Île aux Canards, Island in the Anse Vata bay, Nouméa, New Caledonia

Île aux Canards is a small island situated about 300 meters from shore and surrounded by shallow, clear water with coral formations. The waters around the island support numerous fish species and other marine life.

The bay facing the island was formerly called Baie des Canards, and the islet took its name from it. In 1989 the islet and its surroundings, together with the reef flat off Pointe Magnin in front of Le Méridien hotel, were made a protected reserve where hunting, fishing and removing plants or minerals are banned.

The island's name comes from the former name of Anse Vata bay, Baie des Canards, which it faces. A fare built in the middle of the islet serves as a restaurant, and the protected reserve created in 1989 covers the islet and the Pointe Magnin reef flat in front of Le Méridien hotel.

Small boats regularly ferry visitors from the nearby beach to the island, with the journey taking about 10 to 15 minutes. It is wise to bring swimwear, snorkeling gear, and sun protection to make your stay more comfortable.

The coral reefs around the island feature marked snorkeling paths that guide visitors through different habitats and coral types. These routes allow even beginners to safely explore the underwater world while observing fish and other sea life up close.