Baie de Upi, Protected bay in Isle of Pines, New Caledonia.
Baie de Upi is a protected bay off Isle of Pines featuring large limestone formations rising from turquoise waters. Tall araucaria pines line the shoreline, creating a distinctive natural setting shaped by the local geology.
The bay has long served as a center for boat construction, with vessels built from araucaria wood and pandanus materials. These craft have supported fishing and trade activities across the region for centuries.
Local boat builders in Saint-Joseph Bay continue crafting traditional pirogues by hand, following methods passed down through families over many generations.
Visitors can book traditional canoe trips through their lodging, with departures typically starting early morning from Saint-Joseph Bay. Conditions are usually calmest in the morning hours, making for better visibility and more enjoyable paddling.
The bay features unusual rock formations that appear to float on the water, creating natural passages for traditional paddle routes. These stone corridors have guided boat navigation through the inlet for centuries, shaping how people move through the space.
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