Îlot Maître
A small, picturesque islet near Nouméa, famous for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and unique over-water bungalows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer day-trippers
Îlot Maître
Best Time
Fewer day-trippers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, picturesque islet near Nouméa, famous for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and unique over-water bungalows.
"The water is crystal clear and had so much fun doing snorkelling. "
Pack a Picnic 🍕
Food queues can be long; bring your own snacks and drinks from the mainland for a quicker experience.
Snorkel Gear 🤿
Bring your own snorkel and mask to fully explore the abundant marine life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swim with Turtles
Marine Reserve
Encounter majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Crystal-Clear Waters & Snorkeling
Lagoon
Dive into pristine waters teeming with vibrant fish and marine life. Perfect for snorkeling adventures.
Overwater Bungalows
DoubleTree by Hilton
Experience unique accommodation with stunning views from over-water bungalows.
Jet Ski Adventures
Lagoon
Feel the thrill of jet skiing across the beautiful lagoon surrounding the island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Escape: Day Trip vs. Overnight
Beat the Crowds & Food Queues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🍕
Food queues can be long; bring your own snacks and drinks from the mainland for a quicker experience.
Snorkel Gear 🤿
Bring your own snorkel and mask to fully explore the abundant marine life.
Sun Protection 🌞
The sun is strong; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Shade can be limited.
Water Taxi 👉
Quick 20-minute boat ride from Nouméa's main marina.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🍕
Food queues can be long; bring your own snacks and drinks from the mainland for a quicker experience.
Snorkel Gear 🤿
Bring your own snorkel and mask to fully explore the abundant marine life.
Sun Protection 🌞
The sun is strong; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Shade can be limited.
Water Taxi 👉
Quick 20-minute boat ride from Nouméa's main marina.
Overnight Stay 🌴
Consider an overnight stay for a more relaxed experience and to enjoy the island after day-trippers leave.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ilot Maître is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making snorkeling and turtle spotting highlights. While the island offers a beautiful escape, some visitors note that the food service and amenities could be improved, suggesting that bringing a picnic is a wise choice. Despite minor drawbacks, the unique experience of swimming with turtles and the picturesque setting make it a worthwhile day trip.
"This place is so stunning. The water is crystal clear. I did jet ski & paddle boarding here. You can take double tree boat from Port Moselle to here and just to pay for the transfer or you can stay at Hilton hotel here overnight."
Katrina Style
"- Ilot Maitre -
Short boat ride from main marina in Numea
Amazing to swim with the turtles
Plenty of fish life to look at
We saw heaps of turtles 🐢, plus sea snakes and sting rays
My suggestion would be to take a picnic drinks and food from the mainland as there is heaps of que for the food and a long wait time for it to be made on the island
Dispute being “a Hilton” the food is not of an American Hilton standard at all and it takes ages to be served and for food to arrive.
The loungers and chairs are not enough for the amount of people and shade is a little limited. You can easily walk around the island on the sand and coral which would take maybe 20 mins but can be hot on the east side.
To be honest the island it’s self needs a lot of work and maintenance of the grounds and walk ways but the sea life is amazing and the staff are friendly and trying their best.
They definitely need more staff and better infrastructure and management to welcome and manage day guests and overnight guests
Worth a day trip - for the turtles and sea life, probably would not stay here again over night"
The_Eternal _Traveller.
"Only takes about 20minutes by water taxi from anse vata.
The water is crystal clear and had so much fun doing snorkelling.
The small beautiful island to visit on a day trip."
A K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ilot Maître is easily accessible via a short boat trip, typically a 20-minute water taxi ride from Nouméa's main marina, such as Port Moselle or Anse Vata.
You can take a dedicated transfer boat from the mainland, often provided by the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, or arrange a private water taxi.
Absolutely! Ilot Maître is a popular destination for day trips, allowing you to enjoy its beaches and marine life for several hours.
The boat journey to Ilot Maître is quite short, usually taking around 20 minutes from Nouméa.
Yes, day visitors can access Ilot Maître by paying for the boat transfer and potentially an island access fee, depending on the package.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For day trips, you'll typically need to pay for the boat transfer. If you're staying overnight at the hotel, entry is usually included.
Day visitors can typically access the island during daylight hours, with boat services running throughout the day. It's best to check the latest schedules.
While the boat transfer is the primary cost, some packages might include an island access fee. Confirm details when booking your trip.
It's recommended to book your boat transfers or hotel stay in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
A day trip usually includes boat transport and access to the island's beaches and snorkeling areas. Food and activities may be extra.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Ilot Maître is renowned for its abundant sea life, including numerous turtles, stingrays, sea snakes, and a variety of colorful fish.
Yes, the waters around Ilot Maître are crystal clear and shallow, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling with plentiful fish.
Activities include snorkeling, swimming, relaxing on the beach, and water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding.
The primary accommodation is the DoubleTree by Hilton, offering unique over-water bungalows.
While connectivity can be challenging, some visitors have reported being able to make calls and access Wi-Fi. It's advisable to check with your provider or the hotel.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant on the island, often associated with the DoubleTree by Hilton, offering buffet and à la carte options.
Reviews suggest that while the staff are friendly, the food quality and service speed at the island's restaurant may not meet the standards of an American Hilton.
Yes, bringing your own picnic and drinks from the mainland is highly recommended to avoid long waits and potentially higher prices.
Specific dietary options are not widely detailed, but buffets often offer a variety. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant.
Be prepared for potentially long wait times for food to be prepared and served, especially during busy periods.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the over-water bungalows, the turquoise lagoon, marine life, and the island's picturesque beaches.
The island's location in the lagoon offers beautiful opportunities for capturing vibrant sunset and sunrise colors over the water.
Yes, sea snakes are present in the waters around Ilot Maître, offering unique photography subjects, but maintain a safe distance.
A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for capturing underwater shots. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of privacy if photographing guests at the hotel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a smooth family outing, consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as food services can be slow.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the free activities like snorkeling and exploring the beaches. The incredible sea life is the main attraction and costs nothing to observe. While there are paid water sports, enjoying the natural environment is the most rewarding and cost-effective way to experience Ilot Maître.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves and enjoying breathtaking lagoon views from your private deck. For a day visit, the island's stunning beaches and clear waters create a beautiful backdrop for a romantic picnic. Enjoying a sunset over the lagoon can be a truly magical experience.
While the island can get busy, visiting on a weekday or opting for an overnight stay can offer more intimate moments.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ilot Maître's Marine Wonders
To make the most of your underwater exploration, it's highly recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear. This ensures you have a comfortable fit and can spend as much time as you wish observing the marine ecosystem. While the island's natural beauty is its main draw, some visitors note that the island itself could benefit from more maintenance. However, the incredible sea life often overshadows these minor drawbacks.
Beyond snorkeling, the lagoon surrounding Ilot Maître offers opportunities for other water activities. Jet skiing provides an exhilarating way to experience the expanse of the water, while paddleboarding offers a more serene way to explore the calm lagoon. These activities add another layer of adventure to a visit to this picturesque islet.
Accommodation and Island Experience
+1 Staying overnight allows visitors to enjoy the island's tranquility after the day-trippers depart, offering a more intimate connection with this island paradise. However, it's important to manage expectations regarding the island's amenities and services. While branded as a Hilton, some reviews suggest that the food quality and service speed might not align with typical international Hilton standards. Long queues for food and limited seating can be a challenge, especially for day visitors.
The island itself is small, easily walkable in about 20 minutes, offering different perspectives of the lagoon and coastline. Despite some areas potentially needing maintenance, the friendly staff are noted for their efforts to provide a positive experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit