The Amedee Island day trip price typically ranges from 17,000 to 21,000 XPF (approximately $250 to $310 NZD) per adult depending on the season and booking method. This all-inclusive Mary D excursion covers return ferry transfers, a full tropical buffet lunch with wine, glass-bottom boat tours, and cultural entertainment, offering superior value compared to cruise line shore excursions.
Amedee Island Day Trip Price: What to Expect
For New Zealand travelers looking to escape to the tropics, New Caledonia offers the closest slice of French paradise. However, understanding the costs associated with its most popular excursion—the Amedee Island day trip—is vital for budgeting. The primary operator for this excursion is Mary D Enterprises, and they run a near-monopoly on the full-service day trip experience.
When analyzing the Amedee Island day trip price, it is important to look beyond the sticker price and understand the currency conversion. As of the current travel season, the standard adult ticket purchased directly usually sits around 18,500 XPF. For a New Zealander, depending on the exchange rate, this fluctuates between $270 and $290 NZD. Children (aged 4-12) usually pay half price, approximately 9,250 XPF ($135 NZD), while infants generally travel free.
While this may initially seem like a high price point for a day trip, the “all-inclusive” nature of the ticket means you rarely need to spend another franc once you are on the island. Unlike many other tourist traps in the Pacific where you are nickle-and-dimed for snorkeling gear, beach chairs, or water, the Amedee experience is designed to be comprehensive.
What is Included in the Mary D Day Trip?
Understanding the value proposition requires a deep dive into the inclusions. The Mary D Princess (or the Mary D Seven) creates a seamless bridge between Noumea and the marine reserve. When you pay the admission fee, you are securing a full 7-8 hour itinerary.
Transportation and Welcome
The price includes the return transfer from Port Moselle in Noumea. The vessel is a high-speed, comfortable ferry that takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes to cross the lagoon. Upon arrival at the Amedee dock, guests are typically greeted with a welcome cocktail (usually punch) and island music, setting the tone for the day.
Activities and Gear
This is where the value really stacks up against the Amedee Island day trip price. Included in your wristband access are:
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour: A guided 30-minute trip over the reef to see sharks, stingrays, and coral without getting wet.
- Snorkeling Equipment: Mask, snorkel, and fins are provided (though bringing your own mask is recommended for the best fit).
- Stand-up Paddleboards (SUP): Usually available for use on the calm leeward side of the island.
- The Lighthouse Entry: Unlike some historical sites that charge extra, climbing the 247 steps of the Amedee Lighthouse is generally included or requires a nominal token fee depending on the specific package tier.
- Cultural Show: During lunch, there is a Polynesian dance performance and sarong-tying demonstration.
Booking Direct to Save Money: A Strategy for Cruisers
A significant portion of visitors to Amedee Island are New Zealanders arriving via cruise ships like P&O, Carnival, or Royal Caribbean. There is often a significant price discrepancy between booking the “Amedee Island Shore Excursion” through the cruise line versus booking directly with Mary D.
The Cost Difference
Cruise lines typically add a markup of 20% to 40% on shore excursions to cover their administrative costs and profit margins. It is not uncommon to see the cruise line price listed at $350+ NZD per adult for the exact same experience you could book directly for ~$280 NZD.
The Risk Factor: Timing the Return
The main reason travelers pay the premium for cruise line excursions is the “guarantee” that the ship will not leave without them. If you book directly, you are responsible for getting back to the ship. However, Mary D is a highly professional operation that runs like clockwork. The ferry typically returns to Port Moselle by 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM.
Advice for Kiwis: Check your ship’s departure time carefully. If your ship departs Noumea at 5:00 PM, booking independent is too risky. If your ship departs at 6:00 PM or later (which many do), booking direct is a safe way to save over $200 NZD for a family of four. Always verify the ferry schedule on the Mary D website before committing.
Snorkeling with Turtles: A Marine Reserve Guide
The highlight for almost every visitor is the marine life. Amedee Island sits within a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a protected marine reserve. This status ensures that the biodiversity here is significantly richer than at the beaches in Noumea proper, such as Anse Vata or Baie des Citrons.
The Green Sea Turtles
The seagrass beds surrounding the jetty are a haven for Green Sea Turtles (Honu). Because the area is protected and tourists visit daily, the turtles are remarkably accustomed to human presence. They will often graze in waist-deep water.
Ethical Interaction: While you are paying the Amedee Island day trip price for this access, it is strictly forbidden to touch, chase, or harass the turtles. The best experience comes from floating motionless on the surface and watching them glide beneath you. The water clarity is usually exceptional, offering visibility of 20 meters or more.
The Outer Reef
For more advanced snorkelers, the coral heads further out (near the channel markers) host banded sea snakes (tricot rayé), which are venomous but extremely docile and non-aggressive. You will also spot parrotfish, butterflyfish, and occasionally reef sharks patrolling the drop-off.
The Tropical Buffet Lunch Review
Commercial intent analysis suggests that travelers want to know if the food justifies the high ticket price. The lunch provided by Mary D is not a standard sandwich pack; it is a full-scale banquet designed to showcase French-Pacific cuisine.
The Menu
The buffet typically features:
- Seafood: Fresh prawns and local fish (often Tahitian salad or sashimi style) are the stars of the show.
- Hot Dishes: Roast meats, curries, and rice dishes catering to Western palates.
- Salads: A variety of French-style salads.
- Desserts: Fresh tropical fruit platters, cakes, and pastries.
Beverage Inclusions
Crucially for many Kiwi travelers, beer and wine are included during the lunch service. This is a significant value add. You can enjoy a cold Number One beer or a glass of French red/white with your meal without swiping a credit card. Non-alcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee are also available.
The dining experience is communal, seated at long tables under an open-air pavilion, and is accompanied by the Pacific dance show. The atmosphere is festive, and the quality of the food is generally rated as “Very Good” to “Excellent” by most reviewers, far exceeding the standard BBQ lunch found on other island tours.
Climbing the Historic Amedee Lighthouse
Standing at 56 meters tall, the Amedee Lighthouse is one of the tallest metal lighthouses in the world. Its history is fascinating: it was built in Paris in 1862, dismantled, packed into crates, and shipped to New Caledonia, where it was reassembled like a giant Lego set by military personnel over ten months.
Climbing the spiral staircase is a workout, but the panoramic view from the top is essential for grasping the scale of the lagoon. From the balcony, you can see the varying shades of blue indicating the depth of the water, the barrier reef breaking the ocean swell, and the silhouette of Grande Terre in the distance.
Logistics: Timing and Essentials for Kiwis
To ensure your investment in the Amedee Island day trip price delivers the best experience, preparation is key. Here is a checklist specifically for New Zealand travelers.
What to Bring
- Reef Shoes: The coral can be sharp, and stonefish are present in New Caledonia waters. Reef shoes are highly recommended for walking in the shallows.
- High SPF Sunscreen: The sun in New Caledonia is significantly stronger than in New Zealand. Apply liberally and frequently.
- Underwater Camera/GoPro: The turtles are the main event; you will regret not having a waterproof camera.
- Seasickness Medication: The crossing is usually smooth, but the trade winds can whip up a chop. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding the Mary D.
Getting to the Terminal
The Mary D departs from Port Moselle. If you are staying at a hotel in Anse Vata (like the Chateau Royal or Le Meridien), you will need to take a bus, taxi, or arranged transfer to the port. The bus system (Tanéo) is affordable and reliable, but a taxi is faster for early morning departures. Check-in usually closes 20 minutes before departure, so aim to arrive at Port Moselle by 7:40 AM for an 8:00 AM departure (times subject to change, always check your ticket).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amedee Island day trip worth the money?
Yes, for most travelers, the high price is justified by the all-inclusive nature of the trip. The combination of the ferry ride, unlimited lunch buffet with alcohol, glass-bottom boat tour, and free use of snorkeling gear offers better value than paying for these items separately on the mainland.
How long is the boat ride to Amedee Island?
The boat ride on the Mary D vessel typically takes between 40 to 45 minutes from Port Moselle in Noumea to the Amedee Island jetty, depending on sea conditions.
Can you buy food on Amedee Island?
There is a small bar and boutique on the island that sells snacks, ice creams, and extra drinks outside of the lunch service. However, because a full buffet lunch is included in your ticket, most visitors do not need to purchase substantial food.
Are there sharks at Amedee Island?
Yes, White-tip reef sharks and Black-tip reef sharks are common in the waters around Amedee Island. They are generally shy and not aggressive toward snorkelers. You may also see them during the glass-bottom boat tour or shark feeding demonstration.
Do I need to book the Amedee Island trip in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during New Zealand school holidays and the peak cruise season. The Mary D has a maximum capacity, and the trip frequently sells out days in advance.
Is Amedee Island suitable for children?
Absolutely. The island has calm, shallow waters suitable for swimming, and the glass-bottom boat is excellent for kids who cannot snorkel yet. There is also a playground area, and the buffet caters to children’s tastes.
