Jinek Bay Marine Reserve

Outstanding snorkeling with 2,000 fish species from shore

One of the better snorkeling sites in the Pacific. The protected bay on Lifou's west coast has excellent visibility, healthy coral, and over 2,000 recorded fish species. You don't need to go far from shore to see serious reef life. Snorkeling gear can be hired locally or brought from Nouméa.

The entry is at the end of a short track from Easo, with a small hut where the customary fee is collected. The reserve closes for traditional ceremonies a few days a year — check in the village before driving over.

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A story
Jinek is a tribal reserve managed by the Easo village, which charges a small entry fee that goes back into the chiefdom. Because the bay has been protected for decades — and because there are no rivers on Lifou to wash sediment into the water — the coral here is in better shape than at most reefs you can swim to from shore. You enter through a sandy gap in the rocks and within metres are above wrasse, parrotfish, and the occasional reef shark.