Easo, Lifou, New Caledonia

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Map with sites	The pier	The Zaadam

Cruise ships anchor in the Baie du Santal (Sandalwood Bay) right off of the small town of Easo. When you arrive on the beach, there are market stalls up a hill. Here you can purchase crafts, see local dancing, rent snorkeling equipment, or arrange for a tour. I have heard that there are tours to a vanilla plantation and to local grottoes. There is a swimming beach where the ships tender.

We took two short walks which are marked in red lines on the map above. As you walk up the hill past the market, there is a paved road on the left. This walk takes you along the coast cliff.

The second walk takes you to the Chapelle Notre Dame de Lourdes and the snorkeling beach. For this walk, you go up past the market and continue to the top of the hill where there is a road to the left. Take this road straight for less then 1/2 mile to the Chapelle which has a fantastic view of the island. The last part of the walk to the chapelle is uneven stairs.

When you come down from the Chapelle, take the road back and turn left when you come to the paved road going downhill. At the bottom is a small grassy area which has excellent snorkeling. Snorkel equipment, drinks, and food are available there.

ATM: None. The merchants take US dollars.

 

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Ladder to snorkeling bay	Snorkel rentals and food	Snorkeling

View of bay and pier at Easo, Lifou, New Caledonia

View from the Chapelle Notre Dame de Lourdes