Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Snorkeling in New Caledonia Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
julie1kenobi 04:29 UTC 14 Dec 2008 | Does anybody know what the situation is with stingers (Box jellies, irukandji) in New Caledonia. Should I take a stinger suit? Are sea snakes an issue? |
Laszlo 06:49 UTC 14 Dec 2008 | I saw neither of those creatures in New Caledonia, nor in fact anyone snorkelling in stinger suit. At least sea snakes must surely be around though, but even in places where there are lots of them (which does not seem to include NC) they are pretty harmless unless handled. | 1
fernsie 10:27 UTC 14 Dec 2008 | We've snorkelled many times in New Caledonia. Never had a problem with stingers (infact never seen any) & never worn a stinger suit. We haven't seen sea snakes in Noumea but have seen them in vast numbers on Amedee Island, a few on Mare & a few on Lifou, didn't see any on Isle de Pins or Ouvea. They really don't bother you, they're more inclined to swim away from you. Although extremely poisonous, they only have small mouths so are only capable of biting you on the skin between the fingers & toes (wear flippers & keep your fingers together(attempt at humour)). | 2
mandja 06:10 UTC 15 Dec 2008 | On my last visit to Isle of Pines, I did see 2 people wearing wetsuits - I presumed that this was for bouyancy or water temp issues. Are stinger suits different? | 3
julie1kenobi 23:55 UTC 19 Dec 2008 | Thanks for the replies. For the question on stinger suits: - a wet suit provides warmth and bouyancy but can also act as a stinger suit. A stinger suit only provides protection against stingers. As I understand it, the stinger suit material is felt by stingers as inert and does not trigger the stinger firing mechanism - which organic materials such as cotton, will. If the stinger does trigger the firing mechanism then the theory is that the thickness of the stinger suit is marginally greater than the depth of the barbs and is the basis of its protection. Looking forward to some happy snorkelling in NC. Thanks again. | 4