New Caledonia’s lagoon …

We have had some sunny calm days lately.  Time for some snorkeling.

After a night on a mooring at Ile Maitre and a walk around the resort island, we motored to Ilot Kouen.  A tiny little sandy islet surrounded by reef.  We stayed two nights. The False Pass on the outer reef was only 20 minutes away, so we motored out there for the afternoon and I discovered the friendliest family of clownfish.  Love these tiny creatures!  See my next post.

I was so happy to be finally back in the water, experiencing the wonder of New Caledonia’s barrier reef.  New Cal’ is surrounded by a World Heritage-listed lagoon and its outer reef is only a few hours from the mainland, including Noumea.  The water is turquoise and so clear, and all with a white sandy bottom.

The colour of the clams caught my eye last year. These clams were not so big, but colourful.

My big fish!

The lagoon’s underwater life was so accessible

And check out these crazy critters …

What is this?? A poisonous black saddled toby fish … thank you Gary!

Front view!

This furry friend was wedged in coral

Another strange looking fish … a beaked leatherjacket … thank you Gary!