The cruising area outside of Noumea is varied and popular with both locals and visitors. There are many small islands within one or two hours sail from Noumea, which offer that much-needed respite after being in port a little too long. Baie du Prony, the very deep and huge bay at the south of the island offers an anchorage for all wind directions, with a good hurricane hole up the top end of the bay at Baie du Carenage. Isle of Pines, renowned for its talc-like beaches and crystal clear waters, is the most common destination for cruising people, though there are many islands in the southern part of the lagoon that are very popular with local sailors. The Loyalty Islands and the east coast again offer good varied sailing.