Diving in Loyalty Islands

Explore 42 dive sites in Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Loyalty Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Loyalty Islands occur in February, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 24.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 28.2°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 27.6°C
  • May: 26.3°C
  • June: 25.4°C
  • July: 24.7°C
  • August: 24.2°C
  • September: 24.5°C
  • October: 25.2°C
  • November: 26.4°C
  • December: 27.6°C

Marine Life in Loyalty Islands

Home to 129 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 11 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 clams & mussels, 4 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins.

Recommended Packing List for Loyalty Islands

Based on average water temperature of 26.3°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Loyalty Islands

  • Ouen Toro - Territorial Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Île Bailly - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • La Dieppoisse Special Marine Reserve - Special Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • L'Etang de Koumac State Forest Reserve - Special Fauna Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Récifs de Sèche-Croissant - Integral nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Goéland - Seasonal integral nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Canard - Locally managed protected area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Maître - Locally managed protected area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Larégnère - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Signal - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Épave du Humboldt - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pointe Kuendu - Locally managed protected area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Poé - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Île Verte - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lagons de Nouvelle-Calédonie : diversité récifale et écosystèmes associés - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Parc de la Zone Côtière Ouest - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Amédée - Locally managed protected area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Baie de Port Bouquet - Locally managed protected area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Parc de la Côte Oubliée - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Passe de Dumbéa - Seasonal nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Grand récif Aboré et de la passe de Boulari - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Ténia - Locally managed protected area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot Moindé-Ouémié - Locally managed protected area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Roche Percée et de la Baie des Tortues - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Récif Sèche Croissant - Integral nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Îlot N'Digoro - Integral nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ouano - Nature reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Povilla Forest Reserve - Forest Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ile Pam - Special Fauna Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Michael Corbasson - Territorial Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Atoll d'Ouvéa et Beautemps-Beaupré - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • L’île de Bailly - Special Marine Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Parc du lagon de Bourail: Roche Percee and Baie des tortues - Special Marine Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • L’îlot Ténia - Special Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nekoro - Special Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Casy Islet - Special Marine Reserve (IUCN Category II)

Getting to Loyalty Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Touho Airport (TOU), Touho - 28 km away, approx 45 min travel time
  • La Tontouta International Airport (NOU), Nouméa (La Tontouta) - 140 km away, approx 168 min travel time
  • Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), Port Vila - 477 km away, approx 535 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres