The most beautiful natural sites to discover Isle Of Pines

It is the jewel in the crown of the Isle of Pines and a visit is a must during a stay here. This small natural coral basin, wedged between a channel and the sea, is an impressive and marvelous spot, a place simply blessed by nature: sheltered from the ocean waves that hit the surrounding rock barrier, surrounded by majestic pines and a beach of fine white sand, it hides under its turquoise and clear shallow waters a heavenly marine fauna: corals, shells and multicolored fish. Swimming in this crystalline pool, with or without snorkel, in the middle of a multitude of multicolored fish not afraid for a penny, even curious, is an idyllic moment. However, don't forget your plastic sandals, because before reaching the sandy bottom, it is necessary to walk for a few meters on small rocks! Spending the day there to capture all the magic, discover new specimens and swim several times is a good option. But to avoid the crowds, it is advisable to come in the early morning or later in the afternoon, as families and locals tend to go there for lunch, enjoying the pool just before and/or after. To get there, you have to leave your car at the parking lot and follow for about 15 minutes a forest path that you have to pay for, at the entrance of which someone will wait for you to collect the money and explain the shortest way. This path crosses the channel, so you will have to walk in the water (more or less high depending on the tide) which does not present any particular difficulty. And for the smaller budgets, it is possible to come by your own means via the track that serves the Meridian. But it can also be pleasant to arrive on the site from Upi Bay, after an excursion in a traditional Melanesian pirogue, piloted by a piroguier from Saint-Joseph Bay. In this case, it is necessary to foresee forty-five minutes of walk on the pedestrian forest path to reach the natural swimming pool. The toll and a certain surveillance have been put in place by the customary authorities to avoid certain abuses of cruisers. Please remember to wear a bathing suit to ensure a certain modesty.

This is truly a stopover not to be missed under any circumstances, for the beauty of the place, of course, but above all to take a dip and enjoy a welcome moment of relaxation before resuming your excursion.

Connected by a narrow isthmus, the bays are masterpieces of nature. If the first one is known for being the landing place of the Betico, the second one is famous for its rock, whose access is taboo. Both beaches are the only spots on the island where you can practice windsurfing, and PMT is also a widespread activity. Take the path that runs along the peninsula from the south and go around it going north, you will be delighted by this short excursion (1h).

It is here that dugout expeditions begin, in the pretty bay of Saint-Joseph with its numerous coral islands in the shape of a mushroom. It is not uncommon to see a few of them while passing by, but they almost disappeared once upon a time. Having become obsolete, these boats were replaced by motor boats, before becoming fashionable again in the 1990s. Some fishermen perpetuate the tradition today and also offer trips in Upi Bay (to be booked through your accommodation).

A trip by Melanesian canoe in Upi Bay is a must to see the wonderful site and its numerous coral "potatoes" in the shape of a giant mushroom. Dolphins and turtles are often seen there. The departure is early in the morning to the bay of St. Joseph, where you embark before sailing 1h30 in a dream setting (without engine when the wind allows it). Then, you can walk 30 to 45 min under the shade of the trees until the natural swimming pool of Oro, where we spend the rest of the day before the return shuttle. Idyllic.

The bays in the north of the island are famous for their protected seabed, rich in fauna and flora. Inhabitants of Lifou, fleeing the anger of their tribe's chief, settled there in the middle of the 18th century. The first missionaries arrived in 1840, followed by sandalwood workers. The Gadji tribe is composed of only a dozen people. Compared to the rest of the island, more frequented by tourists, the place is extremely peaceful.