Mare Island (Tadine, New Caledonia)

Mare Island (aka Uvea) is the 2nd biggest and most populous of Loyalty Islands (New Caledonia, overseas territory of France in the South Pacific Ocean). The island has total land area 642 km2 (248 ml2) and population around 6,000. Loyalty Islands (archipelago) includes the islands Lifou, Tiga, Mare, Dudun, Ouvea, Mouli, Faiava, and Walpole, plus several smaller isles.

Mare Island is located east of Grande Terre Island (mainland New Caledonia). Like Lifou Island, Mare is a former coral atoll raised about 120 m (394 ft) above sealevel. Island's interior is a former lagoon surrounded by higher land (former reefs). Rocks are honeycombed with caves, pools and pits with sharp edges. Mare's current coastline is relatively young and features narrow beaches (often backed by cliffs).

Mare Island cruise terminal