IO things to do in Mare
While away the days in the Pacific Ocean’s unspoilt paradise of New Caledonia
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Only faintly touched by mass tourism, Mare feels undiscovered and rustic-edged. It’s rare for cruise vessels to dock in locations as pristine as this, but Mare is now collected along the routes of cruise lines such as Carnival, Celebrity and P&O, giving Pacific tourers a chance to daytrip this island where quartz-like sands ripple aquamarine waters.
Dock for a day 2 Relax at the beach
Whether you’ve disembarked from a cruise or have made your own way to Mare, one of the most low-effort ways to have a wonderfully immersive experience is to go directly to Yejele Beach and do very little. Unfold your towel and your worries on the pearly sands and drift in and out of the shallows – you’ll feel rinsed and renewed.
3 Marvel at Warrior’s Leap
Island legend tells of a brave warrior pursued by enemies, who, with options all but dwindled, attempted and succeeded to evade his foes by leaping across this 7m-wide chasm. At 30m above sea level, one can only deduce the warrior’s fate at the hands of his enemies was worth the gamble. While following suit is not on the cards, you can visit this stunning natural cleft to admire its beauty and place in Mare lore.
4 Rent a bike in paradise
Feel the liberating, salt-edged breeze as you cycle around this wild island utopia. The roads on Mare, the second-largest island in the Loyalty Islands, are surprisingly good, and while the island is the highest in the archipelago, it’s a gentle ride from one pristine beach to the next. You can hire bikes or motorised scooters from locals, who will be waiting at Tadine when cruises arrive.
5 Go cave-hunting
The island’s interior is pock-marked with all manner of natural curiosities that will festoon your social feeds with otherworldly images. Ride your hired bike to document Pethoen Cave, which appears like a scene from Tomb Raider with a jungle-fringed clear pool adorned with dramatic stalactites. Or visit Trou de Bone sinkhole, a stunning, acoustically interesting drop.
6 Watch marine life
The coral-carved pool at the National Aquarium is home to an abundance of endemic species, including fish and sea turtles.
Swimming is not permitted within this unsullied sanctuary, but the waters are so unblemished, you can watch life below the surface from your vantage point at the edge.
7 Meet a turtle
The pine-fringed bay of Mebuet Beach welcomes snorkellers in its crystal depths in search of turtles and other sea life. Corals and fish captivate below the surface, while above, the island paradise will have you unfogging your goggles to ensure you’re seeing the beauty of your surrounds.
8 Take a hike
A drive through coconut plantations, then a two-hour hike to Shabadran Terraces delivers you to what may be one of the world’s most exquisite beaches. The journey may be an undertaking (another two hours to return), but it pays off with volcanic cliffs with pines and palms, coral lagoons, secret-hideaway vibes, and a captivating white-sand beach.
9 Visit a vanilla plantation
Vanilla arrived in New Caledonia 150-odd years ago via an English missionary, and since then, thanks to a climate suited to the orchids’ demands, its cultivation has become an important industry. If you’ve ever paused mid-ice cream to ponder the production of heavenly scented vanilla, you’ll find a trip to the Rawa Vanilla Plantation in the lush centre of Mare enlightening.
IO Book a homestay
Wonderfully undeveloped for tourism, there is but one real hotel on Mare. While Hotel Nengone is a great option for comfort, for a true experience, elect a family-run homestay in traditional Kanak-style. The beautifully basic, grassthatched huts vary in size, location and facilities, but many offer meals, tours and transfers. iles-loyaute.com