Prony Bay: 3 favorite anchorages in New Caledonia

© Julie Leveugle

In New Caledonia, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Great South Lagoon, Prony Bay offers a large number of anchorages. Travel by sailboat in the heart of an atypical territory offering many possibilities of activities.

A bay synonymous with diversity

In the Grand Sud of New Caledonia, Prony Bay is composed of numerous coves, bays and creeks. It has more than 15 anchorage areas and has the advantage of being able to welcome sailors in all wind conditions.

The landscapes are varied and spectacular: the red earth typical of the Great South contrasts clearly with the vegetation, the relief is marked.

Vue sur la baie du Carénage en baie de Prony ©Julie Leveugle
View on the bay of the Carénage in Prony Bay ©Julie Leveugle

On a sailboat, most of the natural sites are Marine Protected Areas and some rules must be respected to preserve the biodiversity. Every stopover offers its share of discoveries!

Carte de la baie de Prony ©Julie Leveugle
Map of Prony Bay ©Julie Leveugle

The Baie du Carénage, water in all its forms

To the northwest of Prony Bay, Carénage Bay includes two sheltered anchorages. Sailors can anchor in 10 to 15 meters of water, in the immediate vicinity of various activities.

Voilier à l'ancre dans la baie du Carénage ©Julie Leveugle
Sailboat at anchor in the bay of Carénage ©Julie Leveugle

Going up the surrounding rivers in a dinghy, walking on the GR in search of waterfalls, fresh water swimming session in the â??Olympic Basinâ?, discovery of thermal springsâeuros¦ On the program of the Carénage Bay: an immersion in an exceptional natural setting.

Balade sur le GR ©Julie Leveugle
Walk on the GR ©Julie Leveugle

The Casy block, a concentrate of biodiversity

In Casy, two anchorages to the north and south of the islet allow you to settle comfortably by taking a trunk. Come ashore and go on an adventure on this small uninhabited island!

Débarquement sur l'îlot Casy ©Julie Leveugle
Landing on Casy islet ©Julie Leveugle

On 40 hectares, the Casy island presents an impressive biodiversity. In 1h30 of walk through the humid forest, the plateau of the mining maquis and the beaches, you will become aware of the richness of the territory. Columnar pines, cycas, ironwoods¦ The îlot Casy is reputed to shelter nearly 65 species of wood, as well as 7 different species of orchids.

The highest point of the islet is 45m above sea level and offers several viewpoints on the bay.

Point de vue sur la baie de Prony depuis l'îlot Casy ©Julie Leveugle
View on the bay of Prony from the islet Casy ©Julie Leveugle

Anse Majic, close to the lagoon and its population

To the east of Prony Bay, Majic Cove is a quiet and little frequented anchorage area. It also offers to welcome some boats thanks to buoys.

Take the trail and start climbing the hills! For more than an hour, the walk allows the discovery of the Cap N'Dua nature reserve. Several viewpoints on the Caledonian lagoon and the bay of Prony allow to apprehend the territory. Depending on the season, it is possible to see humpback whales from the observation post.

L'observatoire des baleines ©Julie Leveugle
The whale observatory ©Julie Leveugle

At the top of Pic N'Dua, the remains of a post office and telegraph and the Cap N'Dua lighthouse dominate the bay. The history of these buildings is told to the public through some explanatory panels.

Le phare du Cap N'Dua ©Julie Leveugle
Cap N'Dua lighthouse ©Julie Leveugle
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