If someone handed you a paintbrush and asked you to create the perfect tropical island, you’d probably end up with something very close to the Isle des Pins aka Ile de Pins.
Located about 60 kilometers south of Nouméa, the Ile des Pins earned its name in 1774 when Captain James Cook spotted the island’s towering columnar pine trees rising dramatically above the horizon.
He was shocked at the scene before him and aptly named them Ile des Pins.
To sailors approaching from sea, those distinctive pines must have looked like nature’s version of a welcome sign.
After dropping the hook and sitting on a mooring, we were in awe of the beautiful pines.
These tall narrow pines, scientific name “Araucaria columnaris” stand 10-20 meters (32 – 65 feet) above the canopy of any neighboring trees and can reach heights up to 60 meters (196 feet). It is quite an arresting scene.
Today, the island is not only famous for its pines but also for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and the stunning natural swimming pool of Oro Bay. The water is so clear that fish seem to float in mid-air, leaving visitors wondering if they’ve accidentally wandered into a screensaver.
But beneath all that beauty lies an interesting history. The island is home to the Kanak people, who have lived here for centuries.
An Island Prison
During the late 1800s, the French used the island as a penal colony, sending political prisoners here after the Paris Commune. Not exactly the tropical vacation package advertised today.
Villages were set up for prisoners, refugees, and workers.
You can visit remnants of old buildings still standing from the 1800’s.
We found a church, the prison wall, a bunker, and an ammunition storage.
Wes tumbled across the old jail compound which is very eerie.
Old Jail
Remains of a Penal Colony – an old water tank. from 1874
The Vagina and Penis Peninsula
In the neighboring bay of Kanumera you will find the penis peninsula and the Vagina Rock. Both interesting names.
The Vagina Rock is a sacred rock where the locals believe that couples can spend the night here with the hope of conceiving children.
It is a stunning rock that has a beautiful, white sandy path leading from shore during low tide.
Once we crossed over the path we saw up in the bushes the “boom boom room” where we assume the locals go to try to get pregnant.
A Tradition of Carving
As soon as we stepped foot onto the island we were greeted with towering, hand-carved tikis.
We were lucky enough to catch one of the carvers hard at work.
Locals place these carvings all around the island, near the docks, near important sites, buildings, and homes.
Now, tourism and traditional Kanak culture peacefully share the island. Visitors come for the snorkeling, diving, and scenery, but often leave with an appreciation for the island’s rich heritage and unique way of life.
The Ile des Pins may look like paradise—and it certainly is—but it’s also a reminder that every beautiful place has a story beneath the surface.
One clever local turned plastic bottles into jelly fish art.
Find Ile des Pins on No Foreign Land.
Our blog posts run 7-8 weeks behind actual live events.
We visited Ile des Pins toward the end of June 2026.
Did Matt name an island after himself? Be sure to read about it.
I am so excited to share the many cultural events and stories we’ve learned about here in Fanla. Follow along with us for the next couple of weeks to read all about it!
