Cruises to Isle of of Pines, New Caledonia

The Isle of Pines is an island located in the Pacific Ocean, in the archipelago of New Caledonia, an overseas collectivity of France. The island is part of the commune , in the South Province of New Caledonia. The Isle of Pines is nicknamed "the closest island to Paradise". It has snorkeling and scuba diving in and around its lagoon. Species of tropical fish and corals can be seen in the transparent water.The Isle of Pines is surrounded by the New Caledonia Barrier Reef.The island is rich with animal life and is home to unusual creatures such as the Crested Gecko Rhacodactylus ciliatus and the world´s largest gecko Rhacodactylus leachianus. The pic Nga is the island´s highest point, at 860 ft elevation. River Ouro is the longest river.The ruins of a penal colony can be seen in the village of Ouro in the west of the island. The water tower of Ouro which was built by prisoners in 1874/75 and renovated in 2005 is still used today. On the cemetery Cimetière des Déportés near Ouro a pyramide-shaped memorial and the graves of 240 deportees who died here.