Lifou Island

Lifou Island

Lifou Island
4.5
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles695 reviews
Excellent
331
Very good
252
Average
83
Poor
18
Terrible
11

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Janet D
Townsville, Australia6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Christmas Day on Lifou Island! Arrived by Tender Boat 10mins. Once off the jetty we headed towards the far end of the beach. The sea is quite shallow for about 50m from the shoreline and the sand is rough underfoot (shells, broken coral). We brought our own snorkelling gear from home (much cheaper than buying from the ship) and snorkelled around the island, near the cliff where the water was much deeper and the coral large and intact. Many colourful fish and starfish to see there, and a turtle swam past! After snorkelling we walked about 20mins up to Notre Dame de Lourdes Church on left side with cliff below. As you walk there is a turn off to go to Jinek Bay, but we didn't feel the need to pay to go there because we had already enjoyed snorkelling. The walk up to the church has rocky steps and may be steep for people with knee issues. At the top we were rewarded with excellent views of the ship and the island, good photo opportunity. Church inside is quaint and simple. On return we checked out the markets and local huts while enjoying the locals singing. Again a long line waiting for the tender boat in the sun (bring hats) but it does move steadily. The local kids like to do flips jumping off the jetty and a couple of turtles swam by so we had entertainment while waiting! Ship operators provided ice cold face towels and water. A happy sunny Christmas Day!
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Warren P
Sydney, Australia16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This was were we spent xmas day on a 9 night Royal Caribbean south pacific cruise.Out of all the island we visited this one was the best for a number of reasons.The first half of the day we snorkeled at Jinek bay there is a $15 Aus fee
to pay to use, but worth every cent the water is calm and clear plenty of colourful fish to be seen coral and if you are luckie enough turtles.The walk to the bay takes about 15 min there is a viewing platform just down from the toilet block a great place to take a photo of the bay.
The second part was the shore excursion to the Forest walk and secret grotto meeting place is just up the small hill at the P&O sign.A small convoy of vehicles
takes you through the country side to the start of the walk where you meet your guide.It is a easy walk through the Forrest and quite cooling we had William guide us and show some interesting plants and trees and explained what they were used for.I loved the snake stunner plant./stick.After a short while you reach the Secret Grotto a rough descent in but worth it.A demo was given on a number of hunting traps used for Wild pigs/birds and coconut crabs.
They show you one close up and they are big.the one we were shown was a baby WOW!!!The tour ends at a island home and the gentlemen who lives there demos a few more traps and is quite funny in his presentation.This tour made the day and was not rushed and made Lifou your favorite by far a great place to visit.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jenjo2222
Adelaide, Australia32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
Lovely Island, had a nice walk to the Church up on the hill. Take your own snorkeling gear and reef shoes with you. You don't need to have a tour to the other side of the island, which is very expensive and a rip off. I have been many times to the island and you can swim right near the jetty and see lots of fish and turtles. You can easily spend the morning there and back on ship for lunch. Even if you don't swim it is nice to get off the ship for a couple of hours and at least have a walk around.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

caseyj1937
Australia458 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2023 • Couples
We stayed here for three days as part of exploring the Loyalty Islands.
It was a very laid back and basic sort of place and if this isn’t your style you will be disappointed. The whole place feels like a big country town not really a tourist destination as such.
The locals were really great, nothing was any trouble and people were generally very helpful. Definitely brush up on some basic French or get good at miming. It is good for a laugh and you can make yourself understood.
We hired a car for the day (A$105) and was able to pretty much see the whole place in a day with a snorkel in the bay where the cruise ships pull up. Not much to see there snorkeling wise, had some lunch and walked to the church.
Signage is pretty woeful in the north, easy to miss a turn as we did for Jinek Bay.
There is a small town of We where you can get supplies at a fairly decent supermarket and fuel at Total (bowsers stop at midday). Apparently it is not uncommon for the fuel to runout in the Loyalty Islands.
Beaches generally are pretty darn lovely, lots of spots for swims, walks and picnics.
We really enjoyed stopping in the south on a Saturday to watch the women’s cricket game, played in dresses! Picked up an older gent who needed a ride to town. It is common for people to stop and offer walkers a ride.
Accommodation is limited and fairly basic and expensive for what you get, but put it into context. New Caledonia generally is very expensive.
Would we come back, no. Worth the stop, yes.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stay08667855965
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Good morning
I bring this testimony so that this does not happen to anyone else.
We had booked three weeks in advance in this gîte at Jeannette's, a studio with all the amenities to organize us well for our anniversary of meeting my partner.
It turns out that on arrival the studio was no longer available and was rented by people who had just arrived.
We were informed at that time that we were in a hut with two small beds not even reachable by their structures, unfortunately a bitter cold to top it all off. Not even a blanket for the night, resulting in a sleepless night in a separate bed....AWESOME birthday!!!!
Small apartment not even a small taost for breakfast because no electricity, all that for 7000 f a night?
Cdt
Eric
Google
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aussietravelblogger
Australia77 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Family
Day cruise stop. Due to weather we didn't venture too far from beach, and did not go on an organised tour. Reach shore by tender boat, short walk to beach, swimming was nice, water temperature was cool but not cold. Reef shoes are best as sand and water edge is shells and stones. People were snorkelling, due to rain the visibility was not so clear, we personally didn't see any fish or coral.
Local markets are typical for island stops, limited choice and variety but you will find trinkets or local dresses or bags to buy. Massages also available, not much privacy, shelters are crowded and passers-by can see. Limited bathroom facilities. A pleasant day, despite the intermittent rain and threatening storms. It was worthwhile getting off the ship for a swim.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The best place for hair braiding due to price and quality. Beautiful island with stunning natural attractions and friendly locals. Able to purchase fresh coconut to drink from. Worth the short trek to Notre Dame de Lourdes and Jinek Bay. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been in the world.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mikenliz
Perth, Australia156 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Nice island, we walked from the cruise terminal to Jinek Bay (not far), where you can purchase a ticket to snorkel in the marine reserve.
Beautiful clear water, with many shallow areas if required.
Very scenic. Well worth a visit
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rabbs27
Vancouver, Canada735 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
we tought about going and doing some exploring of the island. but instead we went to the closest beach from the port, and it was nice. a bit crowded from the cruise but you could still go out snorkeling and find a nice spot in the shade.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DrNeilG-UK
Manchester, UK91 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
This is a very picturesque island. We visited as part of our cruise. We did not have any trips planned so explored ourselves. We walked up to the cathedral which was a pleasant walk and it was good to see the views when we got to the top. The sea was beautiful and it was pleasant to sit on the sand and relax for a short while. We noticed that there was broken glass on the beach and surrounding areas and one cruise passenger told us that they sat down next to a used condom! Perhaps some cleaning up of the beach is required. We had a good couple of hours and the views were beautiful and picturesque. I would not prioritise a visit to the island but that is always easy to say when you have already had the opportunity to go.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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