New Caledonia · France · Reef
Le Sournois
Reported as the densest fish concentration near Nouméa
Area photo: Jean Rerêve · CC BY-SA 4.0
A reef on the outer edge of the lagoon south of Nouméa, running between 20 m and 6 m, and rated by its site listing as holding the greatest concentration of fish in the region. Schooling reef fish are the constant here; grey reef sharks, mantas and leopard rays pass along the edge, and nautilus turn up on rare occasions.
Where it is and how deep
22.5237° S, 166.4507° EPublished position for this site.
The dive
The site is a reef at the edge of the lagoon, where sheltered water gives way to the open sea, and it is dived between 20 m at the bottom and 6 m at the top. That range lends itself to a single ascending profile: start deep along the reef edge, work up as the dive goes on, and finish the last stretch in the shallows where the fish are thickest.
Fish density is what the site is known for — Scubago's entry rates it as the greatest concentration of fish in the region, and the schools of reef fish are the reliable part of the dive. The edge position also brings larger animals past: grey reef sharks, mantas and leopard rays are listed among the pelagic visitors, with nautilus recorded as a rare stray. Green turtles and morays are among the species divers log here.
Marine life and season
- Reef fish swarms
- Reef sharks
- Manta rays
- Sea turtles
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good |
Season follows New Caledonia: Sep–Dec is warmest and clearest before the wet season; Jan–Mar is cyclone season, and winter water drops to about 21°C.
Dive videos
Le sournois 08 02 2023 · Frédéric TASTET on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Le Sournois?+
The reef runs from 20 m at its deepest to 6 m at the top, so it works as a single ascending dive along the lagoon edge rather than as a deep dive.
What is likely to be seen at Le Sournois?+
Dense schools of reef fish are the constant. Grey reef sharks, mantas and leopard rays pass along the lagoon edge, green turtles and morays are logged regularly, and nautilus are recorded as a rare sighting.
Sources
- Le Sournois — Scubago
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