Baie des Citrons
Nouméa’s liveliest urban beach, with gentle waves and shallow water for swimming, and a dense cluster of bars and restaurants behind it that forms the locals’ nightlife hub.
Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay) lies about 3 km north of Anse Vata and south of the city center. It is smaller than Anse Vata, enclosed by a peninsula with gentle waves, shallow water and fine sand, which suits swimming and letting children splash about. Sea snakes and turtles are occasionally spotted in the bay. Behind the beach, the Baie des Citrons district is the city’s densest dining and nightlife area, with French bistros, seafood restaurants, ice cream shops and bars lining the streets. It is busiest from evening into late night, and there is often live music on weekends. The beach is free to access and has showers and lifeguards during peak season. Getting there: take the Tanéo bus from the city center for about 10 minutes, or walk about 15 minutes along the seafront promenade to Anse Vata. Parking is tight at night.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Aquarium des Lagons
- Anse Vata
- Îlot Canard (Duck Island)
- Ouen Toro
- Port Moselle Market
- Museum of New Caledonia
- St Joseph's Cathedral
- Place des Cocotiers