This spot has been added by

fongi
fongi

8 spots added - 244 photos shared

Other contributors You can help us keep this page up-to-date by uploading your pictures to the photo gallery, or by sending us your comments via the contact form

Last updated on

Moara Beach is located in Thio, an off-the-beaten-track locality New Caledonia’s East coast. A campsite, set in a coconut grove, allows visitors to stay a few steps from the beach. On the coral reef which begins near the shore, snorkelers can spot clownfish, sea turtles, and sometimes even a dugong, which has settled in the bay.

Green sea turtle at reef
Encounters with sea turtles (here, a green sea turtle) are frequent on the reef.

How to get to Moara Beach snorkeling spot?

Moara beach is located in Thio, on the east coast of Grande Terre. A campsite (Camping La Moara) has been set up in the coconut grove bordering the beach.

There’s a fee to access the beach. To stay at the campsite, the price is CFP800 per adult per night, and CFP400 for children aged 6 to 10. For a picnic on the beach, the price is CFP500 per car (2021).

Moara Beach snorkeling map

Water entrance for snorkeling Moara Beach

Get into the water from the campsite beach, preferably on the right hand, to be closer to the reef. It is also possible to enter the water from a second beach, found a little further south.

Moara Beach snorkeling exploration tips

The recommended snorkeling area includes the coral reef extending on the right side of the beach. There are various coral formations there, offering pretty drop-offs, labyrinths, and crevices to explore.

Coral reef at Moara Beach
Moara Beach’s reef.

The coral is more or less healthy depending on the area. On the most preserved parts of the reef, you’ll find in particular branching coral, tabular coral, finger coral, and leather coral.

The spot is rather poor in fish, but many fire clownfish are found at reefs, as well as several species of damselfish and butterflyfish.

Fire clownfish at Moara Beach
In some areas, you’ll spot dozens of fire clownfish.

Hawksbill turtles and green turtles also visit the reef. Regularly, a dugong is sighted at this spot, where it has apparently settled down. Even if this animal is harmless, keep a reasonable distance.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

Camping La Moara is right in front of the spot. There is no restaurant there, but picnic tables, water points, and fireplaces have been set up. Two sanitary blocks and outdoor showers are also available.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth15ft
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsCampsite entrance fee
  • Restaurants nearbyNo
  • Public toilets & showersYes

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.