Remember watching an advertisement on television for a cruise line?
Seeing the people relaxing by the beach on a small, private island having the best time of their life. Well now imagine yourself in that same position. Relaxing on the white sand beaches by the clear blue water, experiencing new cultures and customs while learning the history and stories of the natives.
Now cruising is not just about relaxing on the beach. These are just a few aspects of what you can experience when cruising to the Lifou Island in the Pacific Ocean. You may not realise how many little secrets there are hiding on the island of Lifou, just waiting for you to discover. Cruising to the Lifou Island combines the peaceful, hassle-free holiday with the desire to explore an untouched paradise filled with adventure. If you have a scope for adventure, the island offers many more aspects that are not for the faint-hearted. There are many fun-filled adventures that Lifou can offer such as snorkelling, parasailing, bike rides and canopying.
In Lifou, the beaches provide the tropical paradise you can only dream about. The largest of the four Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia also houses some amazing wildlife ready for a few photos. Walking around the island you notice the wildlife in the sky and on the land. The unique experience you get from just seeing the wildlife and being able to hold them. Just by taking a dive into the beautiful, clear water you are able to be close and personal with the majestic sea turtles. Bring your camera along, the turtles are ready to put on a show by just swimming up next to you. The colourful fish aren’t always as friendly as the sea turtles but for a small price of $2, you will have them at your feet ready for a feed. Or if you want to view the water and animals from above, hire a canoe for just $16 per person for an hour. If you don’t just want to swim at the beach filled with everyone else from the cruise ship, make sure you go snorkelling at Baie de Jinek. It is not to be missed! Baie de Jinek is known for its vast expanse of coral and wide variety of tropical fish. As it is on the other side of the island, not many people aboard the cruise will travel to this bay. The peacefulness and the ability to swim with the wild animals is wonderful and the fact that you won’t have to fight with everyone else for the “perfect” Instagram picture is a bonus. There are many ways you can travel to this bay. If you are looking to scope out the island hire a bike or if you don’t want to do any exercise, you can always take a taxi.
Though if you prefer an adventure, take a plunge into the unknown. One of the most thrill-seeking activities is one that starts behind the Catholic Church. A small walk from the beach to the Catholic Church allows you to ponder what may lie ahead in your journey. This walk allows you to see the native huts and get close and personal with the land. Next to the church lies a native hut and with a small payment of $10 you are on the journey of a lifetime. You enter down a windy path leading down into the forest until you reach a forest-like trail (really it is a rock-like trail, so please bring sturdy shoes). This continues down until you reach the very bottom of the forest, making you feel like you are in a new world. Kind of like a forest-green snow globe, if that is a thing? Walking down into the dark caves, the cave itself is filled with little glimmers of sunlight seeping in, though you are mostly surrounded by darkest. It is kind like you are wearing a blindfold or someone’s hands are over your eyes, just letting a little bit of light through. Standing on the edge of the rocks, take the leap of faith. Jumping straight into a freshwater waterhole, you are submerged in the purest water. I must say it is cold, so get ready for that shock of a lifetime.
This kind of adventure needs to be added to your bucket list, do something adventures with your time at Lifou. Combine relaxation and adventure to fill your holiday with unique memories.
Lifou is not just a day at the beach.