Category Archives: Locations

Places around the world

Matt Lands on Ilot Mato

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Our new destination is Isle de Pines which is about 80nm from where we are anchored (MB’e Kouen).  In order to get there we have to head southeast which is directly into the tradewinds.    So, we waited for a really light wind day and headed in that general direction with the plans of stopping at an island named after Matt – Ilot Mato.

We decided to break up the trip into a few days as opposed to doing an overnight.  So, our first stop will be Ilot Mato which is about a 39nm trip.

From the map below you can see the many reefs surrounding the tiny little island of Mato.  Matt expertly maneuvered the boat to the anchor spot.

We anchored around 3:00p and quickly hopped in the dinghy to explore ashore.

Ilot Mato

Ilot Mato

A Snake Filled Mountain

We learned that there was a “trail” to the top of the mountain.  We found the “start” which was a little sketch as it was totally overgrown.  

It wasn’t that this was a particularly steep incline as it was only 150′ to the top.  And it wasn’t that it was a long hike as it only took us 40 minutes (up and down) and was a mere .4 miles. 

But what was difficult was the fact that the “path” was incredibly overgrown, you could not see the ground, there are huge holes all over the place, the ground caves in, and there are poisonous snakes!  Yep, snakes!

Just when you think you put your foot on solid ground it gives way and you land inside someone’s living room.  Thank goodness there were no occupants in any of the holes I fell through!

The views of the anchorage were lovely.  You could see the reef jutting out from the island to the anchorage.

This view almost makes the hike worth it – “almost.”

Our blog posts run 7-8 weeks behind actual live events. 

We were in Ilot Mato toward the third week of June 2026.

Find Ilot Mato on No Foreign Land.

Be sure to check out the beautiful Ilot Kouen in our last blog post.

Aquarium de Lagons: From Ethereal Seahorses to Ancient Nautilus

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Come with me as I take you through the underwater world of New Caledonia!  We visit the Aquarium de Lagons where you journey through several marine ecosystems.

You’ll wander through freshwater rivers, mangrove forests, coral reefs, the famous lagoon, and even the mysterious deep sea.

The first residents to greet you are a set of 3 happy, spotted rays that delighted us with their under bellies.

The aquarium is famous for its nautilus collection—living fossils that have been cruising the oceans for millions of years and somehow still haven’t upgraded their shells.

We were blessed during our visit where this giant nautilus was on full display, swimming (if you call it that) around its tank and bumping along the rocks.  

Be sure to check out my Instagram and Facebook posts with the video.

I’ve been a great admirer of nautilus shells but never had the pleasure of seeing the critter that lives inside.  What a fantastic and magical experience it was to witness this guy venture around his tank.

The aquarium also plays an important role in marine research, conservation, and sea turtle rehabilitation, helping protect the unique marine life of New Caledonia’s UNESCO-listed lagoon.

They had 4 very large sea turtles in tanks that were viewable from the top, sides, and bottom!

Seahorse Exhibit

One of the most enchanting exhibits at the aquarium is the seahorse display. Delicate, graceful, and seemingly designed by an artist with a vivid imagination, these tiny creatures drift through the water while holding onto seagrass with their curled tails.

Watching them is a reminder that some of the ocean’s most fascinating residents are also among its smallest.

Fun fact: in the seahorse world, it’s the males that carry and give birth to the babies—a role reversal that never fails to surprise visitors!

Leopard Sharks

The aquarium’s two leopard sharks are another crowd favorite. Despite their intimidating name, these beautifully patterned sharks are gentle bottom-dwellers that spend much of their time gracefully cruising their habitat.

Their distinctive spotted markings make them look as though they’ve borrowed a fashion tip from a leopard, while their calm demeanor proves they’re more interested in minding their own business than starring in a shark movie.

Watching them glide effortlessly through the water is both relaxing and mesmerizing.

Whether you’re escaping a rainy day, entertaining the kids, or simply looking for an excuse to stare at fish for an hour or two, the Aquarium des Lagons is one of Nouméa’s most fascinating attractions. Just don’t be surprised if the fish seem to be judging your life choices as you walk past.

After all, they do live in one of the most beautiful lagoons on Earth.

Find the Aquarium de Lagons on No Foreign Land.

Our blog posts run 7-8 weeks behind actual events.

We visited the Aquarium de Lagons on 16 June 2026.  It was truly one of my very favorite aquariums.  Not because it is huge or modern or full of unusual creatures.  But simply because it kept it simple and made the most of the exhibits it did have like the rare nautilus, seahorses, and leopard sharks.

Nouméa: Where the Pacific Meets Paris

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After nearly a week at sea, our expectations for Nouméa were simple: calm water, a place to clear customs, a baguette, and a cold drinks.

What we found instead was a little slice of France floating in the South Pacific.

One minute you’re navigating through one of the world’s largest lagoons, surrounded by turquoise water and coral reefs. The next, you’re tying up to the dock and debating which bakery has the best croissants. It’s a transition that can leave a sailor with a touch of cultural whiplash.

Ilot Kouen. Photo courtesy of Tony & Jaqui on Wainani.

Ilot Kouen. Photo courtesy of Tony & Jaqui on Wainani.

We docked at Port Moselle Marina where we checked into the country and settled in for a week.

Nouméa is the capital of New Caledonia, a French territory with a population of around 100,000 people. French influence is everywhere—from the language and architecture to the cheese selection that somehow seems larger than some Pacific islands.

For sailors, however, the real star is the lagoon. Stretching for thousands of square kilometers and protected by one of the world’s longest barrier reefs, it offers spectacular cruising grounds, abundant marine life, and water so blue it occasionally looks photoshopped.

The Noumea lagoon has over 1,600km of reef and is considered one of the largest lagoons (24,000km2) in the world listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of course, life ashore has its own attractions. The waterfront promenades, bustling markets, and endless cafés provide a welcome break from fixing things on the boat. 

Shopping Galore

There are dozens of bakeries and cafes within walking distance to the marina. 

The French like their breads and coffees so you will find a bakery or cafe at every corner. We indulged every day with fresh baguettes and pastries! 

Abundant Bakeries

Abundant Bakeries

Right next to the Port Moselle Marina is a large fresh produce market! 

What a dream it is to have access to such a bountiful supply of produce!

We are within walking distance to several grocery stores as well such as Auchon, Carrefour and Geant! 

We can find pretty much everything in Noumea.

In the parking lot behind the marina is a pop up area that sells tourist stuff including clothing, carvings, paintings, and more.

Restaurants

There are loads of eateries around town. 

You can go to upscale restaurants, take away cafes, take away at markets, or the food trucks located minutes from the marina.

Nouméa has a way of sneaking up on you. Come for the lagoon, stay for the baguettes and wine, and leave wondering why every marina doesn’t have a bakery within walking distance.

For a sailor arriving from afar, it’s a destination that feels both wonderfully Pacific and delightfully French—a combination that’s surprisingly hard to sail away from.

Our blog posts run 7-8 weeks behind actual live events.

We arrived in Noumea on the 12 of June 2026.