A day trip to Amedee Lighthouse is a comprehensive full-day excursion in New Caledonia, typically operated by Mary D Enterprises. The package includes a 45-minute ferry transfer from Noumea, access to a protected marine reserve for snorkeling with sea turtles, a glass-bottom boat tour, and a tropical buffet lunch accompanied by traditional Polynesian dance performances.
For New Zealand travellers looking to escape the hustle of Noumea for a day, the Amedee Island (Îlot Amédée) represents the quintessential Pacific dream. Located just 24 kilometres south of Noumea within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon, this tiny coral atoll offers a blend of ecological wonder and French-Pacific culture. Whether you are a family seeking a safe swimming environment or a couple looking for a romantic escape, understanding the logistics and value of this commercial day trip is essential for planning your holiday budget.
Mary D Enterprise Ferry Schedule and Logistics
The primary—and most reliable—method of reaching the island is via the Mary D Enterprise charter. Operating for decades, this company holds the exclusive commercial rights to the full-service day trip experience. Understanding their schedule is critical, as missing the boat literally means missing the island; there are no water taxis that run this route regularly.
Departure and Arrival Times
The standard itinerary is strictly regulated to maximize your time on the island while ensuring a daylight return. The ferry, usually the Mary D Princess or the Mary D Seven, departs from Port Moselle. This is centrally located and easily accessible from most hotels in the Anse Vata or Baie des Citrons areas via bus or taxi.
- Boarding Time: 8:00 AM
- Departure Time: 8:30 AM (Sharp)
- Travel Time: Approximately 40 to 50 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
- Island Arrival: ~9:15 AM
- Return Departure: 4:00 PM
- Arrival in Noumea: ~4:45 PM
The Journey Across the Lagoon
The commute itself is part of the experience. The vessel is a high-speed catamaran designed for stability, which is a significant plus for those prone to seasickness. As you leave the harbour, you will pass local landmarks and navigate through the lagoon’s varying shades of turquoise. The boat features an air-conditioned lower deck and an open-air upper deck, perfect for photography. A bar is available on board for morning coffee or a pre-island croissant.
The Marine Reserve: Snorkeling with Turtles at Amedee
For many visitors, the primary motivation for booking a day trip to Amedee Lighthouse is the underwater biodiversity. The waters surrounding the island are a classified marine reserve, meaning fishing is strictly prohibited. This protection has resulted in an ecosystem where marine life is not only abundant but also remarkably unafraid of humans.
Swimming with Green Sea Turtles
Amedee is famous for its resident population of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). Unlike other destinations where turtle sightings are rare or seasonal, sightings at Amedee are almost guaranteed. These gentle giants graze on the seagrass beds in shallow waters, often waist-deep, making them accessible even to non-swimmers or young children.
Rules of Engagement: While the turtles are docile, visitors are strictly instructed not to touch or chase them. The bacteria on human skin can be harmful to their shells, and stress can disrupt their feeding habits. The clarity of the water allows for incredible photography without the need to get too close.
The Outer Reef and Glass Bottom Boat
Included in the Mary D package is a trip on a glass-bottom boat. This vessel takes visitors further out to the barrier reef wall, where the lagoon meets the open ocean. Here, you can observe larger species, including reef sharks, stingrays, and giant trevally, without getting wet. For advanced snorkelers, there are designated drift snorkel opportunities along the reef, though these depend on tide and current conditions.
Dining and Entertainment: Buffet Lunch and Cultural Show
The “Commercial” aspect of the trip shines during the midday service. This is not a bring-your-own-sandwich excursion; it is a fully catered event designed to showcase New Caledonian hospitality. The logistics of feeding hundreds of people on a remote island are complex, yet the quality remains consistently high.
The Tropical Buffet
Lunch is served in an open-air fare (pavilion) and features a mix of French culinary techniques and Melanesian ingredients. The spread is extensive, catering to various dietary requirements.
- Cold Selection: Tahitian fish salad (Poisson Cru) marinated in coconut milk and lime is a staple. You will also find fresh prawns, varying salads, and charcuterie.
- Hot Dishes: Usually includes grilled fish, chicken dishes, rice, and local root vegetables like taro or yam.
- Dessert: A selection of French pastries, fresh tropical fruit (papaya, pineapple, passionfruit), and cakes.
- Beverages: Wine (red, white, and rosé), beer, and soft drinks are typically included during the lunch service, adding significant value to the ticket price.
The Island Dance Show
During lunch, the atmosphere transforms with a live cultural performance. The “Mary D” dance troupe performs traditional dances from the Pacific region, including the fast-paced hips of Tahitian Ori Tahiti and the graceful movements of New Caledonian Kanak dance. The show often includes a sarong (pareo) tying demonstration and opportunities for audience participation. While tourist-centric, it adds a festive vibe that elevates the day from a simple beach trip to a cultural event.
Climbing the Iron Giant: History and Views
Standing 56 meters tall, the Amedee Lighthouse is one of the tallest metal lighthouses in the world. Constructed in Paris in 1862 by the Rigolet workshops, it was disassembled, shipped to New Caledonia, and reassembled on the island, first lit in 1865. It was originally destined for Fort-de-France in Martinique, but logistical errors sent it to the Pacific instead—a fortunate mistake for New Caledonia tourism.
Visitors can climb the 247 cast-iron steps to the viewing platform. The climb is steep and can be warm, but the ventilation improves as you ascend. The view from the top is unparalleled, offering a 360-degree panorama of the turquoise lagoon, the barrier reef, and the distant mountains of Grande Terre. It is the definitive photo opportunity of the trip.
Is it Worth the Cost for Families?
For New Zealand families, the cost of the day trip to Amedee Lighthouse can seem steep initially. Ticket prices fluctuate but generally hover around 18,000 to 20,000 CFP (approx. $250-$280 NZD) per adult, with reduced rates for children. To determine if it is worth the investment, one must break down the inclusions.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
If you were to piece together a similar itinerary independently, the costs would stack up quickly:
- Boat Transfer: A standard water taxi to nearby islands costs $60-$80 NZD. Amedee is much further, justifying a higher transport cost.
- Equipment Hire: Snorkel gear, umbrellas, and loungers are included at Amedee. Renting these elsewhere adds $30-$50 NZD.
- Food and Drink: A buffet lunch with wine and beer in Noumea would easily cost $80-$100 NZD per person.
- Entertainment & Activities: A glass-bottom boat tour and cultural show are value-adds that would cost extra as standalone activities.
The Verdict: For families who want a stress-free, “everything is taken care of” day where safety is paramount (lifeguards are present), the value is high. The inclusion of food and beverages significantly offsets the ticket price. However, for budget travellers who only want to swim and don’t care for the buffet or show, a simple water taxi to Duck Island (Île aux Canards) might be a more fiscal choice, albeit with a far less spectacular reef.
Practical Tips for NZ Travellers
To ensure your day trip runs smoothly, keep these market-specific tips in mind:
- Sun Protection: The New Caledonia sun is as harsh as the New Zealand sun. The white sand reflects UV rays intensely. Bring high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, a rash shirt, and a hat.
- Reef Shoes: While the main beach is sandy, the coral debris can be sharp in the shallows. Simple reef shoes or jandals are recommended.
- Seasickness: The lagoon is generally calm, but the trade winds can pick up in the afternoon. If you are sensitive, take medication 30 minutes before the 4:00 PM return trip.
- Post Office: Uniquely, Amedee Island has the smallest post office in the world. You can buy a postcard and stamp at the souvenir shop and mail it directly from the island—a great novelty for kids.
- Booking in Advance: This is the most popular tour in Noumea. During NZ school holidays, it books out weeks in advance. Secure your tickets online before you arrive.
People Also Ask
How long is the boat ride to Amedee Lighthouse?
The boat ride from Port Moselle in Noumea to Amedee Island takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes aboard the Mary D high-speed catamaran, depending on sea conditions and wind.
Can you swim with turtles at Amedee Island?
Yes, swimming with Green Sea Turtles is the main attraction. They are abundant in the shallow seagrass beds right off the main beach and are generally very calm around snorkelers.
Is lunch included in the Amedee Lighthouse day trip?
Yes, the standard Mary D day trip package includes a full tropical buffet lunch, accompanied by wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as a Polynesian dance show.
How many steps are in the Amedee Lighthouse?
There are 247 cast-iron steps leading up to the viewing platform of the Amedee Lighthouse. The climb is suitable for most fitness levels, though it can be warm inside the structure.
What should I bring on a day trip to Amedee Island?
You should bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, reef shoes, a camera (underwater if possible), and some local currency (CFP) for the souvenir shop or bar extras.
Is Amedee Island suitable for young children?
Yes, it is very family-friendly. The water is shallow and calm, there are lifeguards on duty, and the all-inclusive nature means food and shade are readily available for families.
