Amedee Lighthouse Island

An Amedee Island day trip is a premier excursion from Noumea, New Caledonia, located 24 kilometers offshore within a protected marine reserve. This all-inclusive experience typically features a 45-minute ferry ride, access to the historic iron lighthouse, a tropical buffet lunch with Polynesian entertainment, and world-class snorkeling opportunities with resident green sea turtles.

What to Expect on an Amedee Island Day Trip?

For New Zealand travelers seeking a seamless blend of French history and Pacific island paradise, the Amedee Island day trip stands out as the quintessential New Caledonia experience. Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon, this tiny coral cay offers an escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of Noumea, yet is easily accessible via a short, scenic commute.

The journey almost always begins aboard the Mary D Princess, a high-speed ferry that departs from Port Moselle in Noumea. The 45-minute crossing is an experience in itself, offering panoramic views of the Grande Terre coastline and the iridescent blues of the world’s largest enclosed lagoon. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the island’s most iconic landmark: the towering white lighthouse that has guarded the Boulari Passage since the 19th century.

Unlike other remote islets, Amedee is well-equipped for comfort while maintaining its ecological integrity. The day trip is designed as a comprehensive package. Once you step off the boat, the island is yours to explore. Whether you prefer lounging on pristine white sands, exploring the underwater biodiversity, or immersing yourself in the local culture through dance and food, the itinerary is structured to maximize your time in paradise. For Kiwis used to the cooler waters of New Zealand, the bath-warm temperatures of the Coral Sea offer an inviting respite, making this day trip a non-negotiable addition to any Noumea holiday itinerary.

Climbing the Historic Amedee Lighthouse

Standing at 56 meters tall, the Amedee Lighthouse is not just a navigational aid; it is a marvel of 19th-century engineering and one of the tallest metal lighthouses in the world. Constructed in Paris in 1862 under the supervision of Monsieur Rigolet (who also worked on the Eiffel Tower), the structure was disassembled, packed into crates, and shipped to New Caledonia, where it was reassembled piece by piece over ten months.

Is the Lighthouse Climb Difficult?

Ascending the lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors, but it requires a moderate level of fitness. There are 247 cast-iron steps spiraling up the interior of the tower. The staircase is relatively narrow, but the climb is well worth the effort. As you ascend, small portholes offer glimpses of the island below, building anticipation for the summit.

Once you reach the viewing platform, you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. To the south, you can see the foamy white breakers of the barrier reef where the lagoon meets the open ocean. To the north, the mountains of Grand Terre rise majestically from the sea. Looking directly down, the water is so clear that you can often spot turtles and sharks patrolling the shallows from 50 meters in the air. This vantage point provides the best photo opportunity of your entire trip, capturing the stark contrast between the white sand, the lush green interior of the island, and the gradient of blues in the water.

Turtle Watching and Snorkeling the Marine Reserve

The waters surrounding Amedee Island are a protected marine reserve, resulting in an abundance of sea life that is rarely seen in such proximity to a capital city. The primary draw for nature enthusiasts is the population of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). These gentle giants are protected here and have become accustomed to the presence of snorkelers, allowing for incredible close-up encounters.

Where are the Best Snorkeling Spots?

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the underwater world at Amedee. The best snorkeling is accessible directly from the beach. The operators of the day trip typically provide snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins) as part of the package, though bringing your own mask from New Zealand ensures a perfect fit.

The seagrass beds in the shallow waters are the grazing grounds for the turtles. If you swim out slightly further toward the coral heads, you will encounter a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish hiding in anemones. The water visibility often exceeds 20 meters, making it feel like swimming in an aquarium.

For those who prefer to stay dry, the glass-bottom boat tour is an excellent alternative included in most day trip packages. This vessel cruises slowly over the reef, allowing passengers to observe sharks, stingrays, and turtles through large viewing panels. A marine guide usually accompanies the tour, providing educational commentary on the ecosystem of the lagoon.

The Tropical Buffet Lunch and Dance Show

Around midday, the sound of a conch shell signals the beginning of the culinary experience. The Amedee Island day trip is famous for its generous tropical buffet, which serves as a cultural bridge between French culinary traditions and Pacific Island flavors. Dining takes place in an open-air fare (pavilion) nestled among the trees, providing shade and a relaxed communal atmosphere.

What is on the Menu?

The buffet is substantial and caters to various dietary requirements. You can expect a spread that includes fresh local salads (often featuring papaya and coconut), Tahitian-style raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk (poisson cru), grilled fish, prawns, and various hot dishes. Given New Caledonia’s French connection, the meal is often accompanied by wine, and there is usually a selection of French cheeses and pastries for dessert.

While you dine, the entertainment begins. The Island Dance Show is a vibrant performance showcasing the traditional dances of the Pacific. Dancers in traditional attire perform energetic routines to the beat of toere drums. The show is interactive and engaging, often inviting audience members to learn the basics of the tamure or how to tie a pareo (sarong) in different styles. This cultural interlude provides a festive break from the sun and sea, allowing visitors to appreciate the Polynesian heritage that influences New Caledonia alongside the Kanak culture.

Planning and Booking Your Trip from New Zealand

For New Zealanders, New Caledonia is one of the closest tropical neighbors, with flights from Auckland to Noumea taking less than three hours. However, booking your Amedee Island excursion requires a bit of forward planning, especially during peak travel seasons (NZ school holidays and winter escapes).

How to Secure Tickets

The Mary D Enterprise is the sole operator of the comprehensive day trip to Amedee Island. While you can book tickets at their office in the Anse Vata ferry terminal upon arrival, it is highly recommended to book online in advance. The boat has a limited capacity, and it frequently sells out.

Most travelers book a package that includes:

Return transfers from your Noumea hotel to the ferry terminal.
Return boat transfers to the island.
Welcome cocktail.
Buffet lunch with wine.
Glass-bottom boat tour.
Entrance to the lighthouse.
Snorkeling equipment rental.

Cost and Currency

Transactions in New Caledonia are conducted in Pacific Francs (XPF). While the exchange rate fluctuates, the cost of the day trip is generally considered premium but good value given the inclusions. When booking from New Zealand, check if your credit card charges foreign transaction fees. Some NZ travel agents can bundle this excursion with your flight and accommodation package, allowing you to pay in NZD upfront.

Essential Packing List for the Island

To ensure a comfortable experience, pack a day bag with the following essentials:

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The New Caledonian sun is intense. Ensure your sunscreen is biodegradable to protect the coral.
Footwear: Jandals (flip-flops) are fine for the boat and sand, but you must wear closed-toe shoes or sandals with a back strap to climb the lighthouse for safety reasons. Aqua shoes are also recommended for swimming to avoid coral cuts.
Camera: An underwater camera or a waterproof phone pouch is essential for turtle photos.
Towel and Swimwear: Pack these in your carry-on if you are heading straight to the island.
Light Jacket: The return boat ride can sometimes be breezy, especially in the late afternoon.