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Wonder
Le Bone de Leproserie
In short
One of most interesting sinkholes in Maré Island is Le Bone de Léproserie. This island is rich with impressive sinkholes (see the description of another one: Trou de Bone) – from satellite images are seen some 50 large sinkholes but in reality their number is much larger.
40.3%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Depth
Map of the site
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In detail
Le Bone de Léproserie got its name from a leper colony which was located here nearby – now little remains of it. The entrance of this magnificent sinkhole is only 25 m wide. It starts as a 50 m deep well, which becomes wider with depth. The well continues with a 40 m deep freshwater lake, which is 160 m (!) wide at its bottom.
Lake contains 350,000 m³ of water and often erroneously is considered to be the largest underground lake in the world. Many lakes in sinkholes and caves are larger, f.e. El Zacatón (Mexico) contains 9,500,000 m³ of water.
Linked articles
Wonders of New Caledonia
New Caledonia does not belong to mainstream tourist destinations but this Pacific island country is a true gem with many unusual landmarks. The most interesting landmarks are unique ecosystems, various karst formations, and some exciting finds of fossils.
Lakes and streams
There are many factors that can make lakes, sea bays, or rivers unusual. Some lakes have unusual chemical properties and even do not contain water at all – such as lava lakes. Others may have unusual animals living in them or… legends about such animals.
Sinkholes
This category includes outstanding sinkholes – large natural depressions or holes, which for most the part represent collapsed caves.
Recommended books
Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia
Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Stare into the volcanic cauldron of Vanuatu’s Mt Yasur; eat snails by turquoise coves on New Caledonia’s Ile des Pins; or discover the traditional tribal culture.
