Discover The World's Largest Lagoon and Second Largest Coral Reef
The World's Largest Lagoon and 2nd Largest Coral Reef
Be one of the first to go somewhere totally NEW, and discover the treasures of one of the world’s true natural wonders. UNESCO has announced that New Caledonia’s spectacular lagoon and reef, Australia’s closest South Pacific neighbour, are a World Heritage Site.
Be one of the first to go somewhere totally NEW, and discover the treasures of one of the world’s true natural wonders. UNESCO has announced that New Caledonia’s spectacular lagoon and reef, Australia’s closest South Pacific neighbour, are a World Heritage Site.
The world’s largest and most beautiful lagoon stretches over 23,000 square kilometres (15,000 square kilometres having been recognised by UNESCO) and includes the world’s second largest coral reef with around 8,000 square kilometres of reef formations – one of the world’s most extensive reef systems.
This is official recognition of their extraordinary wealth of biodiversity and exceptional natural beauty, which can be easily viewed in the beautiful crystal clear waters.
The barrier reef, which encircles the Main Island of New Caledonia stretches over a distance of 1,800 kilometres, comparable in length to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
It is home to 900 varieties of coral, many of which are unique to New Caledonia, and features around 350 hard coral species which is as many as the Great Barrier Reef. There are also some 500 varieties of soft coral species, and 90 species of the gorgonian fan coral.
New Caledonia’s lagoon offers exceptional biodiversity, and is also home to an amazing collection of over 15,000 marine species including the world’s 3rd largest population of dugongs. During July and August the southern lagoon is a favourite breeding ground for hump-backed whales.
Turtles are also regular visitors to the lagoon, with four of the seven species found in the Pacific region, and it is a major nesting ground for the green turtle.
The lagoon and reef are also populated by the mysterious Nautilus, Napoleon fish, giant Manta Rays, a variety of sharks and many more marine species.
The reef’s architecture is exceptional, with arches, tunnels, canyons and caves.
New Caledonia is naturally a diver’s paradise, attracting scuba divers from around the world. However, many sites can be explored within a 20 metre diving depth, making them easily accessible to amateur divers.
Come and explore somewhere that is out of this world – but it’s not out of the way, only 2 hours from Brisbane and 2.5 hours from Sydney.
Click here to discover more about the world’s largest lagoon.
