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Ile des Pins Cruises

Turtle Bay

Queen Hortense’s grotto

Ruins in Paradise

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Ile des Pins

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The Île des Pins, in the Pacific Ocean, belongs to the archipelago of New Caledonia. This stunning island paradise is enveloped by a breathtaking barrier reef, filled with an abundance of magical marine life. An MSC World Cruise destination, the Isle of Pines boasts white sand beaches, tropical vegetation, and tantalising turquoise waters. Explore its palm-fringed shorelines, gaze at the bays, work up a tan, or enjoy a snorkel.


MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

• Turtle Bay
• Queen Hortense’s grotto
• Ruins in Paradise

Discover a wonderous array of marine life on an MSC Cruises excursion. From Île des Pins, board a high-performance RIB-boat before sailing to the sublime St. Maurice. At heavenly Turtle Bay gaze at sea turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and manta rays swimming through the turquoise waters. Then, jump into the Pacific Ocean for a relaxing dip or adventurous snorkel.

The stunning Île des Pins is noted for its pristine beaches, sparkling waters, and an indigenous Kanak heritage. On an MSC Cruises excursion, you’ll learn the compelling story of Queen Hortense — who hid in a cave to survive a tribal attack! Visit Vao Village and the Grand Chief’s Council to learn about this historical figure. Then, stop by the Kanak totem poles in St. Maurice Bay before calling on Queen Hortense’s grotto. This limestone cavern, characterised by magnificent stalactites, is recognised as a natural wonder. Take in the site’s arborescent ferns, tropical heliconias, and eye-catching birds of paradise flowers.

Take an MSC Cruises excursion to the remains of a French penal colony, on the enchanting Île des Pins. Built to incarcerate the exiled members of the 1871 Paris Commune, this fascinating site is fascinating must see! Explore the prison’s compound, old church, convent, water tower, and burial ground showcasing 230 graves. Afterwards, stop by the Chez Lylone camping area to stroll its gorgeous golden beach.

Must see places in Iles des Pins

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    New Caledonia

    At the Edge of the Coral Sea
    At the Edge of the Coral Sea

    The archipelago of New Caledonia is fifteen hundred kilometres away from the coast of Queensland, and is heading towards a referendum on independence from France, which between the mid-19th and early 20th century mainly used it as a penal colony.

    Today, the MSC World Cruise stops at the main island, Grande Terre, where New Caledonia’s capital and largest city is situated on a jagged peninsula: Nouméa. 
     
    The Îles Loyauté, Îles des Pins and Îles Belep are just a few of the large nearby islands. 
     
    James Cook gave the northern part of Grande Terre the name New Caledonia in 1774: Caledonia was the name the Romans gave to Scotland and it appears that the explorer found similarities between these two lands. 
     
    The island is crossed by a single, unbroken mountain range that extends from North to South, hiding an array of small lakes and waterfalls. The island’s indigenous population, the Kanaks, mainly lived on the coast and depended on the cultivation of yams. 
     
    One of New Caledonia’s wonders is the Îles des Pins (Isle of Pines), and tourists arriving from Nouméa can’t help but fall in love with its crystal clear bays and lagoons.