Im pretty sure the water taxi runs until around 5.30pm. The snorkelling isnt fantastic there but its definitely worth a visit. Certain sides of the island are protected from the wind. Theres nothing stopping you from doing a quick snorkel as well.

The taxis run from Anse Vata beach. If you look online at Lyvai they provide a hop on hop off service with a taxi ride to Duck Island for approx $20USD per person. The hop on hop off service picks you up from the terminal and runs around to Anse Vata beach along with other stops. You can hop on and off the bus whenever you want. We didn't do Duck Island but will definitely do it next time. Lyvai were very efficient and friendly. Enjoy!

Waaaaayyyy too far to walk. I did it but it took over an hour each way

Once the ship is in port passengers are transported to the Cruise Terminal in Noumea's city centre. Here, there are several tours on offer ( cheaper than ship offers) as well as a small market upstairs of local handicrafts & souvenirs. Tours range from city tours showing history & places of interest through to water sport activities. Places of interest are The Cultural Centre showing the island's original Kanak village life. The hop on hop off bus is good value for a do it yourself tour. The bus stops at several places along the route such as beaches, markets, aquarium, shopping centres, restaurants & bars. A short walk from the cruise terminal is the famous french pastry bakery, L'Atelier Gourmand & also the Place des Cocotiers or Coconut Palm Square which is a park & central gathering place of Noumea, it has a selection of cafe's & shops surrounding the area. Nice park to wander & take in the ambience of the country.

Book the Yellow Water taxi boat at Anse Vata, only takes 5 minutes from the shore to the Island.

Next to the Palm beach Plaza on your way to the Chateau Royal they have a large cabin.

3 weeks should be fine, but bring lots of money it's very expensive. I understand you may be able to rent campers on the island. that's what I would look into next time.

It was 210 f for a one way bus trip - it doesn’t mayptter if you go 2 stops or to the terminal. We were in Noumea in September 2017. Good to have the correct money to give the driver who gives you a ticket you ‘stamp’ into the machine.

Hey Kim, Just near the market there are lots of piers with different companies doing daily trips to Duck Island and Llot Maitre ( where i was staying ) I haven't been to Duck Island but I guarantee a stunning snorkelling in Llot Maitre. As for Anse Vata you can catch a bus just there on the road ( near Mc Donald's ) and it'll take you about 20min ride, you can buy the tickets on the bus and it's around 2AUD$. Bus system is pretty good and easy to understand anyways. Enjoy New Caledonia!!

Isle de pines is definitely worth a visit as the water is teaming with sea life. A little hard to get to in a short timeframe. A few days is needed to do it properly.