Master Island kayaking: Turtle swim & water activities

Paddle out to turtles in the lagoon, then walk beneath palms on an island most cruise passengers never reach.

A six-hour excursion from Noumea to Master Island for cruise passengers, with water taxi pickup at the terminal, kayak and snorkel gear included, and a guide supervising swimming, snorkeling and paddling in the lagoon. Food and drinks are not included but available for purchase on the island.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Master Island and water activities

• Pickup at cruise ship terminal
• Travel by water taxi to Master Island
• Swim and snorkel with turtles
• Enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding
• Walk and explore island vegetation
• Use island facilities and snack bar
• Return to cruise ship terminal

The experience

Master Island sits in the south lagoon just off Noumea, ringed by white sand and turquoise water clear enough to see the coral gardens below. The operator picks you up at the cruise ship terminal and runs a water taxi directly to the island, so you skip the logistics of getting there on your own. Once you arrive, the day is yours to structure: kayak out into the lagoon to swim with turtles, snorkel among the tropical fish and preserved coral reefs, paddleboard in the shallows, or walk beneath the palm trees and discover the island's vegetation and birds. A guide is present throughout to supervise the water activities.

Kayak and paddleboard rentals, snorkel gear, and other water equipment are all included. The island has a snack bar with food available for purchase, plus free access to toilets and showers. Because this is a six-hour window, you can move between activities without rushing: spend an hour kayaking, then snorkel for a stretch, then rest on the beach. The return water taxi is timed to get you back to the ship on schedule.

What’s included

• Water taxi from cruise terminal and return.
• kayak and paddleboard rental.
• snorkel equipment.
• guide supervision throughout the day.
• national park fees.
• free access to island toilets and showers.
• snack bar on site with food available for purchase.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 10.69

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dalocean Charter - Day Tours

Is this one for you?You operate the kayak and snorkel gear yourself with guide supervision, so this suits anyone comfortable in the water and wanting to move at their own pace between activities. The six-hour window and fixed return time work for cruise passengers who need to be back at the ship, but not for travelers with flexible schedules who might want to linger longer on the island.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What's the water like for swimming and snorkeling at Master Island?

Master Island's lagoon holds some of the most beautiful coral gardens in the region, with colorful tropical fish and preserved reefs. The water is clear enough to see the coral and the turtles you swim with, and the lagoon is protected, making it calm for both snorkeling and paddling.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear and kayak, or is it provided?

Snorkel equipment and kayak rentals are included in the price. Paddleboards and other water activity gear are also available on the island, so you arrive with nothing but your swimwear and sunscreen.

How does the pickup work from the cruise ship?

The operator picks you up directly at the Noumea cruise terminal with a water taxi, so there's no need to arrange separate transport. The return is timed to the ship's departure, and you're dropped back at the terminal.

Is food included, and what are my options on the island?

Food and drinks are not included in the price, but the island has a snack bar where you can purchase meals and beverages throughout the day. Bring money or check what payment methods the bar accepts when you arrive.

How much of the six hours do I actually spend in the water versus on the island?

The six hours covers the full excursion from pickup to drop-off, including the water taxi ride both ways. Most of that time is spent on Master Island itself, where you choose how to divide your hours between kayaking, snorkeling, paddling and walking the beach.