Yejele Beach — Attraction in Maré

We were here on the only cruise excursion offered at Tadine, Maré. This is the only sure way to get to this magnificent beach. We were met with local greeters who cautioned us to stay within the blue waters of the lagoon. They mentioned that if we had any questions or concerns that there were people wearing orange or yellow vests who were there to take care of them. Along the road were stalls of food or souvenir vendors. Don't be too surprised to encounter vendors at the edge of the beach where you would set up your beach towel. Fortunately we speak French and were able to connect with the locals. They are very generous with their time and attention, especially if you speak French. I cannot stress this enough: you will be able to make friendly connections if you can speak French with the locals. A group of boys selling fresh cut coconuts were astounded that I spoke French fluently with them. I am an Asian-American living in Canada so it was very unusual for them to meet an American who spoke French.

As for the beach, I recommend to be in the first group to be out from the cruise ship so that you can enjoy the beach before it gets crowded by the other passengers. Take pictures of the pristine blue waters and white sand. I hear the current is strong, so be warned. You can snorkel here, but remember to stay in the blue part of the lagoon. The darker spots are rocks or coral barriers creating the lagoon.

When you go back to the port, don't miss out on the photo opportunities around the bay. Be careful if you decided to climb down on the rocks, especially if you're only wearing sandals or flipflops as the rocks can be sharp in...

Visited during a one-day stop from a cruise. I purchased on board a bus transfer ticket from Tadine (the landing pier) to Yejele beach for around Eur 15 per person, return. However it is also possible to purchase tickets once on land. About 20 mins bus ride from Tadine, Yejele beach is a quite long, white sand beach with turquoise water and protected by a nearby reef keeping waters very calm andn ideal for kids as well. The beach is shaded by big trees and still unspoiled: there are several rural huts where locals offer basic food (barbq, coconuts), drinks and small souvenirs but (fortunately) nothing too noisy and commercial. Very easy to get a quiet spot just walking a little away fromt the bus stop. Sand is soft without coral pieces. Some coral formations in the lagoon allow the encounters with local colorful small fishes. There are toilets and lifeguards on duty to assist. Local people (/many of them living in simple houses just opposite the road) are are nice and friendly, they like to talk and are not invasive. AUD accepted everywhere. I also saw some places with kayak and water sport equpment for rent. A wonderful place to relax and experience the...

I went here on a day trip from a Royal Caribbean cruise. The cruise organised bus transfer from the landing spot to Yejele beach for US$18 per person. It was a 15 mins bus ride. Yejele beach is a huge white sandy beach with a large coral reef outside acting as a natural barrier to protect the beach from all the waves so the water is extremely calm, perfect for family and kids. Although the sand is a bit coarse, it's almost free from small coral pieces so you don't need to wear swimming shoes. There was plenty of shade from the trees along the beach. Local islanders were nice and helpful. They have small snack and drink huts and even a kayak/water sport rental at reasonable prices. Toilet and change rooms were available too. Because the beach is large, it didn't feel overcrowded by tourists from the cruise. It's by far the best beach we have been to out of all 4 islands on the cruise (Noumea Lemon Bay, Vanuatu Erakor Island, Lifou). Could be one the best...