snorkelling

we are travelling to Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines and Noumea in a couple of weeks time. Do we need to take our own snorkel equipment with us or is it available for hire at the hotels? Also how cool does it get in the evenings and are mosquitos a problem?

Take your snorkle gear. Often it is provided, sometimes free, but for me, in NC or anywhere else , for that matter, tthey are never as comfy as your own gear.

Depending on the time of year , and depending on what you are used to , you may need a cardigan at night (I didnt in July, but the wife did).

This would depend on where you're staying - most of the hotels would be able to supply you with snorkel gear, but I wouldn't like to guarantee the condition of the equipment - particularly in the Loyalties. We always take our own.
The temperature this time of year at night shouldn't fall below about 20 degrees.
We have only struck problems with mosquitoes once in Noumea (about this time of year) Never had a problem in Lifou or Mare.

I say take your snorkelling gear if you are attached to it; otherwise, you can go with what they have in hotels. The only island where we had a problem getting gear was on Lifou (but that was our hotel - Le Servigny). I know how cumbersome it is to carry/check gear. Also know that you have a pretty strict weight limit if you plan to fly between the islands.

I agree with the folks here. It is around 20° at night now. Not cold, or even cool. You'll need air conditioning more than heat.

Mosquitoes can be a problem but it has not been hot enough yet. Ouvéa has a bad mosquito problem, so bring repellent if you plan to visit Ouvéa.

There are more details about snorkelling (including a video of snorkelling at Phare Amédée - not my own) and the islands (as well as Nouméa) at Sojourn in the South Pacific if you are interested.

Have a good trip!