Port Guide | New Caledonia | Dive Deep
Mare
James Ireton | Editor
Published on 2025-10-13
Congratulations, intrepid seafarers-you've arrived. Mare, New Caledonia, is the kind of place that laughs in the face of your Wi-Fi dependency and spits politely at your credit cards. Here, the beaches are scandalously beautiful, the reefs teem with so much color you'll wonder if Pixar has taken over ocean management, and the whole laid-back island vibe proudly remains a few decades behind the latest travel trends. Mare is refreshingly allergic to overdevelopment-think fewer Starbucks, more cash-in-hand beach shacks-and locals who welcome cruise-ship wanderers without letting it ruin their day. Legend has it that Mare was formed from the fossilized tears of a grieving warrior chief-how's that for emotional geology? As your feet meet sandy shores, take advice from locals: grab some Pacific Francs from your ship's ATM (plastic is charmingly useless here), don your snorkel, and plunge into a lagoon vibrant enough to cure existential ennui. Welcome to Mare, the island ready to remind you why you started traveling in the first place.
New Caledonia has 12 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Mare is known for its stunning beaches and coral reefs, making it a great destination for snorkeling and water activities. Visitors should be prepared for limited commercial services and should primarily carry cash.
Where do cruise ships dock in Mare?
Port Name Mare
Country New Caledonia
Region Oceania
Ship Terminal Mare Port
Port Type Tender port
Accessibility Tender port with a short boat ride to the island; approximately 5 km to the nearest village.
What's the weather like in Mare?
Best Season to Visit Southern Hemisphere summer (December to March)
Climate Tropical with warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet/dry seasons.
Weather Notes The summer season can bring occasional rain and tropical storms, but is generally mild and pleasant for cruising.
Temperature Range 75F - 85F (24C - 29C)
High Temp 88F
Low Temp 64F
Average Temp 77F
What do I need to know about Mare?
Language French
Currency CFP franc
Card Widely Accepted 0
Population 1,000
Timezone UTC+11:00
How do I get around Mare?
Taxis, rental bikes, and shuttle services to the nearby village.
What are The Best Things to do in Mare?
Discover what you should do while you're in Mare.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Warrior's Leap (Le Saut du Guerrier)
N/A
Experience an iconic cliff-jumping site linked to local legend.
Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles
Lagoon Tribal Fishing Experience
Lagoon Area, Mare
Join native fishermen using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Shabadran Blue Hole Swim
N/A
Swim in a remarkable natural inland pool of deep clear water, surrounded by nature.
Distance from Terminal: 9.5 miles
Traditional Kanak Feast
Village Tribale, Mare
Taste authentic Kanak traditional dishes cooked underground in banana leaves.
Distance from Terminal: 6.5 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Yejele Beach Coral Reef Exploration
Yejele Beach, Mare
Snorkel at a pristine area teeming with colorful marine life and coral reefs.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Taneaka Hill Hike and Scenic Viewpoint
N/A
A trail hike offering spectacular views overlooking lush landscape and coastal vista.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Lagoon Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Lagoon Center, Mare
Enjoy calm lagoon waters ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding surrounded by rich ecosystems.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Lagoon Horseback Riding
Lagoon Road, Mare
Enjoy riding horses along scenic beaches and through natural trails.
Distance from Terminal: 3.5 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Kanak Tribe Cultural Exchange
Tribal Area, Mare
Engage in a traditional Kanak cultural performance, storytelling, and cooking demonstrations.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
Mare Island Traditional Weaving Workshop
Crafts center, Mare
Participate in age-old weaving techniques and create traditional souvenirs.
Distance from Terminal: 2 miles
Historic Wakon Cave Paintings
N/A
View authentic cave paintings reflecting the region's ancient cultural heritage.
Distance from Terminal: 8.2 miles
Overnight Trips
Overnight Glamping Mare Island
N/A
Stay overnight on Mare Island with eco-friendly luxury camping under stars.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Day-Trip to Lifou Island
Port Terminal, Mare
Extend your cultural experiences with a quick island-hop to Lifou Island.
Distance from Terminal: 0 miles
A Little Extra
Local Mare Island Market Visit
Central Mare Village
Discover regional products, crafts, and fresh produce sold directly by local villagers.
Distance from Terminal: 2.8 miles
Seaside Sunset Yoga Session
Yejele Beach, Mare
Join a peaceful yoga class enhancing relaxation amidst Mare's natural beauty at sunset.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Southern Hemisphere Star Gazing
N/A
Observe constellations and celestial objects visible only from the Southern Hemisphere.
Distance from Terminal: 4.7 miles
New Caledonia Regional Tip
Respect hierarchical dynamics and show particular respect towards senior members or local chiefs within communities. Wait patiently and follow the cues from elders or local leaders in group interactions, allowing seniors to begin meals or speeches.