Yacht Charter in New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a unique destination with a distinctive identity. It is a French territory in the middle of the South Pacific, with a culture that blends Melanesian, French, and Polynesian influences. Its cuisine, attractions, and natural wonders offer a destination like no other, and its numerous smaller islands and islets that dot the coast off the mainland are just as spectacular on their own.

Countless yacht charter agencies and marinas are found on the mainland, with many of them found on the capital of Noumea. You can choose from overnight, weekend, or multi-day yacht charters, with itineraries that present you with plenty of recreational opportunities. Some of these include scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, kayaking, picnics on the beach, and even whale watching. And with a mainland that's surrounded by a lagoon and the world's second-largest barrier reef, you can rest assured that anchoring on any of the bays provides good shelter and moorings for any yacht of any kind and size.

You can find all types of yachts of all sizes in New Caledonia's marinas. Whether you're looking for a superyacht at the Port du Sud Marina Superyacht Wharf or a 6o-foot catamaran at the Port of Moselle Marina, finding the perfect yacht charter for your New Caledonia expedition will be as smooth sailing as sailing on the waters during Spring. Average yacht charter prices for an 82-foot catamaran with 4 cabins can cost between $56,000 to $63,000 for a week, while a 126-foot motor yacht with 5 cabins can cost about $100,000 to $125,000.

New Caledonia has been called the "Land of Eternal Spring," due to its beautiful climate almost all-year-round. The months of April to November offer the best sailing conditions, where southeast winds blow regularly at 15 to 20 knots. The lagoon is also well-protected due to the barrier reef that protects against swells. A safe sailing environment is felt in New Caledonia waters almost all-year-round, except for the months of January to March when rain and tropical cyclones are a common occurrence.

New Caledonia's nearby islands are best explored on an overnight or multi-day yacht charter. Since these islands are a little further away from the coast of Noumea, cruising time to reach these islands will eat up a lot of your time. This means that multi-day or a full 10-day yacht charter is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in what the islands have to offer. But if you prefer a taste of the islands before you make the full commitment to spend several days in the lagoon or out in the open water, an overnight yacht charter would be the best option.

You can sail off Noumea and head to the Amedee Lighthouse, which is one of the world's tallest lighthouses, towering to 56 meters into the sky. A beach is found on the island, where its soft white golden sands make for the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or a quick swim in its waters. Explore the lighthouse and its surroundings before you get back on board to enjoy a dinner on the deck with the stars above you, and wake up and the next morning to head to Laregnere Island with its beautiful sandbar and beach before making your way back to Noumea.

Yacht charter for a week in New Caledonia blends the best of the South Pacific holiday into a remarkable escapade onboard. For a one-week yacht charter in the southern side of Grande Terre, here is a sample itinerary:

Day 1: Isle Ouen

Located 20 miles south, Isle Ouen is home to Turtle Bay, where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs, and if you're lucky, they swim with you in the waters. Turtle Bay is a good overnight anchorage and snorkeling in its water is a favorite activity.

Day 2: Isle Of Pines

In the morning, you can head to the Isle of Pines where Kuto Bay presents you with beautiful beaches, wild coasts, and perfect blue waters. There's also a good restaurant on the beach for a great midday lunch. A tour of the island is also highly recommended where you can visit the Vao Village, and the Queen Hortense grotto ruins.

Day 3: Nokanhui

This natural reserve features white sand beaches and bright blue waters. Nearby is the Moro Islet, which is a great spot for water sports activities and relaxing on the boat.

Day 4: Upi Bay, St. Joseph, and Gadi Bay

Another great day for kayaking, diving, scuba diving, and snorkeling is to be enjoyed in these bays.

Day 5: Baide de Pony

Pony Bay is a nature reserve with many sandy beaches and plenty of coral reefs for scuba diving enthusiasts. The island is also perfect for great hiking trails.

Day 6: Phare Amedee

Before heading back to Noumea, pay a visit to the Amedee Lighthouse and anchor on its bay for your last night in New Caledonia's waters.

And now for the ultimate New Caledonia yacht charter experience, you can choose to either head south to the Isle of Pines, or to the beautiful Loyalty Islands, or into open water and head to neighboring Vanuatu or Fiji. The Loyalty Islands on the east of Grande Terre is a wonderful destination. It takes a full day of traveling on a yacht to get there, however, so you'll be spending two days of your yacht charter on the cruise alone. But when you get there, you'll discover that it is all worth it.

The Loyalty Islands is a group of islands with 3 major mainlands that offer kilometers of spotless sand and perfect curves. Hidden creeks, sheer cliffs, lush, tropical vegetation, and beautiful scenery are around, making it an excursion that you can only experience once in your life. And if you have more time, head into open waters and visit the nations of Fiji and Vanuatu, for a full South Pacific yacht charter escapade.

New Caledonia is a hidden gem in the South Pacific and one that's worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. With scattered islands, perfect sailing conditions, and incredible natural scenery, a yacht charter in New Caledonia will simply make your tropical holiday an adventure you will never forget.