An island near Noumea
In the southern lagoon of New Caledonia, Mato islet is about 8 miles from Ouen Island and 10 miles from Prony Bay. To get there from Noumea, the capital of Grande-Terre, it is necessary to sail a little less than 30 miles. Relatively short distances that can be considered over a weekend when weather conditions allow it!
The islet can also be approached during a stage, for example on the road to the Isle of Pines.
Mato's identity card
The one also called Grand Mato is only 300 meters long and 200 meters wide. But it stands 40 meters high, and is therefore the highest island in the whole territory.
The particular cartography forms a very closed anchorage area which can, depending on the case, be difficult to access: the passage area is narrow and deserves some concentration. We will take the small pass during the day, in good weather, to have a good visibility.
The anchorage of the Mato islet welcomes boaters on sandy bottoms populated with sea grass, in a water height of between 6 and 8 meters. Vessels are particularly protected by west winds and at low tide, when the swell no longer passes over the flat.
The place is generally quiet and not very crowded. It is here that some charter catamarans come to anchor for the night, before leaving the next day to observe the whales, when the season is favorable, in front of Prony Bay.
Quick tour of the island
Here, the waters are transparent. At low tide, the very calm anchorage area is ideal for snorkeling. The reefs are very frequented by fish, but there are also some sharks that require caution.
The descent to land is done by dinghy at high tide, after a preliminary survey: it is necessary to pass at the right place, above the reef, when the water level is sufficient. Two small beaches are accessible, on the north and south sides, but it is not possible to go around the islet by the beach. The sand is very fine and the sea purslane is very present.
A path through the trees leads to the top of the islet. As you get higher, you will discover a view on the whole southern lagoon of New Caledonia. Bring appropriate footwear, especially to protect yourself from striped knitting and sea snakes which normally do not bite if you do not bother them.
At high tide, the small beaches disappear and it is no longer possible to land.
