Poindimié

Poindimié spreads along the east coast with a long grey-sand beach, a river mouth and a lagoon that widens out to a barrier reef several kilometres offshore, and it functions as the main base for diving on the east coast, where the reef drops off steeply and the water is generally clearer than in the south. The town itself is small and the surrounding valleys hold Kanak villages and the road up to the interior.

What you'll find

• The outer reef - the barrier several kilometres offshore, dived from the town.
• The long beach - the grey sand running along the front of the town.
• The lagoon - the wide protected water between shore and reef.
• The valleys - the country running inland towards the central range.

When to go

April to November is the drier season and best for diving. Visibility drops in the wet season. Cyclone season runs November to April.

Practical notes

The town is workaday with limited facilities and restaurants. Dive operations are small and need booking ahead. The drive from Nouméa is four hours.

Nearby

Hienghène is north, and Thio is south.

Key facts