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Last updated on January 13, 2021
Tiam Bouene is a remote and pristine islet located off the northern side of New Caledonia. A strip of white sand, stretching on several hundred meters from the eastern tip of the islet, offers postcard-perfect tropical landscapes. The coral reef surrounding Tiam Bouene displays a varied marine life and will bring you wonderful snorkeling sessions.
Tiam Bouene islet is located off the northern tip of New Caledonia, a 5 to 6 hours drive from Nouméa. The main way to reach the islet is to book a boat tour at Gîte de Golone or at Malabou Beach hotel, located close to Poum village. Another taxi boat (PUM PUM) offers trips to the islet.
Boats depart from Golone Peninsula, and will take you to the islet in 30 to 40 minutes. Tour prices start at CFP5000 per person (approx. €40), and CFP6500 (approx. €60) including a barbecue on the beach (min. 4 pers.).
You can enter the water anywhere around the islet, but we recommend (because of the proximity to the most beautiful reefs) choosing the northeastern side (see map below).
You can snorkel all around the islet, as it is entirely circled by a coral reef laying 100 to 250m from the beach. However, the area marked on the map above is the most recommended for snorkeling: the reef is healthy, it starts just a few meters from the beach, and gives access to relatively deep areas (up to 23ft/7m) full of marine life.
Along the reef, it is easy to observe and get close to many fish species. Surgeonfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, clownfish, damselfish and triggerfish are easy to spot, and, with a little luck, colorful angelfish. Have a look under the coral and in rocky crevices, where it is common to spot ornate rock lobsters.
No food or water is available for purchase on the islet. Gîte de Golone and Malabou Beach hôtel are the two closest accommodation options near Tiam Bouene.
These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life. 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.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
