Escaping to the South Pacific on the Emerald Princess (Part 3: New Caledonia and Vanuatu)

Part 1: Australia
Part 2: New Zealand
Part 3: New Caledonia and Vanuatu


Noumea, New Caledonia
I had to work port day supervision in the afternoon so I booked a tour: Noumea Scenic Drive & Aquarium for the morning.
The bus took us to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Ouen Toro Lookout and also the Aquarium de Lagons.
My favourite part of the whole tour was the aquarium because it was the closest I have ever been to a shark.

The tank at the Aquarium that contained giant fishes and reef sharks

The aquarium also had an outdoor sea turtle pond and a black-light exhibit room with illuminated jellyfish.

The jellyfishes illuminated in the black-light room

Lifou, New Caledonia
This was a tendered port which "docks" right at the beach. It was a nice day for spending some time in the ocean and on the sand.
Note: There are lots of sea coral so water shoes would make walking around less painful.

A photo from the tender to Lifou

Mystery Island, Vanuatu
The ship was unable to drop the anchor at this tendered port because of the wind conditions and sea swells.   


Port Vila, Vanuatu
Having been to this port last year my impression was that unless you book an excursion or want to spend a lot of money there's not much to do here. However, a friend of mine shared her secret beach location with us and it was inexpensive as well. We took the water taxi to Coco beach ($5 AUD one way, 15 minutes).

View from the water taxi

The best part of Coco beach was its seclusion. There was no one on this beach besides the four friends I went with and the locals who were working at the resort/bar near the beach.
Last year I named Luecila beach in Lifou, New Caledonia as the most deserted beach I have ever been to but Coco beach has now taken those honours.

View of Coco beach from the water taxi

View from the dock of Coco beach

I split my time at Coco beach between swimming in the ocean (being careful not to hurt myself on the coral/rocks on the ocean floor), exploring the beach, and lounging on the beach chairs. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Port Vila even if I didn't go on a shore excursion!


Champagne Bay, Vanuatu
This is my favourite beach port with its perfect combination of (mostly) coral-free white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. I enjoyed my day alternating between soaking up the sun on the beach and cooling off in the water.

The best beach port in my opinion: Champagne Bay

The heat from the sun was intense so I bought a coconut from a local to stay hydrated. When I was done drinking the last drop from the coconut I went back to the local to get her to cut open the coconut so I could eat the flesh. I also snacked on some of the locally made banana chips and sweet potato chips that were sold at the stalls scattered around the island.
Champagne Bay is always a good time, even more so when the weather is nice. I couldn't have asked for a better port to finish my contract with!


My heart will always have a soft spot for the South Pacific islands and the laid-back and friendly locals who live there. South Pacific, hope to see you again soon!