View of Anse Vata bay and beach from the Hilton Hotel in Nouméa, capital of New Caledonia.Anse Vata Bay, Nouméa
©Anse Vata Bay, Nouméa|Terres de Lumière

The Bays of Nouméa

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Nouméa is embraced by magnificent bays, bestowing upon it a natural setting like no other. Among these, Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay) and Baie de l’Anse-Vata (Anse Vata Bay) undoubtedly take the lead as the most vibrant and trendy. These bays come alive day and night, offering a plethora of activities to cater to every whim. Let’s explore these two iconic coastal gems in the capital and uncover the best things to do!

With numerous hotels located in close proximity to Nouméa’s bays, you have the option to stay right in the heart of the action. Situated in the southern districts of the capital, Baie des Citrons and Baie de l’Anse-Vata are easily accessible via public transport. From the city centre, approximately 8 km away, you can reach them in about 15 minutes. Tanéo Bus Line N1 operates regularly between Place Moselle in the city centre, the bays, and the Ouémo district. Alternatively, you can opt for a local taxi if you haven’t rented your own vehicle.

Transport information:

  • By bus: Line N1 (Tanéo)
  • By cab: Taxis de Nouméa – 28.35.12 (Available 24/7)
  • Check the schedule for live concerts at the bars in Baie des Citrons and Anse-Vata.
  • Visit the Aquarium des Lagons before embarking on your snorkelling adventure at sea.
  • Treat yourself to an ice cream at Amorino in Anse-Vata or Baie des Citrons after a leisurely session!
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat if you visit during the day.
  • For a first-time stand-up paddle or kayak experience, choose a calm, windless day. If you’re not on-site, you can check out the webcam at Anse-Vata!

1. Sunbathing and swimming on the beach

Château Royal beach on Anse Vata bay in Nouméa, New Caledonia.Château Royal Beach, Nouméa
©Château Royal Beach, Nouméa|Terres de Lumière

    What could be better than a refreshing dip when the thermometer climbs in the middle of the day? During your stay, you’re bound to have a moment to enjoy Nouméa’s two most famous beaches! L’Anse-Vata is a long, two-kilometre bay hemmed in with blonde sand. Its position delights bathers and windsurfers alike, thanks to the often-present trade winds. The Baie des Citrons is smaller and more family-friendly. Well sheltered from the wind, its lawn areas perfect for a siesta in the shade or a picnic. Families, friends, workers, and tourists gather on the “BD” for a siesta, a game of beach volleyball, a lunch break, or an aperitif at sunset.

    2. Glide across the lagoon on a kitesurf, windsurf or paddleboard

    Paddle at Baie des Citrons, NouméaPaddle at Baie des Citrons, Nouméa
    ©Paddle at Baie des Citrons, Nouméa|Terres de Lumière / NCT
    Château Royal beach at Anse-VataChâteau Royal beach at Anse-Vata
    ©Château Royal beach at Anse-Vata|Terres de Lumière / NCT

      Nouméa’s bays are perfect spots for water sports! The tranquil Baie des Citrons is ideal for a spin on the paddleboard, including with the kids. As soon as the trade winds start to blow, the beach at Anse-Vata becomes a favourite rendezvous for windsurfers and kitesurfers who glide down to Ilot Canard (Duck Island) or Ilot Maître. Set up along the Roger Laroque promenade, rental companies offer windsurfing boards, paddles, and kayaks, as well as beginners’ courses. For kitesurfing, head to the far end of Anse-Vata, in front of the Méridien Hotel.

      3. Trendy boutiques, bars and restaurants

      Rooftop at Baie des Citrons in NouméaRooftop at Baie des Citrons in Nouméa
      ©Rooftop at Baie des Citrons in Nouméa|Marine Reveilhac / NCT
        Garden party at Anse-Vata, NouméaGarden party at Anse-Vata, Nouméa
        ©Garden party at Anse-Vata, Nouméa|Dario SPADA / NCT

          Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs line the promenade Roger Laroque, facing the beaches. You’ll also find a wide choice of ready-to-wear boutiques, concept stores, and handicrafts, notably at Complexe La Promenade on Anse-Vata. Take advantage of the bustle and mingle with the locals for a drink at the sunset on the BD, or sit down at one of the many restaurant terraces with a sea view. Come evening, it’s time to sway in the bars and discos, with your feet just above the lagoon as at La Bodega or the MV Lounge complex.

          List of bars and restaurants on the bays

          4. Daytrip to Nouméa's islets

          Aerial view of the DoubleTree by Hilton Îlot Maître Resort in Nouméa, New Caledonia.DoubleTree By Hilton, îlot Maître, Nouméa
          ©DoubleTree By Hilton, îlot Maître, Nouméa|Oneye Production - Double Tree by Hilton

            From Anse-Vata bay, access to Îlot Canard and Îlot Maître is very easy. The taxi-boats offer to take you there in a few minutes, at a very regular frequency (every 10 minutes or so). On-site, you can observe the marine life, snorkel, sunbathe on a deckchair, tour the islet, kitesurf (Îlot Maître), and even sleep in a overwater bungalow above the turquoise lagoon at the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton Resort (Îlot Maître)!

            5. Treat yourself to a spa break overlooking the lagoon

            A stay in the capital is often synonymous with relaxation. Whether you’ve just landed or at the end of your journey in New Caledonia, a wellness break is always welcome! Several luxurious hotels are situated on the bays of Nouméa and house beautiful spas with a view of the lagoon. It’s the perfect time to unwind in the bubbles of a spa and escape for a massage…Méridien Hotel or Château Royal also offer a fine range of pampering treatments.

            Relaxation at the Château Royal Beach Resort And SpaRelaxation at the Château Royal Beach Resort And Spa
            ©Relaxation at the Château Royal Beach Resort And Spa|Château Royal / NCT
              Relaxation at the Deep Nature Spa at the Le Méridien Nouméa hotel in New Caledonia.Deep Nature Spa, Nouméa
              ©Deep Nature Spa, Nouméa|Marine Reveilhac
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