Mare Isle, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia Port Reviews

I was initially a bit disgruntled when upon arrival at Mare we were told it was $20 each to get to the beach (and too far to walk) Reluctantly paid it, and OMG what a magnificent beach Yejele is !!! Stunning stunning stunning - beautiful clean and warm (hot) water with lots of fish life for snorkelling, and a really fun and relaxed vibe on the beach, with music playing and little bars and hair-braiding and just simply a great beach atmosphere. Loved it, and would do it again

Oh this place was amazing! Yejele beach cannot be described in words. You gotta see it to believe it. Shuttles to the beach from port were comfortable. Food and amenities at the beach were pretty good. Chairs for hire for the day to lounge in if you get there early enough. At the port itself there is a natural swimming pool, and next to it a deep swimming area with caves etc. The water is crystal clear, just beautiful.

Visited: Oct 06, 2017

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I absolutely loved this little piece of heaven! Picture perfect the weather was great and the snorkelling even better. Accessible and clear and we snorkelled for 3 hours, I couldn't stop! I've never seen so many Nemo fish!

Visited: Feb 05, 2018

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Mare Island was closed due to pollution. Here was a significant strength of Crystal. In mid cruise, another stop was added and a whole new set of excursions installed. Our excursion was to the greatest snorkeling I have ever experienced. Great recovery Crystal!!

Visited: Jan 20, 2017

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We had a lovely swim at a nice beach. Probably the best place we went to in regards to beaches.

Visited: Mar 27, 2018

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Mare was so great! Beautiful beaches, i have seen better snorkeling but still lovely fish❤🐠 I got a bus from the tenders to the beach, only about a 20 minute ride. Really nice sand aswell! I would totally go back there!🐟🐚🐡

After reading reviews I was excited for Mare unfortunately it did not live up to its expectations and it is the first time I have given a 1 star review. Compared to other stops on the same cruise it was pale in comparison. The crystal blue waters should be an amazing sight unfortunately with only the one excursion available it means it can be a busy spot - however definitely worth the trip for the beach. The locals have price gouging down to a tee - other islands you allow for an increase as it's a tour day and easy money but Mare was a downright disgrace. It was the only time the cruise expedition was cheaper than what was on offer at the shore. Prior to the beach we tried to head left at the port towards a beach that had stunning reviews for snorkelling only to be told that the road was prohibited to tourists. Shambles all around and as I said the first ever 1 star review I have given. Won't be aiming to return and if I do I sadly won't be making the effort to get off the boat.

another great day only Bus ride to other side of Island though

Visited: Oct 27, 2018

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Took bus to Yejele Beach in 2020 and paid $20. Arrived to beach to observe 11 3 metre reef sharks in a feeding frenzy. I didn’t fancy swimming with them. My group of 7 requested to return to the dock. Instead of putting people into the bus, they had locals driving unroadworthy minibuses to drive us back to the pier. The driver was crazy and we were nearly involved in 2 head ons on our way back. There were no seat belts in this van and the floor was rusted out so much that we could see the road in parts. I think I will stay near the pier this time around.

Stunning location, great snorkelling place a bus ride away off a gorgeous beach. Our favourite island so far!!! Not much else to do here but sit and soak up the South Pacific 💝