Things to see and do Vao

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).

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Vao, built in 1860, is a colorful building very representative of the Caledonian island style. Inside, the beautiful ceiling and the multicolored stained glass windows should be noted. The tabernacle and the pulpits are made of carved wood. Behind the building, take the path that leads to a small chapel located a little higher up, where a statue of the Virgin is leaning over the world. The Grande Chefferie is also nearby. Inaugurated in 2006, it is in fact a building from the 1850s that has been restored.

Leaving Vao to the north, you will have to take the first right to discover them, all carved wood, with their expressions as fascinating as amusing. This site owes its fame to the magnificent Kanak woods (totems) erected as a palisade around the monument. This monument commemorates the arrival on the island of Fathers Goujon and Chatelut and thus the first Catholic service given on August 12, 1848 on the island. James Cook would have passed by there in his time and tourists and locals never tire of it. It is one of the most picturesque places in the area.

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.