New Caledonia, situated approximately 1,700 kilometers from New Zealand and about 1,500 kilometers from Australia, is the third largest island in the Pacific region, after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Its 24,000 square kilometer lagoon, which is surrounded by 1,600 kilometers of splendid coral reef, is the world’s largest, and with endemic species that can be found nowhere else, along with thousands of others common to the Pacific, both the island itself and the waters that surround it are a haven for nature lovers from around the world. Amadee Island is tiny, just 200 meters by 400 meters, and is famous for its lighthouse, which was first lit in 1865. Here are three amazing sites located just a few minutes from the island.
The Wreck of the Toho 5
Deployed as an artificial reef on December 21, 2000, the Toho 5 was a Japanese longliner. Good for at least two dives, the boat lies beneath just 26 meters of water, only 40 meters away from Tabou Reef. Among the corals and sponges that have begun to colonize the ship, you’ll find brilliantly colored sea stars, nudibranchs, and other small creatures, along with a kaleidoscope of fish, including beautiful napoleons and parrotfish, emperor angelfish, butterfly fish, and many others. Look for large groupers too, along with silver trevally. Barracuda, rays, and the occasional shark passing in the distance add their own special touch of magic to the dive. Suitable for experienced divers only, the wreck can be penetrated on a limited basis. Popular areas to discover include the freezers, cabins, and ship’s wheelhouse.
La Dieppoise
Once a sleek French Warship, La Dieppoise was deployed as an artificial reef on January 19th of 1988. As the ship’s wooden hull is quickly eroding, one can easily see the wheelhouse, gangways, and many main compartments, all of which are teeming with life. Built in 1952, the 46 meter ship has an aluminum frame that is standing the test of time; and is now swathed in a colorful coat of coral and sponge that shelters a wide array of macro life and larger creatures alike. Sitting upright beneath 26 meters of water, the wreck is a favorite hunting ground for jacks and barracuda. Watch for moray eels and groupers, along with shrimp, cowries, bigeyes, and lots of nudibranchs.
Boulari Pass
Normally divided into two sections, the inner reef slope and outer reef slope, Boulari Pass is famous for its manta rays and stingrays, eels, and countless other creatures. Along the outer reef slope, watch for larger pelagics, including some large barracuda and jacks, and along the inner reef, be sure to keep an eye out for emperor angelfish and multicolored Eclipse Pigfish. You can dive the inner reef and enjoy some fantastic sightseeing, or experience a splendid drift dive along the outer reef. Inside, maximum depth is 18 meters, and outside, it is 26 meters – though you can go deeper, there’s not much to see further down. Divers have encountered numerous white tip and black tip reef sharks on occasion, and some local dive operators do engage in shark feeding at the site.
Between July and September, you may encounter Humpback Whales or hear their songs, and visibility tends to be excellent although it is decreased between January and March, during the rainy season. Local dive operators are well-equipped and there are a variety of different accommodations to choose from. Topside, the cuisine is top-notch and there are many historic sites to visit between dives; plan in advance, especially if your time is limited, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself longing to return again and again.