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GEA → ILP
Which side of the plane to sit from Nouméa Magenta Airport (Noumea) to Île des Pins Airport (Île des Pins)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon, the iconic Amédée Lighthouse, and the breathtaking turquoise bays of the Isle of Pines upon approach.
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Phare Amédée
The tall, historic white lighthouse perched on a tiny sand cay surrounded by vibrant coral formations.
The Great Southern Lagoon
An endless mosaic of turquoise, cerulean, and emerald waters protected by the barrier reef.
Upi Bay
Famous for its massive coral 'mushrooms' rising from the water and traditional outrigger canoes.
Kuto and Kanumera Bays
The stunning twin bays with sugar-white sand and the sacred 'Rocher de la Pirogue' rock formation.
The right side is the 'star side' for this route. For the best photography of the lagoon's colors, choose a mid-morning flight when the sun is high. Since Air Calédonie uses ATR aircraft, try to secure a seat away from the high wing and landing gear for an unobstructed view of the coral reefs below. The approach into ILP is very low, providing amazing detail of the coastal pines and crystal-clear water.
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Mont-Dore
The massive red-earth mountain dominating the southern coastline of the main island shortly after departure.
Havannah Channel
The deep blue passage where the lagoon meets the open Pacific Ocean, often showing dramatic wave breaks.
Araucaria Forests
Dense clusters of the island's namesake columnar pines visible as the plane descends toward the interior runway.
Sit on the left if you want to see the rugged, mountainous terrain of Grande Terre's southern tip. This side is often better for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight glare from the eastern horizon. Keep an eye out for the Prony Bay area, known for its red soil and deep blue water contrasts.
Get eSIMs for New Caledonia
Get eSIMs for New CaledoniaDistance: 108 km (67 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 min
Departure: GEA (-22.25830078125, 166.47300720214844)
Arrival: ILP (-22.58889961242676, 167.45599365234375)
Route Type: Domestic
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