Mouli Bridge

A narrow road bridge over the most photographed turquoise water in the Pacific

Mouli Bridge connects the southern tip of Ouvéa proper to little Mouli Island across a narrow channel of the lagoon, and it is the single most photographed spot in New Caledonia. The water on either side is the absurd, almost neon turquoise of a tourist-board catalogue — actually that colour, not enhanced — and shoals of fish, rays, and a small population of sea turtles hang in it. The bridge is one lane wide and there is nowhere safe to park on it, so most people pull off at one end and walk back across.

Sunset and the hour after dawn are the best times. Bring snorkel gear: the channel under the bridge is shallow and easy to swim in.

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A story
Local Kanak custom holds that the lagoon under the bridge is inhabited by sacred sea turtles. They are not hunted here, and you will see them — sometimes a dozen at a time — hanging in the clear water below the railing, lifting their heads for air. They are tame enough that a slow swim from the shore will get you within a few metres.