceremony. Unfortunately, it was raining, but the officers were under a tent and the natives didn’t seem to be bothered by rain. Those of us who had umbrellas or gear were more fortunate. I suspect that the ship didn’t want that many people to crowd the ceremonial area and that is why we were not told ahead of time. Most people on the ship were totally unaware of this event ever happening.