Explore Noumea

Diving in Noumea, the vibrant gateway to New Caledonia, offers an extraordinary underwater experience for divers of all skill levels. Known for its warm, crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, this destination is perfect for both beginners seeking training and experienced divers desiring relaxed exploration. The typical dive experience in Noumea includes two successive boat dives, often near the stunning coral reefs and in the dynamic passes. These passes, such as Boulari, Dumbéa, Mato, Ducati, and Uitoé, are teeming with marine life including eagle rays, stingrays, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, and whitetip sharks.

Distinct seasonal features add an exciting dimension to diving in Noumea. Between January and April, manta rays glide gracefully through the waters, while from April to June, grey reef sharks make their migratory appearance. November is a spectacular time for witnessing the large concentration of loggerhead sea turtles spawning along the drop-off. For those intrigued by wreck diving, Noumea does not disappoint. Sites like the Aiguille de Prony offer unique underwater adventures with its impressive pyramid-shaped pinnacle that rises dramatically through the depths. These elements, combined with the allure of diverse dive environments, make Noumea a captivating dive destination that continues to draw divers from around the world.

Upcoming Events

Professional Level Programs / Courses

IATOK DIVING PARADISE

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

23 Feb 2026

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to: • Conduct academic sessions • Lead confined water training • Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more • Develop student management and communication skills Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more. Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Le Sournois

A reef at the edge of the lagoon, this site surely has the greatest concentration of fish in the region. Depths range from 20m to 6m, with many schools of fish as well as pelagic passages.

1,681
Logs
1,029
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ La Diéppoise, wreck

Wreck of an anti-mine ship, then a lighthouse and beacon ship. It has the particularity of having had a wooden hull to avoid magnetic mines. Now that the wood has disappeared, all that remains of the hull are the ribs, allowing us to see inside. Sunk to a depth of 25m, it is easy to visit.

557
Logs
374
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Forêt du Snark

Shallow site perfect for beginners and training. Huge, well-preserved coral reef. Possibility of seeing sharks, turtles, rays... Large sandy beach.

2,927
Logs
1,518
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tépava

Want some turtle? Here they are! This site is located along the reef of the islet Maître, in the lagoon. In shallow waters, it’s a turtle paradise.

2,685
Logs
1,507
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Toho V (Wreck)

The Toho V is a 55m longliner wreck sunk on purpose at 25 meters deep to make an artificial reef. It sits next to the Tabu Reef on its keel on the sandy bottom. This site has very good visibility. The wreck is totally accessible but bring a lamp. Beware of the presence of some lionfish.

2,063
Logs
1,228
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Récif Tabu

Gently sloping sandy reef with a rocky drop-off on one side. It’s the perfect place to start, sheltered from the wind and chop. The wreck of the Toho 5 is below.

521
Logs
395
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Mur Aux lôches

The mur aux loches is the inner wall of the Dumbéa pass. A straight wall that starts at 5m and ends at 25m. Lots of current that attracts pelagics. It’s a drifter.

4,551
Logs
1,738
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Passe exterieure Boulari

On the outside of the Boulari pass, this is an interesting site for incoming current. In this case, it’s the starting point for a drift dive of the channel.

1,865
Logs
941
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Passe intérieure de Boulari

On the inside of the Boulari pass, this site is the start point for the Boulari pass drift dive when the current is outgoing. It can also be used on a return trip.

4,088
Logs
1,885
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Ever Propérity

Dive site at the foot of a wreck stranded on the reef. The wreck is not in the water, but the site at the foot of the barrier is very beautiful, with a plateau over 10m, many passages, arches and caves, then a very fine drop-off that descends to 70m. Very sensitive to swell.

171
Logs
116
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
24.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Îlot Maître

Dive site on the edge of the Maître islet. A sandy bottom with potatoe corals, perfect for exercises between 3m and 6m, sheltered from the prevailing winds.

290
Logs
113
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Sèche Croissant

The site is located in the lagoon, off the island Maître. In 8m of water, it offers a beautiful coral garden home to many fish. It’s the ideal spot for night dives. No current

2,182
Logs
1,237
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Patate VACH

Against the reef of the Signal islet, this site is ideal for initiations and the start of open water and stress and rescue courses. The site is always protected from the wind.

100
Logs
82
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Fausse passe de Uitoé

Fausse pass comprising a plateau with a sandy beach and a beautiful, jagged drop-off. Best done in calm weather. Very weak current in the bay. A must-see.

1,971
Logs
935
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Boulari Plateau Manta

Plateau at 13m extending the barrier in the Boulari pass. A drift dive. This is the ideal place to observe manta rays, as there is a cleaning station. Strong current.

2,978
Logs
1,385
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Noumea

Noumea, the vibrant capital of New Caledonia, offers dive enthusiasts a wealth of underwater adventures. Among its top dive sites is the "Dieppoise Wreck," a fascinating wreck dive that attracts divers with its historical allure and diverse marine life. Another must-visit site is "Amedee Lighthouse Reef", known for its rich coral gardens and the chance to spot turtles and reef sharks.

For those preferring shore dives, "Baie des Citrons" provides easy access to vibrant coral formations and schools of colorful fish. Unique underwater experiences include night dives where divers can witness nocturnal marine life behaviors, adding an extra thrill to the underwater exploration. Noumea offers a balanced mix of shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to both novice and experienced divers seeking adventure.

The best Months to Dive in Noumea

Noumea offers year-round diving opportunities, with water temperatures ranging from 22°C–27°C/72°F–81°F. The warmest waters occur from November to March, making it a popular diving season. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet, especially in the cooler months of June to September.

Although diving is viable throughout the year, the best conditions are usually from April to November, when the weather is more stable and the trade winds are milder. From December to March, divers may encounter stronger currents and occasional cyclones, which can impact visibility and safety. Overall, Noumea provides diverse diving experiences, from coral reefs to shipwrecks, suitable for divers of all levels.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Abyss Plongée

Marina Port du Sud, 98800 NOUMEA, NCL

BLUE CALEDONIA DIVING

Marina Port du Sud, 98800 NOUMEA, NCL

IATOK DIVING PARADISE

BP 5534, 98800 nouméa, NCL