Sail New Caledonia

The World's Largest Tropical Island Lagoon and Beyond

New Caledonia was named by Captain James Cook in 1774, as its northern coastline reminded him of Scotland. France took possession of the island in 1853 and continues to administer the island group to this day. With its idyllic location and natural beauty, New Caledonia offers everything a visitor could wish for in a South Pacific getaway—and more.

Sailing charter operations are based in Nouméa, the capital city (pop. 180,000) on the main island, Grande-Terre. From here, it's a short sail to a variety of sheltered bays, making it the ideal destination for easing into a sailing holiday. For most charterers, the ultimate New Caledonian destination is Île des Pins (Isle of Pines), a small island directly to the south. Île des Pins forms part of the outer barrier of the largest lagoon in the world, defining New Caledonia's well-travelled sailing charter area. Within the lagoon, there are literally hundreds of places to visit.

The Beautiful Isle of Pines

Île des Pins evokes the perfect image of a tropical island—sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, with a forested volcanic peak forming a spectacular backdrop. It’s a truly worthy destination. The pristine sands extend all the way under your anchored boat, making swimming and snorkeling a convenient pleasure. The iconic pines are everywhere, as are the traditional watercraft used by the local Kanak people for fishing and increasingly for tourism.

Once safely anchored after a breezy sail to Île des Pins, it’s time to relax aboard your charter yacht. Likely anchored in one of the sheltered sandy bays of Kuto or Kanamera, you’re ready to dive into Gadgi Bay, famous for its magnificent coral formations. Dine on famous lobsters at a local restaurant, then the next morning, climb Pic N'ga for a breathtaking sunrise. Take a picnic lunch to Brush Island, sail a pirogue with the locals in Upi, or explore the dried riverbed of Oro and swim in the crystal-clear blue waterhole.

Sailing New Caledonia's World Heritage Lagoon

Île des Pins, c’est magnifique. But there’s so much more to a New Caledonia bareboat holiday cruise. On the way there, you’ll find Prony Bay, located at the southern tip of Grande Terre. This expansive bay can take days to explore if time allows. Just beyond Prony is Port Boise with its resort dining facilities, while Île Ouen guards the entrance to the bay.

Sailing back to Nouméa from Île des Pins is a downwind journey through the southern islands, a water world dotted with tiny islets. There’s excellent shelter and abundant wildlife. Complete your holiday with a final stopover at Îlot Amédée, where you can explore French South Pacific history at the famous lighthouse.

Sailing North/West of Nouméa

New Caledonia’s cruising waters extend north-west as well as south-east of the main island from Nouméa. This area is less popular for charters due to the prevailing winds, which often make the return journey an upwind sail. However, all charter boats are equipped with powerful motors, and straight motorboats are increasingly available, including in Nouméa. So, this less-travelled but equally idyllic part of the lagoon is certainly an option for those seeking something different.

If you’ve already sailed New Caledonia and are looking for a new adventure, or if you seek a destination with an “undiscovered” feel, head to the north-west. Numerous islands and islets await exploration. Make Tenia Islet your ultimate destination on a week-long itinerary—just be sure to allow time to get back!

Eastwards to the Loyalty Islands

While most New Caledonia charter itineraries stay within the southern lagoon, if time allows, consider including the Loyalty Islands. A minimum 10-day cruise is advised to truly experience these beautiful islands, though two to three weeks is even better. Blue-water sailing experience and a willing crew are essential for such a journey.

It takes 13-15 hours to sail from Île des Pins to Maré, the closest island in the group. Most charterers opt for a night sail to get there. Once in the Loyalty Islands, the contrasts with the large lagoon may surprise you. Many cruising visitors suggest that Maré, with its relatively few attractions, warrants only a one-night stay at Tadine before moving on.

It’s another night sail (or a very long day) from Maré to Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands. For the best shelter, anchor on the west coast of Lifou, or head around to Wè Marina if that's your plan. Be sure to inform them of your arrival ahead of time to guarantee a berth.

Maré and Lifou are uplifted coral atolls, quite different from the typical tropical island. More ancient than the low-lying, sand-fringed islands like Ouvéa—an example of the third major island in the group—Maré and Lifou are ringed by cliffs that were once the outer reef. What were once lagoons now make up the islands' interiors.

Ouvéa is a long day’s sail north, a quintessential tropical paradise and the highlight of your Loyalty Islands charter. The local Melanesian people are friendly, and it’s important to show respect for their home. Be sure to learn about local customs and expectations before visiting, and when you arrive in Ouvéa, bring a pouch of tobacco to present to the local chief as a gesture of goodwill.

On your return to Nouméa, if time permits, sail across to the mainland at Nemu Island, then work your way along the coast back to base.

Sailing Season and Climate

New Caledonia enjoys a semi-tropical climate, cooled by the surrounding Pacific Ocean and the refreshing south-easterly trade winds. The climate is marked by two seasons: from October to March, it is warm and humid, while from April to September, the weather is cooler and drier. Sunrise is between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., and sunset falls between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Known to many as "the land of eternal spring," New Caledonia’s equable climate makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and sailing year-round. Conditions are suitable for chartering throughout the year, though it’s important to keep in mind the possibility of seasonal cyclones. The best months for a yacht charter are from September to November.

Navigating New Caledonia's Inshore Water

Nouméa and the surrounding coastline offer good shelter from the prevailing southeasters, but once you clear Grande Terre, the sail to Île des Pins can be a rigorous windward journey. Allow at least two days from base, stopping off at one of the many mainland bays. Although it's called the largest lagoon in the world, this waterway is open at its southern end, where a reasonable sea can roll in, making the experience feel more like open-water sailing than crossing an enclosed lagoon.

The return sail from Île des Pins to Nouméa is a pleasure. Enjoy the downwind sail, zigzagging through the southern isles and exploring the remote anchorages you encounter. The journey is made easier with your boat’s chart plotter and the crystal-clear water.

As mentioned, a boat charter to the Loyalty Islands requires significant time to sail there and back. Plan to arrive in daylight. The cliffs of Maré and Lifou can be daunting, but ample sheltered anchorages are available. Visiting the Loyalty Islands is a special experience for the well-prepared skipper and crew.

Take a look at this amazing drone video shot by 15-year-old Zach around the southern lagoon. Zach and his family took a New Caledonia charter aboard a Lagoon 39.

Our client reviews about charter sailing in New Caledonia