Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie, Noumea (must see)

The Aquarium des Lagons offers visitors an immersive look at the rich marine life of the surrounding lagoon, guiding you through New Caledonia’s rich coastal ecosystems-from freshwater and mangroves to reefs and the deep sea. Inside, you’ll encounter a spectacular spectrum of marine life: from hypnotic nautiluses and sinuous sea snakes to vividly colored clownfish, butterflyfish, and the majestic Napoleon wrasse. Larger sea dwellers including sharks, rays, and sea turtles also grace the tanks.

The aquarium delivers both entertainment and education. Scheduled feeding sessions for fish and turtles offer a fun and engaging way to observe marine creatures up close. There are also immersive guided “water trail” tours, which lead you on a one-hour journey through cascading aquatic zones, enriched by expert insights into conservation and local marine science.

Beyond its role as a showcase of marine biodiversity, the aquarium plays an active part in conservation and research. It functions as a sea turtle care and rehabilitation center, occasionally offering the chance to observe the release of rehabilitated species, including baby leopard sharks or sea turtles, back into the wild. Throughout the year, the aquarium hosts a range of events-from nocturnal visits and children’s workshops to lectures and festive evenings-transforming learning into a memorable experience.