Lifou Island
Lifou Island
4.5
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4.5
695 reviews
Excellent
331
Very good
252
Average
83
Poor
18
Terrible
11
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Janet D
Townsville, Australia6 contributions
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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

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
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.
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.
Harrigan's Travels 🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸🇹🇭
Sydney, Australia76 contributions
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
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
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
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
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.
Restaurants beachside? How far of a walk into "town"?
Written 22 December 2022
Hi we are going on cruise 1st time in March carnival spirit nuomea isle of pines and lifou bit confused as to what to do re tours on each island is it best to book tours from ship or on island and if tours are fully booked from ship is it easy to get tours or self tour to get back to ship by 4pm what recommendation of tours on the islands we are in our 60’s but fit probably would have ago at snorkeling but not too far out thanks in advance
Written 7 February 2020
I would advise not to book any tours, you can walk to the Church which is on the right on the main road. You can walk to the Church on the hill which is to the left on the main road , however the walk is extremely steep and has loose rocks so don't wear thongs. Jinek Bay is not as far as the Church on the hill and is not as steep, you can buy tickets once there. Both sides of the jetty there is swimming. Save your money for the bar.
Written 13 February 2020
Hi, did you have to pay from the ship to snorkel there?
Written 18 January 2020
I dont think you have to pay onboard the ship, but as they only sell a few hundred tickets in the limited time, so if you definitely want to snorkel there I'd get tickets asap as they book out. Yes, its the most beautiful clear snorkelling with the most fish & coral to see. So if you want the best snorkelling that would be it. We got our tickets as soon as we got onboard.
Written 14 February 2020
Hi, Just wondering do you buy the tickets to snorkel Jinek bay on board the cruise ship? We are cruising with Princess. Thanks in advance.
Written 12 January 2020
The number of people permitted is restricted so if this important to you then definitely book onboard. I don’t normally recommend purchasing excursions onboard but this is an exception. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your trip to this beautiful part of the world.
Written 23 January 2020
Is access to Jinek Bay easy? I seem to remember reading somewhere you have to go down a steep ladder? Is it best to book in advance? May thanks Diana
Written 20 June 2019
Yes the steps are only a few wooden steeps after a concrete ramp. One can walk to the bay but as a national park they have limited access (100??) so you MUST book well in advance. My family missed out so we went down to the beach. Walk along to near the end (i.e. opposite to the direction to the pier) and you will find some coral out to sea (not very deep as it shelves out). Also hire a surf ski and go to the limestone sea caves at the point. We had a great day.
Written 20 July 2019
What would be the best tour to do with an 8 and 9 year old. We will be on the cruise ship. Thanks
Written 30 April 2019
Off the jetty to the left (past the huts) there are mini buses and private cars , Tell them what you want and negotiate a price and length of tour. This way if the hobbits get tired, bored you can go back to the jetty.
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Written 1 May 2019
Lauren L
Brisbane, Australia
Hi, i was just wondering if you remember how much the kayak's were to hire and did they take Australian money, thanks :-)
Written 12 March 2019
The price of the kayaks is negotiable depending on how long you want them for. Everyone accepts AUS dollars
Written 13 March 2019
Do you have to take your own snorkelling equipment for the Marine reserve?
Written 25 February 2019
Hi, you can hire and buy snorkelling equipment in a lot of places or from cruise boat (if you are cruising) but we took mask and snorkel to all islands we stopped at. Makes it so much easier, cheaper and quicker and means if you are somewhere amazing you can just jump in. We did not worry about fins as we are all pretty strong swimmers and were not too worried about trying to swim fast...rather we kept it pretty cruise.
Written 9 March 2019
We will be in Lifou in just a. Few weeks on NCLJewel cruise. Can we walk to beaches to enjoy the water and snorkeling? Any tours available?
Written 29 December 2018
Lifou Island was one of the best islands we went to on our South Pacific cruise with RCCL. We did book a snorkeling tour and I am glad I did because we were set to go at a specific time and had a guided tour which began by getting into a boat and being taken off shore and got in the water. This was some of the BEST snorkeling I have done. The water was incredibly clear and lots to see. However, you don't have to book a tour. You can bring your own snorkel gear (like we do) and swim from the shore, but you won't have a guide and you have to figure out where to go by yourself. But it is doable! Enjoy the island. :)
Written 1 January 2019
Hi, just wanted to see if you can donate clothing to the kids on Lifou Island? Also want to visit the local village, do we need to book via our cruise or can you book through the locals?
Written 17 December 2018
Hi I'm sure the school or hospital would accept the donated clothing; phone P&O.
Yes I'd book through the ship. There are no taxis on lifou and you don't arrive at a villiage.
It's difficult to get a private ride. I'd recommend an old school backpack to take the clothing in that you can donate & leave there too. Someone at the Mamma's markets will know the answer and possibly a staff member on the ship going home for the day could assist.
Written 23 December 2018
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