Ouvea, Loyalty Islands, French Polynesia

Ouvea is very often called: "The island closest to paradise". It is situated 100 kilometres off the coast of the Caledonian mainland in the Loyalty Islands archipelago. It is known as having as New Caledonia's finest beach (Mouli) and is one of the Pacific's most exquisite coral atolls.

Ouvea boasts 25km beach of pristine white sand fronting a turquoise lagoon. The island has a single road and is less than 40 metres wide at some points. Mild weather, friendly locals, plus stunning seascapes all help to make Ouvea a tropical paradise. Its vegetation and climate are exceptional and walks and treks are well-renowned.

Things to See and Do

* Sculptors of Ouvea
* Soap Factory
* Coconut oil distillery
* Scuba diving & snorkelling
* Beach of Mouli

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - CFP franc (XPF)
Language - French, Melanesian Iaai and Polynesian Faga Uvea
Land Area - 132.1 km²
Population - 5,000 approx
Electricity - 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time - GMT plus eleven hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 689

Transport Links - Flights are available from Noumea-Magenta which serves all domestic flights within New Caledonia, such as the Loyalty Islands (Maré, Tiga, Lifou, Ouvéa), from Isle of Pines in the south to Belep Islands in the northern tip of the mainland as well as Koné and Koumac on the west coast and Touho on the east coast.