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A Lot of Ilots in South New Caledonia

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We explore a lot of “ilots” in the southern end of New Caledonia after return from Ile des Pins.

Our first stop was rather uneventful because of the weather.  We made a 40nm trip across the ocean to a little ilot called Kouare.  

If the weather weren’t so disagreeable this would be an idyllic anchorage. This very small island is uninhabited by the 10 toed creatures but is bustling with our feathered friends.

This is a marine area listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, the animals rule supreme. From the white-sand beaches where marine turtles and sea snakes like to lay their eggs, to the large variety of birds that call this home.

Hundreds of breeding pairs live here in harmony including the red footed booby, the roseate tern, the eastern osprey, and the Tahiti Petrel.

Unfortunate for us the wind was howling causing white caps in our anchorage.  This was not conducive to a dinghy shore excursion.

Ilot Ua

We moved to Ilot Ua the next day and found a much more comfortable anchoring spot.  We dopped the hook in 10m of crystal-clear water.

There are two islands side by side.  Ilot Ua and Ilot Uato. 

The are reefs that surround each of the two islands.  So, the best time to go to shore is during high tide when we can get the dinghy over the reef safely.

This beautiful ilot is full of breeding birds as well.  

The Eastern Osprey

We had the extreme pleasure of seeing another giant osprey nest.  We could not believe how huge this nest is.  As you know, the Eastern Osprey breed at the same site every year.  They build a substantial nest on dead trees and add more branches to make it bigger each year.

This pair of osprey did not like us walking near his tree.

We also managed to collect a few New Caledonian sand dollars still in tact.  Yeah for us!

Ilot Signal

Known for its signal that warns yachts of the crazy reefs and its beautiful waters.

Ile Ouen – Baie Ire

We swing into Baie Ire on Ile Ouen.  It was a stunning anchorage with vibrant green trees against the deep, red soil and blue lagoon.

We unfortunately did not stay here too long, but we sure did enjoy the peaceful anchorage.

The contrast makes for stunning scenery.

Ilot Nge (Sainte Marie)

This ilot is really confused as it has two names.  Ilot Ngea and Ilot Sainte Maire.  

Another pretty anchorage that gave us many restful nights. 

We did a massive 7.2mile hike around the island and enjoyed some beautiful views.

Ilot Ngea

Ilot Ngea

We visit a website  that tells us whether or not we can go ashore. New Caledonia government forbids access when the birds are breeding.

Visit No Foreign Land to see these Ilots:

Our blog posts run 8 weeks behind actual live events.  We visited all of these lovely places during the end of June 2026.

Check out our hike that takes us 900′ above Ile des Pins: Pic N’Ga.

Ilot Ngea

Ilot NGea: Hidden Hiking Paradise

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Just a short paddle or boat ride from Nouméa, Ilot Ngea (also known as Îlot Sainte-Marie) feels like you’ve escaped to the middle of nowhere. It’s hard to believe the city is only a couple of kilometers away when all you can hear is birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional reminder from your hiking partner that “we’re definitely taking the scenic route.”

Cicumnavigating the Island on Foot

The island is crisscrossed with hiking trails that wind through dry forest, along rocky headlands, and past quiet beaches, with plenty of viewpoints overlooking New Caledonia’s spectacular lagoon.

We started our hike with the hopes of circumnavigating the entire island.  However, we ended up getting off track and missed a small portion of the island.

Despite our wonky trail, we were rewarded with panoramic views, secluded beaches, and shady forest paths.

Province Sud has marked the “main” track show in the left photo had signs and markers. 

We were surprised to discover that once we were off the main track the “markers” were sporadic.  We no longer had poles with signage but had paths lined with sticks and rocks.  And in some are even marked with spray paint and pieces of cloth on the trees.

Strategically placed benches offered a respite from the heat and hills.

And the views were pretty spectacular.

Total of 7.25 miles walked over 4hrs and 6 minutes. 

Total ascent was 1,348 feet (up and down and up and down). Left me exhausted!

This little island is a natural sanctuary with its unique vegetation and swarms of native birds.

Silica Quarry

One of N’Géa’s most fascinating features is its abandoned silica quarry. In the early 1900s, the government extracted high-quality silica and transported by barge to the mainland.

Today, the bright quarry walls stand as a reminder of the island’s industrial past. 

Find Ilot Ngea on No Foreign Land.

Our blog posts run 7-8 weeks behind actual events. 

We were at Ilot Ngea in early July 2026.

Be sure to read our last blog post about Anse Majic and the Cap N’Dua Lighthouse.

Cap N'Dua Lighthouse, Anse Majic, Baie de Prony

Anse Majic and the Cap N’Dua Lighthouse

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Anse Majic is a little bit of magic with its rich green trees a top the deep red soil.  It is a wonderful contrast. 

This bay is located in Baie de Prony which must have dozens of anchorages.

There are (5) mooring balls that are available to yachts for no charge in Anse Majic.  This protected bay was truly peaceful.

A Hike to Cap N’ Dua Lighthouse

There are several places you can get to shore to start the trail to Cap N’Dua Lighthouse. 

We opted to leave the dinghy near some boulders so we could avoid stepping on the wet, deep, red mud on the “beach.” 

Instead, we scampered up the rocks directly to the trail.

There are (2) trails to take to the lighthouse. 

The signage states that one trail is considered “difficult” and the other is “easy and recommended.”  

We of course decided to take the difficult one up and then returned on the easy trail.  Basically creating a figure 8, (2) loops.  I will state that the difficult trail was not difficult at all.  Perhaps more vertical, but not hard.

The locals have built and maintained lovely trails that are well-marked and have lots of signage. 

Your shoes will turn red as there is no way to avoid the red soil.  

But the path is lovely as you weave around the foliage, across the island, and over the mountain.

Cap N’Dua Lighthouse 

This is little lighthouse with a remarkable history. 

Cap N'Dua Lighthouse

Cap N’Dua Lighthouse

The Cap N’dua lighthouse sits at the southern tip of Grande Terre overlooking the entrance to the Canal de la Havannah (Havannah Pass).

For over a century, this lighthouse has helped guide ships safely through the delicate tidal currents and reefs cluttering the lagoon.

Originally, the lighthouse was a simple mast a top of which the keepers hoisted a large lamp.  The wick was fed with a rapeseed oil in the beginning, and then mineral oil.  

The two-man team also hoisted a telegraph (more on this below). 

The two man team originally stayed in the ruins located just below the lighthouse.  However, a cyclone later destroyed this building.  The workers moved to a better protected site in Anse Majic.

The French Government commissioned the lighthouse between 1888 and 1897. 

The keepers climbed to the top of the mountain every evening to light the wick by hand as the lighthouse was powered by oil.

The locals automated the Cap N’Dua light using gas in the 1950’s. 

Then by 1982 the lighthouse was converted to solar power.  Today, a modern solar-powered LED beacon lights the way for mariners.

Surrounding the Cap N’Dua Lighthouse

Just below the lighthouse is a lovely whale watching center with seating, informational signage, and high-powered binoculars. 

The top left photo shows the roof of the center and middle left is the actual center. 

The top right shows the reflective ship mark. The middle right photo shows what is left of the keepers residence after the cyclone.

The bottom two photos are the “modern” mechanics to keep the lighthouse running – a mini solar farm with over 12,600 watts!

The Telegraph and Communications

In 1878, the telegraph arrived in Anse Majic, Prony Bay.  In 1880, the telegraph merged services with the post office and opened to the public in 1891. 

This greatly improved communications between Noumea and Ile des Pins.

In 1895, it turned into a full blown post office with a telephone line.  But unfortunately, the office shut down by 1911.

The Natural Reserve

The Province Sud set aside over 800 hectares surrounding the Cap N’Dua lighthouse in 1972. 

This created a beautiful Natural Reserve which included lovely walking trails and a whale watching observatory, and information center.

Unfortunately, the land around this area is slowly degrading. 

The degradation is from a combination of human activity (fires, mining, construction, tracks) and the process of erosion of the soil (due to heavy rains).

However, the local government has made provisions to manage the flow of water, stabilize the soil, and facilitate vegetable regrowth.

Anse Majic is Magic

We really enjoyed staying in Anse Majic.  It is unusually beautiful, has a lovely hike, and is very peaceful.

Matt and I at the top of the Mountain.

Our blog posts run 8 weeks behind actual live events.

We were in Anse Majic and did the hike to Cap N’Dua Lighthouse in early July 2026.

Find Anse Majic on No Foreign Land.

Discover all of the Ilots we visited in New Caledonia.