Amédée Lighthouse Island
Îlot Amédée
A small island 24 km offshore from Nouméa, where you can climb the 56-metre cast-iron lighthouse erected in 1865; the surrounding lagoon offers swims with turtles and sea snakes.
Îlot Amédée is a small coral island about 24 km south of Nouméa, in the lagoon. It is home to the Amédée Lighthouse, commissioned in 1865, about 56 m tall. It is a cast-iron lighthouse prefabricated in Paris, shipped in parts and assembled on site; it is still in use and is among the tallest metal lighthouses in the world. Climbing its 247 spiral steps offers views over the entire lagoon and reef, with distinct bands of blue water. The island is surrounded by a marine protected area, where snorkelling reveals turtles, baby sharks and the famous striped sea snake (Tricot rayé: highly venomous but gentle in temperament, so never touch it). Day trips are usually booked through operators such as 'Mary D'. A fast boat takes about 45 minutes from the Nouméa jetty. Packages typically include return ferry tickets, a buffet lunch, Polynesian dance performances, glass-bottom boat viewing of corals and snorkelling gear, at roughly XPF 15,000 to 20,000 per person (confirm with the operator). The island is very small, and you can walk around it in 20 minutes. Note that the sun is intense and there is little shade, so sun protection is essential. Lighthouse climbing is only permitted during set hours; follow your guide's schedule.
Opening hours
Day trips about 7:30am–5:30pm (depends on ferry schedule)
Nearby sights
- Îlot Maître
- Îlot Canard (Duck Island)
- Ouen Toro
- Anse Vata
- Aquarium des Lagons
- Baie des Citrons
- Museum of New Caledonia
- Port Moselle Market