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KOC destination photo
BMY destination photo

KOCBMY

Which side of the plane to sit from Koumac Airport (Koumac) to Île Art - Waala Airport (Waala)?

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior perspective of the northern tip of Grande Terre and the dramatic transition from the mainland into the turquoise Belep archipelago.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
⛰️

Poum Peninsula

Witness the striking red earth and nickel-rich terrain of the northern tip of the mainland, contrasting sharply with the greenery.

🏝️

Île Neba and Île Baaba

These lush islands provide a stunning mid-flight visual as the plane transitions away from Grande Terre toward the Belep group.

🐠

Belep Archipelago Approach

A close-up view of the intricate reef systems and shallow sand flats surrounding Île Art during the final descent.

The right side is ideal for photographers looking to capture the contrast between the mainland's red soil and the ocean. Aim for a seat in front of or well behind the wing for a clear view of the islands during the low-altitude approach into Waala.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

UNESCO World Heritage Lagoon

The flight traverses one of the world's largest lagoons, showcasing vibrant turquoise waters and complex coral structures.

🐚

Outer Barrier Reef

Glimpse the distinct white line of the barrier reef where the calm lagoon waters meet the deep indigo of the Pacific Ocean.

🚤

Remote Sandbanks

Watch for tiny, uninhabited white sand cays that appear as bright specks amidst the vast expanse of the blue lagoon.

Sit on the left for unobstructed views of the sunset if you are on a late afternoon flight. The glare can be intense midday, so polarized sunglasses are highly recommended to see through the water's surface to the reefs below.

Top Activities in Waala
Route Information

Distance: 111 km (69 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 11 min

Departure: KOC (-20.546300888061523, 164.25599670410156)

Arrival: BMY (-19.720600128173828, 163.66099548339844)

Route Type: Domestic

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