Snorkel with wild dugongs in the vast turquoise lagoon of New Caledonia, home to the world's third-largest dugong population and a UNESCO World Heritage reef. Sea cows graze the seagrass around islets like Amédée near Nouméa, spotted on lagoon snorkel trips, kayaks and scenic flights alongside turtles, rays and reef sharks, so sightings are a lucky bonus rather than guaranteed. They are here year-round, best from April to November when the cool, dry season brings 30 to 40 metres of visibility.
Snorkel with wild dugongs in the vast turquoise lagoon of New Caledonia, home to the world's third-largest dugong population and a UNESCO World Heritage reef. Sea cows graze the seagrass around islets like Amédée near Nouméa, spotted on lagoon snorkel trips, kayaks and scenic flights alongside turtles, rays and reef sharks, so sightings are a lucky bonus rather than guaranteed. They are here year-round, best from April to November when the cool, dry season brings 30 to 40 metres of visibility.
Up to 68% sighting chance in Nouméa Lagoon / Amédée Islet (New Caledonia). Best months: June, July, May.
In the Nouméa lagoon around islets such as Amédée and in the reef passes, on snorkel trips, kayaks or scenic flights; the territory holds the world's third-largest dugong population.
No, dugongs roam the huge lagoon and sightings are opportunistic, often alongside turtles, rays and reef sharks rather than on dedicated dugong tours.
Year-round, but the cool, dry season from April to November brings the calmest water and 30 to 40 metres of visibility.
Yes, the lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage site and dugongs are protected; keep your distance and never touch or chase them.
