Îlot Maître

Îlot Maître sits a few kilometres off Nouméa in the southern lagoon, a low sand islet with a fringe of trees, a resort of overwater bungalows and shallow flats around it where the trade wind blows steadily enough to make it the main kitesurfing spot near the city. Turtles feed on the seagrass. Day visitors come out on the boat, and the reserve status limits fishing in the surrounding water.

What to look for

• The shallow flats - the sand and seagrass around the islet, used by kitesurfers.
• The turtles - green turtles feeding on the seagrass beds.
• The overwater bungalows - the resort accommodation on the lagoon side.
• The reserve water - the protected zone limiting fishing around the islet.

When to go

April to November is the dry season with the steadiest trade wind. Boats run daily and more often at weekends. Rough weather cancels crossings.

Practical notes

The resort dominates the islet and day visitors are restricted to part of it. Costs are high even by New Caledonian standards. Crossings are cancelled in wind despite the wind being the attraction.

Nearby

Île aux Canards is closer to shore, and Nouméa is northwest.

Key facts