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EnezGreen » Îles & Archipels » New Caledonia » Diving at Isle of Pines with Kunié Scuba Center
New Caledonia

Diving at Isle of Pines with Kunié Scuba Center

Pacific Ocean

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Diving

With its magnificent beaches of white sand, its lagoon in shades of turquoise and its glittering mushroom rocks, Pine Island forms part of the world’s most reputed oceanic havens. Its clear waters full of life are a treat for seabed enthusiasts. The centre offers explorations all year round at some fifteen sites around the bay of Gadji, which is only about 30 minutes away by boat.

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  • Sustainable policy

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Discovering the seabed of the Isle of Pines

For all seabed enthusiasts, diving remains a must-do on Pine Island, which has only one dive centre since 1974. The Kunie Scuba Centre is located 10 minutes away from the airport between the bays of Ouameo and Gadji, on the west coast.

The Kunie Scuba Centre started operating some 35 years ago under the casuarinas trees of a superb white sandy beach. The centre offers explorations all year round at some fifteen sites around the bay of Gadji, which is only about 30 minutes away by boat. Jean-Luc Beaufaron, the manager, is assisted by Nico, the territory’s only Kanak assistant, who has been working with him for 15 years. With over 2,000 dives and an in-depth knowledge of the seabed, he genuinely enjoys taking people to discover the hidden treasures of his native island, with a touch of humour and a few anecdotes. Nico is in a privileged position to encounter whales, sperm whales and killer whales under the water!

A flawless organization in heaven

Dives are generally organised in two-tank dives, i.e. two successive dives in the morning and afternoon outings on demand. The same applies for night dives, which are well known for their mysterious atmosphere in the company of nocturnal sea snakes. In the same spirit, dives in freshwater grottos are sometimes organised for divers who are also potholing enthusiasts. These dives take place in a 25m2 basin in which participants can dive for 30 minutes at up to 8 m deep.
Snorkelling outings are also organised on request and take place around the beautiful ‘mushroom islets’ in the bay of Gadji, which mirror in the celestial waters.

Respect the local

The Kunie centre is allowed to dive in the zone belonging to the Gadji tribe, which offers an array of diverse and sheltered sites that are accessible to divers of all levels. ‘However, to be allowed to dive outside this zone, one absolutely has to respect the custom,’ says Nico. The Kanak society is based on verbal exchanges and on the custom which consists in living and respecting the rituals in ceremonies that marks the important events in a person’s life. ‘One must go and see the island’s chief to make a request and ask him to accept some sort of offering, which is often composed of a “manou” (a piece of pareu fabric), cigarettes or tobacco and an XFP 1,000 note as a mark of respect,’ adds Nico, who is a member of the Gadji tribe. A customary observance that promotes dialogue and the respect of the interests of each and everyone all the while preserving the environment.

An Kanak island and proud of it

Even if it is a favourite among tourists from the world over for its unique landscapes and its legendary beaches, Pine Island remains Kanak land. The 2,000 inhabitants of Kunie are split into 8 tribes and are led by the Grand Chief of the island, who is also the mayor. The men of the village gather in a council in the hut of the Grand Chief to lengthily discuss any house or pirogue construction project or any important event. Three quarters of the inhabitants live in Vaoa, the only village on the island, in the middle of which sits a beautiful Anglican church.

Kunié Scuba Center

Pricing (from) - 117.00 €

2 exploration dives (bottles & belt + weights included) in the morning

Opening period - Tous les jours de 8.00-8.30 à 14.00-14.30 et de 17.00-19.00

Diving, key-features

Kunié, the enchanting island with rich colored backgrounds ★★

Located a hundred kilometers south of Noumea, the Isle of Pines is an ideal stopover whose aura enchants its visitors for eternity. You just need to set foot to instantly forget the hectic world and fully enjoy the good life Kanak. This enchanting island bordered by beautiful bays is an extension of the mainland, not a coral island as most of the other islands of the territory. Open since 1974, the Kunié Scuba Center is the only center of the Isle of Pines, near the Kodjeu hotel 10 minutes from the airport between Bay Ouaméo and Gadzhi on the West Coast.

A convincing sustainable approach ★★

The equipment offers ‘2-tank dives’ with two successive dives during the morning snack included on board to the surface interval. For experienced divers and lovers of caving atmosphere, diving in caves are organized. A first ocean dive is mandatory in order to master its stability.

Renowned for its mysterious atmosphere, with sea snakes and loggerhead turtles, night dives are very popular.

For non-divers, rides flippers, mask and snorkel are available on the dive sites suitable for exploration of the reefs.

Friendliness, experience and knowledge of the sites ★★

Jean-Luc Beaufaron is co-manager with Bertrand, supported by Narcissus, divemaster PADI divemaster guide and Nicodemus, one of the few PADI instructors assistants Kanak land, faithful to the post for almost 20 years. With over 2000 meter dives and perfect knowledge of the seabed, it takes a real pleasure to discover the hidden treasures of his native island.

English, French, Italian and Japanese spoken.

Galleries Photos

New Caledonia, other islanders to discover

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