NEW CALEDONIA

Isle of Pines - Ile des Pins

The Isle of Pines is nicknamed "l'île la plus proche du paradis" in french ("the closest island to Paradise"). Unique landscapes of idyllic beauty where towering column pines line the reef. It has snorkeling and scuba diving in and around its lagoon. Species of tropical fish and corals can be seen in the transparent water.

The island was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1774 on his second voyage to New Zealand.  He never disembarked onto the island, but as he saw signs of inhabitance (smoke) assumed it was inhabited. The French took possession of the island in 1853 at which time the native Kunies opted for the Catholic religion. In 1872 the island became a French penal colony.