Nouméa Aquarium with Hop On Hop Off bus pass: 33 tanks

See the lagoon's ecosystems without leaving the city center

This tour pairs admission to Nouméa's Aquarium (a facility with 33 sea water tanks showcasing New Caledonian aquatic life from freshwater to deep-sea zones) with an all-day Hop On Hop Off bus pass covering seven stops around the city. A guide in English or French meets you at pickup and takes you to the Aquarium. You then use the buses at your own pace for the rest of the day. The package works only when cruise ships are docked in port.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Nouméa Aquarium and explore city

• Visit Nouméa Aquarium exhibits
• Observe aquatic ecosystems and corals
• Walk over turtle water tank bridge
• Use Hop On Hop Off bus for transfers
• Explore 7 destinations in Nouméa by bus

The experience

The Aquarium itself is built around the lagoon's diversity: 33 illuminated tanks move from freshwater ecosystems through the deep-sea areas, with a separate outdoor tank holding sea turtles that you can view from a bridge positioned just above them. The fluorescent corals and nautilus are endemic to New Caledonia and exist nowhere else in the tanks you'll see. Official last admission is 4 p.m., and the final Hop On Hop Off bus leaves the Aquarium at the same time, so timing matters if you want to use both parts of the package.

After the Aquarium, the Hop On Hop Off buses let you move between seven destinations across Nouméa on your own schedule. You board and exit as you choose throughout the day, which works well if you have a free afternoon in port and want to see more than just the Aquarium without booking a second tour. The buses are air-conditioned and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Aquarium admission to all 33 tanks.
• all-day Hop On Hop Off bus pass covering seven Nouméa destinations.
• pickup transport and air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendly

Operated by Lyvai

Is this one for you?The 90-minute Aquarium visit is self-paced and involves walking through indoor, climate-controlled galleries, so it suits a relaxed afternoon in port. The Hop On Hop Off buses let you add other stops without committing to a full guided tour, which works well if you want flexibility after the Aquarium closes at 4 p.m.

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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 (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

How long does the Aquarium visit take?

The Aquarium itself is typically explored in about 90 minutes, though you can spend longer if you want. After that, you control your pace with the Hop On Hop Off buses for the rest of the day until the last bus leaves at 4 p.m.

What are the fluorescent corals and nautilus the description mentions?

Both are endemic to New Caledonia, meaning they are found naturally only in these waters. The Aquarium displays them in illuminated tanks so you can see their distinctive appearance. The fluorescent corals glow under the lighting, and the nautilus is a rare cephalopod with a chambered shell.

Can I use the Hop On Hop Off buses to visit places other than the Aquarium?

Yes. The pass includes access to seven different destinations around Nouméa. You can board and exit the buses as many times as you want during the day, so you can combine the Aquarium with other stops or skip it and use the buses for the full afternoon.

Is the Aquarium open every day?

The Aquarium is closed on Mondays. It opens daily otherwise, with official last admission at 4 p.m.: the same time the final Hop On Hop Off bus departs from the front entrance.

What's included in the price?

Aquarium admission, the all-day Hop On Hop Off bus pass, pickup transport to the Aquarium, and an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. A guide in English or French meets you at pickup.