signal island tour

Every weekend is an adventure

Signal island: feel like a castaway and meet turtles near noumea.

• Post published: 10 June 2022
• Post category: New Caledonia / Oceania/South Pacific

If you’ve read my post about things to do in Noumea , you already know I always prefer exploring other parts of New Caledonia. But if you’re in Noumea for a few days, don’t worry. You’re in the capital of the world’s largest lagoon, so it isn’t bad at all. There are a few islands particularly worth visiting, like Ilot Signal (Signal Island). We spent one lovely afternoon on Signal Island, so here are a few tips to plan your visit.

How to get to Signal Island

There are a few ways to get to Signal Island. You won’t be surprised to find out they all include a boat! It takes around 30 minutes to go from Noumea to Signal Island.

Boat transfers (including tours) to Signal Island are on a small semi-rigid boat. It’s not the most comfortable boat, but it goes fast. If you have back problems, you may want to ask for more information about the sea conditions and how bumpy the ride is going to be. But note that you’re protected from the swell in the lagoon, so the ride would mostly be uncomfortable if there’s wind.

• You can catch a taxi boat from Port Moselle (ask the tourist office, check Blue Lagoon Taxi Boat , Nautica or call or message Coconut Taxi Boat at +687 75 50 17).
• You can go to Signal Island on your own vessel; it’s a popular island to visit when sailing in the lagoon near Noumea.
• If you’re coming to New Caledonia on a cruise boat, the easiest way to get to Signal Island is to book a tour * (or even a private tour *).

Things to do on Signal Island and equipment you should bring

Feeling like a castaway

Signal Island is very different to the other popular islands (Duck Island, Maitre Island or Phare Amedee) you can visit near Noumea: there are no facilities there. Only dry toilets. They have built a few tables and benches for visitors to have a picnic, a jetty to make it easy to embark on the taxi boat, and nothing more. It’s all about enjoying nature in the simplest ways possible.

So obviously, there’s no shop on Signal Island. Make sure you bring enough water and food for your time there. Don’t plan on catching your meal: the island is a reserve so fishing is forbidden. Trees provide a few shady areas, but you should still be careful of the sun and wear a hat. I recommend also wearing long sleeves to protect your body on the beautiful white sand beach of Signal Island.

Responsible travel tip : Did you know that your sunscreen could harm the fragile ecosystem of the coral reef? It’s essential to be mindful of what you’re applying to your skin when snorkelling or swimming near the reef. The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to cover up with long sleeves and pants. If you must use sunscreen, choose a mineral-based one to avoid harmful substances (see the full list here ). Mineral ingredients are less harmful to the environment and provide excellent protection. Apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before entering the water to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Snorkelling on Signal Island

Make sure you bring your snorkel gear ! Snorkelling is often the number one reason to visit Signal Island. The island is surrounded by corals. As fishing is prohibited, you’ll see a large variety of reef inhabitants.

Signal Island is particularly reputed for having many resident turtles. We only snorkelled for about half an hour and saw two green turtles and one hawksbill turtle – which is rarer to see as they are unfortunately critically endangered whereas the green turtles are “only” endangered. They are about the same size, so they can be hard to differentiate. But the hawksbill turtle has a curved beak and a saw-like shell edge that’s not as smooth and round as the green turtle’s shell. We snorkelled a few hundred metres on the left of the jetty. If you can, aim to snorkel at high tide to increase your chances of having good visibility.

Responsible tips: Be extra careful with your fins when you snorkel or dive on a reef so as not to damage the coral. If you can use shorter fins, you will reduce the risk of accidentally hitting the coral.

Walking around Signal Island

It takes less than one hour to walk around the entire island (about 2km). A boardwalk takes you away from the beach for an opportunity to see birds. We didn’t see many birds as we didn’t visit during the muttonbird breeding season. Still, we had to be very careful of where we stepped when not on the boardwalk to avoid the nests in the ground. They have installed a few signs – in French and in English – to explain the history of the island and give information about the local flora and fauna.

You’ll get close to the tower built on the island in 1883 to indicate the entrance of the channel when you align it with Mount Koniambo. It is coated with lime made on the island. It can be seen from afar and is the reason why the island is named Signal Island (or Ilot Signal in French).

It’s a very easy flat walk, but I still recommend wearing shoes (thongs or sandals are fine) as there can be spiky things in the beautiful white sand.

Chilling on the beach

You can also enjoy Signal Island by doing… simply nothing. It’s a good place to relax on the beach and just admire the beauty of the lagoon. I’d still recommend keeping your eyes open: you can often spot turtles popping their head outside the water! If you’re lucky, you might even see a shy dugong.

Most people stay on the beach near the jetty. If you want to enjoy the serenity of the small island, you’ll find an empty beach on the opposite side of the island. On this side, near the tower, we spotted a group of young black-tip sharks swimming in the shallow waters.

How long should you stay on Signal Island

As you can imagine after reading the activities on Signal Island, it’s a small island! After three hours, we felt like we had seen it all. It doesn’t mean that it’s not worth staying longer on the island. It’s always nice to relax in such a beautiful place or go snorkelling a few times in the lagoon. The landscape will also change with the tides so you’ll never get tired of it.

Your time on Signal Island may be dictated by the taxi boat schedule. I recommend staying for half a day on Signal Island and trying to visit another island on the way. For example, Blue Lagoon Taxi Boat offers a tour to visit both Signal Island and Laregne Island on the same trip.

Some people even stay on Signal Island for a night. Camping is free, but you’ll have to bring all your camping equipment, food and water. During the week outside of the local school holidays, you may even have the island just for you. But keep in mind locals often go to islands to celebrate birthdays during the weekend, so you may not get the castaway feeling if you spend a night there with another group.

Where is Signal Island?

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Signal Island Turtle Tour

Departing directly from Noumea's cruise terminal, this half-day tour offers a chance to see the wild side of one of the world's largest lagoons. Head to Signal Island, a quiet white-sand island which few tourists take the time to visit. Swim in water frequented by turtles and see colorful corals and reef fish. Arrive back in Port refreshed in the early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to see the sights in Noumea.

Private tours visiting Signal Island Turtle Tour

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Water Taxi Signal Island Turtle Tour for cruisers

• Includes use of snorkel gear, and port pickup and drop-off
• Go to a small island that most visitors miss
• Good opportunity for sea turtle sightsings in their natural habitat
• Morning tour allows time to schedule another activity in the afternoon
• Water taxi to Signal island
• Cruise Ship Terminal, Rue Jules Ferry, Nouméa 98800, New Caledonia Come to see us as soon as possible at our "Noumea Turtle Tour" desk (with a big white turtle on) located at CITY TERMINAL between the CITY Cruise Ship Terminal (Gare Maritime) and the Tourism Center. Our staff will waiting for you, for give you all informations you need. Warning: To find our "NOUMEA TURTLE TOUR" DESK THERE ARE TWO TERMINALS : The larger cruise ships berth at the Cargo Terminal, while the smaller ships berth at the City cruise ship Terminal (GARE MARITIME). -> IF YOUR CRUISE SHIP DOCK AT CARGO TERMINAL If your cruise ship ties up at the Cargo Terminal, take the free shuttle bus to the City Cruise ShipTerminal – about five minutes away. You will find our "NOUMEA TURTLE TOUR " Desk between City Cruise Ship Terminal and Tourism Office, just in front of your shuttle bus stop. -> IF YOUR CRUISE SHIP DOCK AT CITY CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL Disembark your ship, go inside city terminal, take first on your right, get off the Terminal and you will find our desk between Terminal and Tourism Office. If you don't find our "NOUMEA TURTLE" desk and our staff, you can ask to Tourism office on the city cruise ship terminal. Or ask the manager of the ferry terminal : Steeve or Kate : they will give you the informations.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guid
• Not recommended for participants greater than 70 years of age
• Food and drinks not included in price
• Please bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• CleaPNea 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles My favorite island Signal island is my favorite island from Nouméa. Turtles, loads of tropical fish, Wonderfull snorkeling. The white sand beach is very beautiful, the water is clear and my little boy swam with the turtles in shallow water. If you want to spend the day there, bring something to eat and drink. There are tables and dry toilets. We were able to relax in the shade of the trees and walk around the island. We love it. Read more Written 8 May 2024
• rickbiederstadt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Amedee Island Noumea Snorkeling Tour March 30, 2024, What an Amazing Day at Amedee Island by Noumea Turtle Tours Dal'Ocean. We had so much fun at Signal Island with this Tour Operator prior that we re-booked them for the Amedee Island Tour. We were in Noumea via the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Quantum of the Seas. What a beautiful day! The boat ride was an easy 40-minute transfer. Fish & Turtles everywhere. Coral was amazing. The beach was inspiring. It was such an easy snorkel off the beach. Everything about this day was Amazing! I'd HIGHLY recommend this tour to everyone especially for cruise ship travelers. DO NOT book directly with cruise ships. Book directly with this operator and SAVE Money. Thanks Dallo for making today happen. Truly a Great Day! I will be back to do this tour again. Amedee with the light house was beautiful. Get out there! Read more Written 30 March 2024
• rodcatz 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointed 7 years ago I booked a private tour after arriving on a cruise with Dal Ocean Charter and it was amazing (see previous review). Had such a great time and when we were coming back I contacted Frederic to go on the tour again. This time I was told the private tour with food and guide was unavailable but he did have a private water taxi tour for 1-11 people to signal island. In reality it was 60 people across 5 boats all dropped on Signal Island with another tour company dropping off about the same and the exact opposite of what experience we were looking for. If you use words “private water taxi” it should mean “private” Read more Written 24 March 2024
• AnnieJuly 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful morning swimming with turtles!!! We had 3 days in Noumea & booked this boat trip before we left home (a couple of months prior). We were very pleased we’d pre booked it. There were 4 boats taking small groups of people to the island. They were organised and gave clear instructions on the process. We enjoyed the speedy boat trip to the island and appreciated Dal Ocean lending us a noodle and snorkel set while on the island. Also the main guy stayed on the island and gave advice to those that required it He also had a first aid kit with him. Staff were friendly & helpful. We swam right near several turtles which we loved!! The scenery is gorgeous!!! Read more Written 16 January 2024
• Mel1Sydney 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Pleasant but expensive afternoon Be aware that this is not a tour. It is a water taxi only. We did the Private Half-Day Wild Side Island Water Taxi Tour From Noumea - with pick up and drop off from Chateaux Royale pontoon being very efficient. Nothing is provided. We took our own snorkels and goggles and luckily did not need flippers. There were no noodles on the boat, as was stated in the email. I also packed a supermarket cold storage bag from Australia which turned out to be useful for the sandwiches and drinks we took. There was no real shade on either of the islands we went to and quite a lot of people around, but that's ok. It's just that they got to the shade first! We found the snorkling just ordinary (we have snorkled a great deal and see that the heating of the oceans is really affecting snorkling and ocean life) and we were unlucky on the turtle front, but that's no one's fault. The best part of this time was the boat ride! It's not cheap tho, at $880 for 4 adults with not even a bottle of water included. Read more Written 6 January 2024
• E7142DRdavidj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience I HAVE DONE THIS TRIP TO SIGNAL ISLAND TWICE WITH DAL OCEAN FROM CRUISE SHIPS. THEY ARE GREAT. PROFESSIONAL AND HELPFUL. THEY PROVIDE A GREAT EXPERIENCE. TURTLES BOTH TIMES. KIDS LOVE THIS TRIP. THANKS AGAIN TO THE DAL OCEAN TEAM. Read more Written 20 December 2023
• G7065DJscottw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amidee Island and Outer Reef trip Great excursion if you are in Noumea. Snorkelling off the beach was fantastic with lots of interesting sealife and coral. The island is very compact, you could walk around it in less than 20 minutes but take your time and keep an eye out for the sea kraits. We counted ten in and around one tree! The lighthouse can be climbed at certain times and the view is well worth it. Many thanks to the guys from Dal'Ocean Charter for our trip! Read more Written 4 September 2023
• bernardhT8721LA 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great day Pretty good service attentive and private tours recommended worth the money spend absolutely grat location and professional operator Read more Written 7 February 2023
• TonyConnieF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day in Paradise snorkeling This trip was one of the highlights of our cruise vacation. One of our group members posted about the location of the stand to buy tickets, so we headed there immediately after getting off the ship. purchased tickets and were on our way to signal island within 15 minutes. Absolutely beautiful, paradise island, what else can I say. We brought our own snorkeling equipment, but they have for you if you don't. We saw unbelievable beautiful fish and quite a few turtles. Bathrooms are rustic but it's an uninhabitable island. Go, have fun and enjoy. Read more Written 2 February 2023
• Jennifer B 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Water Taxi This is not a tour, it is just a water taxi to get you to the island and back. Otherwise you are on your own!! Read more Written 2 November 2022
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• LilTui 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience ruined by awful service! Trip to Signal Island was awesome HOWEVER, what transpired in the weeks after was a NIGHTMARE! Dal Ocean charged my card TWICE and ignored my email about it. Only when I sent a follow up email and mentioned bank involvement did they admit to the mistake. After weeks of emails and excuses, they took MORE money and I was then owed $500+ NZD! They eventually fixed their mistake 2 weeks AFTER they took the first lot of money (yes, they charged me THREE times). I still LOST money in the end as they REFUSED to cover the cost of conversion fees despite me asking for every dollar BACK. This might be something you want to consider before booking as they DIDN'T accept cash payments and required me to save my card details when booking online. Can you afford to have hundreds of dollars wrongfully STOLEN from your account and wait weeks for it to HOPEFULLY be returned? Read more Written 4 October 2022
• donkeyLam 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles last min cancel My 1st time to Neumeu and for 4 days only, I thought I will pick Signal Island instead of Amedee for more remote and better chance to spot wild life. and relax.. Dal'Ocean have limited services (no 1/2 day trip as I would like) - email back and forward was abit confusing and cold (assume non-English speaking issue), but they promise weather will be good for Sunday. Being travel sole and non-French speaker, my host help me to arrange taxi to arrive early at the port. I waited at the port for 30min and there were no show from Dal'Ocean Charter. Only to find out later that they have email me 6pm the night before to cancel the trip and want to rearrange for Monday instead, due to weather (windy, but sunny out of 4 days I was in Neumeu). I was all dress and plan for Island trip out (carrying 2L of water as suggested to bring alot of water).. How embarrassing is that to carry all that around. I email back at a free wifi location to say Monday fine and I have waited for 30min. Next thing I know they have canceled the booking with no explaining or confusing on my payment etc. Now, I have missed out on going to any of the Islands b/c of timing issue with other operators. Would I able to get away as a customer decide to cancel a trip with less than 24 hrs notice? Completely poor communication. Could have call my contact no# or at least a notice / note at the port for me to know. Or someone be there just in case I don't get the email? NOTHING. Absolutely rubbish services. If you are looking at trust and reputable service, Dal'Ocean Charter is not one of them. Either try Mary'D or something much smaller who actually want your business. Read more Written 8 August 2022
• Almarty 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Set sail for a wonderful day exploring the crystal water and reefs Wonderful experience, relaxing, snorkelling, sunshine and expertly skippered Catamaran. We brought our own food/drink but you could easily have lunch at Escapade Island as a brief stop. Best part of our time in New Caledonia. Highly recommended! Read more Written 1 July 2022
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Water Taxi Signal Island Turtle Tour for cruisers provided by Dal'Ocean Charter

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• About this activity

Water Taxi Signal Island Turtle Tour for cruisers

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Multiple languages

We propose a water taxi to Signal island, specially made for cruisers. We pick up you directly at the cruise ship terminal.

Get off the beaten tracks and swim with turtles in a paradise island from Noumea. Food & drinks not included

4 hours to discover “wild side” of the south lagoon.

Unknown from the crowd of your boat, it is the best spot to snorkel and swim with turtles in their local environment, at only 30 minutes from Noumea with our water taxi. You will be able to enjoy by your own the magnificent white sand beach, historical trail around this island and beautiful, natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. This tour is reserved for people under 70 years old and in good physical condition. It's a physical inflatable bumpy boat ride to go to the Island. You will snorkel by your own means. No guide, just personal instructions given by the skipper.

Activity location

• Rue Jules Ferry
• 98800, Nouméa, South Province, New Caledonia

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Mon, May 13 -
• Tue, May 14 -
• Wed, May 15 -
• Thu, May 16 -
• Fri, May 17 -
• Sat, May 18 -
• Sun, May 19 -
• Mon, May 20 $54
• Tue, May 21 -
• Wed, May 22 $54
• Thu, May 23 -
• Fri, May 24 -
• Sat, May 25 $54
• Sun, May 26 -
• Mon, May 27 -
• Activity duration is 4 hours 4h 4h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Water taxi to Signal island

Know before you book

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guid
• Not recommended for participants greater than 70 years of age
• Food and drinks not included in price
• Please bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes

Activity itinerary

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Full Day Nouméa Signal Island Turtle Tour

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

SIGNAL ISLAND is the perfect location to explore New Caledonia's Southern lagoon first hand. We pick up you directly at Port Brunelet - Gate E. Get off the beaten tracks and swim with turtles in a paradise island (Signal Island) from Noumea. 7 hours to discover "wild side" of the south lagoon of New Caledonia. Unknown from the crowd of your boat, it is the best spot to snorkel and swim with turtles in their local environment, at only 30 minutes from Noumea with our water taxi. You will be able to enjoy the magnificent white sand beach, historical trail around this island and beautiful, natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. This tour is reserved for people under 70 years old and in good physical condition. It's a physical inflatable bumpy boat ride to go to the Island. You will snorkel by your own means. No guide, just personal instructions given by the skipper.

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

Full Day Nouméa Signal Island Turtle Tour : $46.09

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• National Park fees
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Driver/guide
• Port pickup and drop-off

What's not Included

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Food and drinks

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Not recommended for participants greater than 70 years of age
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guid
• Food and drinks not included in price
• Please bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes

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Signal Island Turtle Tour from Noumea

Go to a small island that most visitors miss

Good opportunity for sea turtle sightsings in their natural habitat, morning tour allows time to schedule another activity in the afternoon, why take this tour.

Take a half-day wildlife tour to Signal island with the convenience of a boat departure direct from the Noumea cruise terminal. Visit one of the world's largest lagoons and a tranquil white-sand island where you can look for sea turtles, corals, and reef fish while snorkeling or swimming. Return to the cruise ship port by early afternoon, leaving you time to go sightseeing in Noumea.

What’s included?

All taxes, fees and handling charges, national park fees, driver/guide, port pickup and drop-off, use of snorkelling equipment, alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), food and drinks, things to know, before you book.

Duration: 4h

Mobile tickets accepted

Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

Operated by:.

Dal'Ocean Charter

About operator:

Short tours excursions from NOUMEA (New-Caledonia) for Cruisers and Hotel Guests. We provide you water taxi or sailing catamaran with local skipper for your cruises during the time you need and the way you want: choose your destination between Amedee, Escapade, Duck and Signal Islands. Our prices will vary depending on the duration and numbers of passengers you are...

• 591 reviews

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• You are here

Swim with the turtle from Noumea (New-Caledonia) morning tour

  - you are a  cruisers  (p&o cruise, carnival, royal caribbean cruise).... departure point at city ship terminal (150 meters)..

Sail away to paradise aboard a high speed water taxi with a capacity of 11 passengers:

 Let’s go to discover a wild side island from Noumea called " SIGNAL SLAND"

SIGNAL ISLAND is the largest true coral cay  244 hectares (603 acres)  on the New Caledonia south lagoon  with 13,5 hectares (34 acres) surrounding reef,  just 30 mn by our water taxi from Noumea (cruise ship Terminal).  This uninhabited Tropical Island surrounded by pristine white sands beach is often compared to Whitehaven beach in the whithsundays (Australia).

You will don't find any cruise ship customer on this Island, the cruise ship crowds take the "Hop on - Hop off" and go to Duck Island. You can find 300 pers on Duck Island, and wait 1 hour to take the water taxi.

DUCK ISLAND  is surrounded by coral reef beach, no sandy beach, it's why you need deck chair.

SIGNAL ISLAND and his magical coral fringed lagoon is the perfect location to explore New Caledonia's Southern lagoon first hand. You don't need deck chair.

SIGNAL ISLAND  reef is home to over 1300  varieties of tropical fish and 350 species of colourful hard ans soft coral.The reef is a protected green zone and has never been fished and therefore offers an abundance of large and rare marine life.

Swim with the turtles at Signal Island , snorkel all year round without stinger suits in this unique, protected reef island.  

  9.00 AM/10.15 AM/11.15 AM/12.15 AM :   departure from the cruise ship terminal to SIGNAL ISLAND, with the water taxi. This is an uncovered boat : plan sunscreen and clothes to protect you from the sun. You will receive some water but we have all the equipment to protect you. Water will  splashing on your face but we have all the equipment to protect you. This tour is reserved for peoples under 70 years old and in good physical condition. It's a physical inflatable boat ride to go to the ISland,  you will be shaking on the boat. 

   9.45 AM/11 AM/12 AM/1 PM : land on SIGNAL ISLAND

From 9.45 AM to 12.50 PM/ 11.00 AM to 1.50 PM/  12.00 AM to 2.50 PM/1  PM to 3.50 PM  :   enjoy white sand beaches and Swim with the turtle.  You can also observe colorful marine life along coral reefs, with your equipment and personal instruction from your skipper (if you need we can provided you mask and tuba). 

To be able to appreciate this excursions and to put all the chances on your side to see turtles: you must be experienced swimmer (comfortable in the water, know how to swim long enough). If not, you can even see colored coral and little fishes.

 1 PM/ 2 PM/ 3 PM/4 PM :  come back to Noumea .

  1.30PM/ 2.30 PM/ 3.30PM/ 4.30 PM:   arrival at City ship terminal

It will be better if you can take you own snorkeling gears. We can provide you snorkeling gears and floating noodles if you ask us.

Price is  4 500 XPF  (60 AUD - 47 USD) per pers

Free of charge for kids under 2 years old.

Contact us by mail for booking:  [email protected]

We just need arrival & departure time of your cruise ship, numbers of passengers, we will come back to you with procedure to book and all the information request..

If you are staying in hotel, we just need the date, name of your hotel, numbers of passengers, we will come back to you with a quote and all the information request..

INFORMATION FOR CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMER: We guarantee you to be back minimum 2 hours before your Cruise Ship departure, there is no risk to missing your cruise. In case of technical problem, we have many Water Taxi available to pick you up on your boat and bring you back on time at Cruise Ship Terminal.

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Money blog: My employer wants to pay me by the minute - what can I do?

A reader seeks help as her employer of 24 years is bringing in a new clock-in system to pay her by the minute. Read this and all the latest personal finance and consumer news in the Money blog - and share your own problem or dispute below.

Monday 13 May 2024 10:28, UK

• Free childcare applications open for new age band
• Money Problem: My workplace is bringing in new clock-in system to pay us by the minute - is this allowed?

Essential reads

• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• 'Loud budgeting': The money-saving trend that has nothing to do with giving up your daily coffee
• How to avoid a holiday data roaming charge (while still using the internet)
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Restaurants might only be able to open three or four days a week due to staffing problems, Michel Roux Jr has warned. 

Speaking to The Telegraph as he gears up to open his new restaurant Chez Rouz, the Michelin starred chef admitted the industry needs to change to accommodate flexible working hours. 

"Just because I worked 80 hours a week or more doesn't mean the next generation should," he said. 

"Quite the contrary. That is something that we have to address in our industry."

But, he warned that the move will come at a cost... 

"It will mean ultimately that going out is going to be more expensive, and that maybe your favourite restaurant is no longer open seven days a week - it's only open three or four days a week," he said. 

The industry is known for its long, unsociable working hours, and Roux Jr explained that the real issue hit after the pandemic, with people no longer wanting to work weekends. 

"People don't want to work unsociable hours and would rather work delivering parcels as and when they want to. It's as simple as that," he added. 

Earlier this year, Roux Jr said goodbye to his famous restaurant Le Gavroche in London. 

It had been opened by his father Albert Roux and uncle Michel Roux in 1967. 

Now, he said it's "brave" to open a new restaurant, with the market "very, very tough". 

"I really feel for anyone that is brave enough to open up a restaurant now. It's incredibly difficult," he added. 

Chez Rouz at The Langham in Marylebone, central London, is due to open on 22 May. 

By James Sillars , business news reporter

A pause for breath on the FTSE 100 after a 3% gain over the course of past week that took the index to a fresh record closing high.

The rally of recent weeks - significant for London's standing and pension pots alike - has been broad based and reflects several factors.

A major driver has been sterling's weakness versus the US dollar.

The US currency has been strong as the Federal Reserve, its central bank, has hinted it will be some time yet before it begins to cut interest rates.

Language out of the Bank of England last week sparked a flurry of bets that UK rates could be cut as early as next month.

A weaker pound boosts dollar-earning constituents on the FTSE 100 because they get more for their money when dollars are converted to pounds.

Also at play is the view that UK stocks represent good value, as they are cheaper compared to many of their international peers.

A few moments ago, the FTSE 100 was trading 6 points lower at 8,423.

A major talking point is the possibility of the Chinese fast fashion firm Shein listing in London.

According to Reuters, the company has shifted its focus to the UK after receiving a lukewarm reception in the United States.

The news agency, citing two sources, reported that Shein was stepping up its preparations for an initial public offering in London that would be expected to be one of the biggest carried out globally this year.

By Emily Mee , Money team

No one likes the date in their calendar when their MOT rolls around. 

But to make things a little less stressful, consumer expert Scott Dixon - known as The Complaints Resolver - has given us some tips on what to look out for to help your vehicle pass with flying colours. 

Some of the most common failures are faulty steering, brakes, suspension, worn or damaged tyres, cracked windscreens and faulty lights. 

Mr Dixon recommends you get your car serviced a couple of weeks before your MOT, in case there are any complex or costly issues. 

This will give you time to get them fixed and get your car through first time without any advisories. 

Aside from taking your car for a service, there are also some easy checks you can run yourself... 

Listen for unusual clunks while you're driving - this could be a sign of a damaged suspension. 

You could also check by pushing the car down on each corner. It should return to normal without bouncing a few times. 

Another option is to look with a torch under the wheel arch, as this should reveal any obvious defects. 

Blown bulbs are a common MOT failure, but they're cheap to fix. 

Walk around your car and check all the bulbs are working - this includes the headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators and the number plate bulb.

Mr Dixon says it's "not an easy job" to change the lightbulbs yourself on most modern cars, as the MOT will also check the positioning of the light. Therefore he recommends getting this done professionally. 

Squealing or grinding noises may be a sign your brake pads need replacing. 

You should also check whether your car stops in a straight line, or whether it pulls in different directions. 

Don't forget about the handbrake, too. Test it out on a slope and see if it securely holds the car. If it doesn't, you should get it adjusted. 

It's easy to check if your wipers work okay, but you should also make sure to inspect the blades for tears and rips. 

They should be able to clean the windows with no smears. 

Mr Dixon says you don't need to pay Halfords to change your wiper blade as you can "do it yourself in seconds". All you need to do is look for a YouTube tutorial. 

He also recommends buying the Bosch wiper blades, as he says these are good quality and will also be a sign you've looked after your car well when you come to sell it. 

One thing to look out for is tread depth. You can do this by looking for the "wear bar" that sits between the tread. 

If it's close to 1.6mm and is low, you should get the tyre replaced so it's not flagged as an advisory. 

Also check for perished tyre walls, which can happen when a vehicle is standing for any length of time. 

Uneven tyre wear is another potential issue, and if there are signs of this you should get the tyre replaced and tracking and suspension checked. 

These must be in good condition and working order, with no tears or knots. 

Registration plates

Your number plates should be clean and visible with a working light bulb at the rear. You may need to give them a wipe and replace the bulb if necessary. 

This should be in good condition, without damage such as loose bumpers or sharp edges. 

Mr Dixon advises against using automatic car washes during your car's lifetime, saying they "wreck your car". 

"It's not just your paintwork but they can also damage the wiper blades and the bodywork," he says. 

Check for warning lights

You'll need to take your vehicle to a trusted garage or mechanic for this. 

Exhaust emissions

Some diesel vehicles can fail their MOTs based on emissions. To avoid this, you can buy a fuel treatment pack and take your car for a good run to clear the fuel lines and tank.

Driving for at least 30 to 50 minutes at a sustained speed on a motorway or A-road should help to clear the filter. 

You should make sure the driver's view of the road isn't obstructed, so check for stone chips at eye level and remove any obstructions such as air fresheners and mobile phone cradles. 

What else should you think about? 

Make sure your car is clean beforehand, as a tester can refuse to do your MOT if the vehicle is filthy and full of rubbish. 

Giving your car a clean can also give you a chance to inspect it, Mr Dixon says. 

Another thing to do is to check last year's MOT for any advisories that might crop up this time. 

These potential issues will still be there - so it's best not to ignore them. 

You can check your vehicle's MOT history using  https://car-check.co.uk . 

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

I have worked at a bank for 24 years - the facilities are outsourced. This new company is bringing in a system where the staff have to click in and out and are then paid by the minute? Is this allowed? Amber

Ian Jones, director and principal solicitor at Spencer Shaw Solicitors, has picked this one up...

Your rights depend on your contract and what it says about payment. Does it specify an annual salary, or payment by time? Does it allow for changes to how payment is calculated?

If the contract does not allow for this type of payment, your employer may be trying to vary the contract of employment unlawfully.

If you're directly employed by the bank, and your pay arrangements are changing because of a new monitoring system, this would be an internal contract variation. If you work in the facilities department and the new contractor is taking over as your employer, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) 2006 may apply. 

In this case, your current terms, conditions and previous service will transfer to the new employer.

TUPE may make the issue sound more complicated but, in practice, either way the changes will be valid only if the employee agrees to them.

If you have not agreed to the change, then this could be a breach of contract. This could give rise to a successful claim in the civil courts or the employment tribunal. 

If the breach is serious (for example, you're paid less than agreed in the original contract) and you resign in response, this could amount to constructive dismissal for which a claim can be made in the employment tribunal. 

It would be sensible to get the contract reviewed by a solicitor for advice. But act swiftly - if you continue working for the employer, you are effectively waiving the breach and accepting the change to your contract.

To make it possible to pay by the minute, employees may be monitored while at work. When collecting and processing data and using it to make a decision, the employer must comply with data protection laws. If not, the employee could be entitled to compensation, depending on the breach, or the employer could be at risk of a sanction by the regulator the Information Commissioner's Office.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

Please make sure you leave your contact details as we cannot follow up consumer disputes without them.

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your Money Problems . Today, a reader's employer is bringing in a new clock-in system to pay workers by the minute - but is this allowed?

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about the PIP. 

Wednesday : We speak to one of London's top chefs for his Cheap Eats at home and in the capital.

Thursday : Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : We'll have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King on weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

By Jess Sharp , Money team 

Money saving trends are constantly popping up on social media - but one in particular has been gaining huge amounts of attention.

Created accidentally by a comedian, loud budgeting is breaking down the taboo of speaking about money.

The idea is based on being firmer/more vocal about your financial boundaries in social situations and setting out what you are happy to spend your money on, instead of "Keeping up with the Joneses". 

On TikTok alone, videos published under the hashtag #loudbudgeting have garnered more than 30 million views - and that figure is continuing to climb. 

We spoke to Lukas Battle - the 26-year-old who unintentionally created the trend as part of a comedy sketch. 

Based in New York, he came up with the term in a skit about the "quiet luxury" hype, which had spread online in 2023 inspired by shows like Succession. 

The term was used for humble bragging about your wealth with expensive items that were subtle in their design - for example, Gwyneth Paltrow's  £3,900 moss green wool coat from The Row, which she wore during her ski resort trial...

"I was never a big fan of the quiet luxury trend, so I just kind of switched the words and wrote 'loud budgeting is in'. I'm tired of spending money and I don't want to pretend to be rich," Lukas said. 

"That's how it started and then the TikTok comments were just obsessed with that original idea." 

This was the first time he mentioned it...

Lukas explained that it wasn't about "being poor" but about not being afraid of sharing your financial limits and "what's profitable for you personally". 

"It's not 'skip a coffee a day and you'll become a millionaire'."

While talking money has been seen as rude or taboo, he said it's something his generation is more comfortable doing. 

"I've seen more debate around the topic and I think people are really intrigued and attracted by the idea," he said. 

"It's just focusing your spending and time on things you enjoy and cutting out the things you might feel pressured to spend your money on."  

He has incorporated loud budgeting into his own life, telling his friends "it's free to go outside" and opting for cheaper dinner alternatives.

"Having the terminology and knowing it's a trend helps people understand it and there's no awkward conversation around it," he said. 

The trend has been a big hit with so-called American "finfluencers", or "financial influencers", but people in the UK have started practising it as well. 

Mia Westrap has taken up loud budgeting by embarking on a no-buy year and sharing her finances with her 11.3k TikTok followers. 

Earning roughly £2,100 a month, she spends around £1,200 on essentials, like rent, petrol and car insurance, but limits what else she can purchase. 

Clothes, fizzy drinks, beauty treatments, makeup, dinners out and train tickets are just some things on her "red list". 

The 26-year-old PHD student first came across the idea back in 2017, but decided to take up the challenge this year after realising she was living "pay check to pay check". 

She said her "biggest fear" in the beginning was that her friends wouldn't understand what she was doing, but she found loud budgeting helped. 

"I'm still trying my best to just go along with what everyone wants to do but I just won't spend money while we do it and my friends don't mind that, we don't make a big deal out of it," she said. 

So far, she has been able to save £1,700, and she said talking openly about her money has been "really helpful". 

"There's no way I could have got this far if I wasn't baring my soul to the internet about the money I have spent. It has been a really motivating factor."

Financial expert John Webb said loud budgeting has the ability to help many "feel empowered" and create a "more realistic" relationship with money.

"This is helping to normalise having open and honest conversations about finances," the consumer affair manager at Experien said. 

"It can also reduce the anxiety some might have by keeping their financial worries to themselves." 

However, he warned it's important to be cautious and to take the reality of life into consideration. 

"It could cause troubles within friendship groups if they're not on the same page as you or have different financial goals," he said.

"This challenge isn't meant to stop you from having fun, but it is designed to help people become more conscious and intentional when it comes to money, and reduce the stigma around talking about it." 

Rightmove's keyword tool shows Victorian-era houses are the most commonly searched period properties, with people drawn to their ornate designs and features.

Georgian and Edwardian-style are second and third respectively, followed by Tudor properties. Regency ranked in fifth place.

Rightmove property expert Tim Bannister said: "Home hunters continue to be captivated by the character and charm of properties that we see in period dramas.

"Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors. You'll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable locations which include convenient access to schools and transport links."

Throughout the week Money blog readers have shared their thoughts on the stories we've been covering, with the most correspondence coming in on...

• A hotly contested debate on the best brand of tea
• Downsizing homes
• The cost of Michelin-starred food

Job interview mistakes

On Wednesday we reported on a new £12m ad from PG Tips in response to it falling behind rivals such as Twinings, Yorkshire Tea and Tetley....

We had lots of comments like this...

How on earth was the PG Tips advert so expensive? I prefer Tetley tea, PG Tips is never strong enough flavour for me. Shellyleppard

The reason for the sales drop with PG Tips could be because they increased the price and reduced the quantity of bags from 240 to 180 - it's obvious. Royston

And then this question which we've tried to answer below...

Why have PG Tips changed from Pyramid shape tea bags, to a square? Sam

Last year PG Tips said it was changing to a square bag that left more room for leaves to infuse, as the bags wouldn't fold over themselves.

We reported on data showing how downsizing could save you money for retirement - more than £400,000, in some regions, by swapping four beds for two.

Some of our readers shared their experiences...

We are downsizing and moving South so it's costing us £100k extra for a smaller place, all money from retirement fund. AlanNorth

Interesting read about downsizing for retirement. We recently did this to have the means to retire early at 52. However, we bought a house in the south of France for the price of a flat in our town in West Sussex. Now living the dream! OliSarah

How much should we pay for food?

Executive chef at London's two-Michelin-starred Ikoyi, Jeremy Chan, raised eyebrows when he suggested to the Money blog that Britons don't pay enough for restaurant food.

Ikoyi, the 35th best restaurant in the world, charges £320 for its tasting menu. 

"I don't think people pay enough money for food, I think we charge too little, [but] we want to always be accessible to as many people as possible, we're always trying our best to do that," he said, in a piece about his restaurant's tie up with Uber Eats... 

We had this in... 

Are they serious? That is two weeks' worth of food shopping for me, if the rich can afford this "tasting menu" then they need to be taxed even more by the government, it's just crazy! Steve T

If the rate of pay is proportionate to the vastly overpriced costs of the double Michelin star menu, I would gladly peel quail eggs for four-hour stints over continuing to be abused as a UK supply teacher. AndrewWard

Does this two-star Michelin star chef live in the real world? Who gives a toss if he stands and peels his quails eggs for four hours, and he can get the best turbot from the fishmonger fresh on a daily basis? It doesn't justify the outrageous price he is charging for his tasting menu. Topaztraveller

Chefs do make me laugh, a steak is just a steak, they don't make the meat! They just cook it like the rest of us, but we eat out because we can't be bothered cooking! StevieGrah

Finally, many of you reacted to this feature on common mistakes in job interviews...

Those 10 biggest mistakes people make in interviews is the dumbest thing I've ever read. They expect all that and they'll be offering a £25k a year job. Why wouldn't I want to know about benefits and basic sick pay? And also a limp handshake? How's that relevant to how you work? Jre90

Others brought their own tips...

Whenever I go for an interview I stick to three points: 1. Be yourself 2. Own the interview 3. Wear the clothes that match the job you are applying Kevin James Blakey

From Sunday, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old in England will be able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

This will then be granted from September. 

Check if you're eligible  here  - or read on for our explainer on free childcare across the UK.

Three and four year olds

In England, all parents of children aged three and four in England can claim 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 1,140 hours (38 weeks) a year, at an approved provider.

This is a universal offer open to all.

It can be extended to 30 hours where both parents (or the sole parent) are in work, earn the weekly minimum equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

Two year olds

Previously, only parents in receipt of certain benefits were eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.

But, as of last month, this was extended to working parents.

This is not a universal offer, however.

A working parent must earn more than £8,670 but less than £100,000 per year. For couples, the rule applies to both parents.

Nine months old

In September, this same 15-hour offer will be extended to working parents of children aged from nine months. From 12 May, those whose children will be at least nine months old on 31 August can apply to received the 15 hours of care from September.

From September 2025

The final change to the childcare offer in England will be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children under the age of five will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare a week.

In some areas of Wales, the Flying Start early years programme offers 12.5 hours of free childcare for 39 weeks, for eligible children aged two to three. The scheme is based on your postcode area, though it is currently being expanded.

All three and four-year-olds are entitled to free early education of 10 hours per week in approved settings during term time under the Welsh government's childcare offer.

Some children of this age are entitled to up to 30 hours per week of free early education and childcare over 48 weeks of the year. The hours can be split - but at least 10 need to be used on early education.

To qualify for this, each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year, be employed and earn at least the equivalent of working 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage, or be enrolled on an undergraduate, postgraduate or further education course that is at least 10 weeks in length.

All three and four-year-olds living in Scotland are entitled to at least 1,140 hours per year of free childcare, with no work or earnings requirements for parents. 

This is usually taken as 30 hours per week over term time (38 weeks), though each provider will have their own approach.

Some households can claim free childcare for two-year-olds. To be eligible you have to be claiming certain benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit, or have a child that is in the care of their local council or living with you under a guardianship order or kinship care order.

Northern Ireland

There is no scheme for free childcare in Northern Ireland. Some other limited support is available.

Working parents can access support from UK-wide schemes such as tax credits, Universal Credit, childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.

Aside from this, all parents of children aged three or four can apply for at least 12.5 hours a week of funded pre-school education during term time. But over 90% of three-year-olds have a funded pre-school place - and of course this is different to childcare.

What other help could I be eligible for?

Tax-free childcare  - Working parents in the UK can claim up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of their children to help with childcare costs. 

If the child is disabled, the amount goes up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year).

To claim the benefit, parents will need to open a tax-free childcare account online. For every 80p paid into the account, the government will top it up by 20p.

The scheme is available until the September after the child turns 11.

Universal credit  - Working families on universal credit can claim back up to 85% of their monthly childcare costs, as long as the care is paid for upfront. The most you can claim per month is £951 for one child or £1,630 for two or more children.

Tax credits -  People claiming working tax credit can get up to 70% of what they pay for childcare if their costs are no more than £175 per week for one child or £300 per work for multiple children.

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