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Ilot Redika, located about an hour by boat from Nouméa, is one of the most beautiful snorkeling locations in the area. Fairly uncrowded in comparison to other islets, its coral reef is still healthy and colorful. Above all, this spot is known for its abundance of whitetip sharks, the presence of three species of sea turtles, and the occasional sightings of eagle rays.

Sea snake in New Caledonia
New Caledonian sea kraits are frequently seen hunting for prey on Redika Island’s reef.

How to go snorkeling Redika Island?

Îlot Redika (Redika Island) faces the Boulari pass, south-east of Nouméa. Several taxi boats in Nouméa offers day trips to the island. Prices start at around XPF6,500 per person (or €55), for a boat with 10 participants. The price increases if there are fewer participants.

From Nouméa, the boat trip to the island takes about 55 minutes. You can also go to the islet with your own boat. Îlot Redika is located approximately 15km east of Îlot Amédée, one of New Caledonia’s best-known snorkel spots.

Ilot Redika snorkeling map, New Caledonia

Water entrance for snorkeling Redika Island

You can get into the water from the main beach of the islet, on which the boats arrive. At high tide, you can easily access the drop-off, because there’s enough depth on the reef. At low tide, however, you will have to take the small pass (see map above) to access the outer face of the reef.

Redika Island snorkeling exploration tips

Best snorkeling at Redika Island is located on the reefs surrounding the pass. This side of the island is generally well protected from wind and waves, and the sea is calm.

Group of green chromis swimming above coral
A group of green chromis swimming above the coral.

Redika Island is a little frequented spot, which still shelters superb corals, both in the lagoon and on the reef drop off. In places, you will discover carpets of hard, dense, and colorful coral. The branching coral and the finger coral, in particular, are spectacular.

On this spot, you will discover a great diversity of reef fish. Angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, and damselfish are very easy to see. On the reef, there are also sea anemones inhabited by clownfish, in particular the fire clownfish and the Barrier Reef anemonefish.

A cuttlefish on New Caledonian's reef
Close encounter with a cuttlefish on the reef.

If the reef of Redika islet allows you to observe loads of colorful fish, it is especially famous for the presence of larger species. While three species of sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle, the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle, frequent this spot, you’ll also certainly encounter whitetip reef sharks and several species of eagle rays.

New Caledonian sea kraits are also easy to see here, often sighted hunting in the crevices of the reef before swimming back on the beach to rest.

Whitetip reef shark in New Caledonia
Redika is known for its whitetip reef sharks, pretty common around the island.

Redika Island is a natural site, with no water and no restaurant. Some tours may include lunch on the beach. Inquire when you book.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

Check this video 👇 shared by Fongi to live a close encounter with a sea krait at Redika Island’s reef.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Protected areaParc du Grand Lagon Sud
  • Maximum depth18ft/6m
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsPrice of the day tour: from XPF6500pp. for a boat of 10 persons
  • Restaurants nearbyNo

MAP Spot

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.