Formerly named the Duck Bay (like the island located just opposite) because of its swampy side, the Anse Vata neighbourhood now has the same name as the adjoining bay and the 2-kilometer long sandy beach bordering it.
Located between the Lemon Bay (Baie des Citrons) and Val Plaisance, it is bounded by the “Rocher à la Voile” on the one hand and the Pointe Magnin on the other side. This South neighbourhood of Noumea, part of the living heart of the city, really looks like a real see side resort.
There is a holiday atmosphere…
Just as "BD" (Lemon Bay = Baie des Citrons), this area is popular with tourists who find here all activities and infrastructure they need: shops, restaurants, water sports, most major resorts and two casinos ... all in one holiday setting at the edge of a wooded beach.
Sea activities such as windsurfing are highly successful thanks to the exposure of the bay to the prevailing wind. Many sporting events also start from this place.
The Roger Laroque promenade along the bay is the rendezvous for families and sportsmen who enjoy there a nice view of the waterfront.
Want to discover the underwater trail of the Duck Island or try kite-boarding on the Ilot Maitre Island? The starting of taxi-boats that will reach in minutes the neighboring islands, is located on the beach.
Another possible activity, the Lagoon aquarium. Its halls are organized by theme and include all kinds of representative species of the Caledonian aquatic ecosystem. It is a popular venue and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Apart from the tourism attractions Anse Vata also includes the headquarters of some important institutions such as the South Pacific Community (SPC) and the Institute for Research and Development (IRD).
Evidence already that at the time the area was of a geographical attraction… During the Second World War, the Americans moved their headquarters called the Pentagon (today destroyed as obsolete) and a military hospital became the Polyclinic of Anse Vata.