book2sail-New Caledonia

7 days plan New Caledonia itinerary

Day 1: Noumea – Ouen Island

boat hire marmaris turkey

Day 2: Ouen island – The Island of Pines

Day 3: The Island of Pines – Lifou

Day 4: Lofou – Ouvea

Day 5: Ouvea – Hienghene

Day 6: Hienghene – Houailou

Day 7: Houailou – Noumea

fastest yachts

New Caledonia claims the largest isolated coral reefs in the world and is home to a wide variety of endemic tropical fauna. Adding to its charm, the Melanesian culture influenced by France is unique. A trip to New Caledonia is a worthy experience that will add to the highlights of your South Pacific adventure. Its islands are home to several modern marinas with capacity for large and small boats alike. Good facilities are available in Wé (Lifou), Hienghène, Koumac, and Nouméa.

Day 1: Noumea – Ouen Island

A genuine melting pot of cultures, French, Pacific, Kanak, Asian and Melanesian, Nouméa is a city, unlike others. Numerous marinas here boast modern facilities, conveniently located near restaurants and the entertainment district.

book2sail-Noumea – Ouen Island

Itinerary Day 1

If the nightlife is what you`re looking for, Nouméa is the place to be. Festivals run into the early morning hours and spill into the streets with dining and dancing. In addition, the Tjibaou Culture Centre is a must-see. Kanak culture is well represented at the Centre, which was designed by Renzo Piano, a renowned architect.

Day 2: Ouen island – The Island of Pines

After you have seen the wonders of Nouméa, set sail for Ouen Island, which lies to the south. If you enjoy a spectacular view, Ouen Island, with its beautiful landscape and abundant ecology is a must. Excursions off the boat range from canoe to 4×4 tours of the forests, bays and grassy plains engraved out by flowing streams.

book2sail-Ouen island – The Island of Pines

Between July and October, be sure to keep an eye out for humpback whales, which make the lagoon their home during the winter months. And for a better view, climb to the old jade mine that offers a magnificent vista of the lagoon and “La Grande Terre” (the great land), which lie below.

Day 3: The Island of Pines – Lifou

The famous Isle of Pines is 65 miles from Nouméa with about 30 miles of open ocean leading into Kuto Bay. This bay features spectacular rock formations rising from the water at the beach end and is the most famous tourist picture of New Caledonia. The bay also offers good protection from trade winds.

book2sail-The Island of Pines – Lifou

Upi Bay is a beautiful place for guests to explore by pirogue (a native sailing boat) while you fuel the yacht. For those who like to take it underwater, a local scuba operator offers some of the best diving experiences in New Caledonia. Very fine white silica sand and truly crystalline waters, enchanting landscape and the warmth of the local inhabitants (the Kuniés) are just some of the attractions that will make your stay an extraordinary one.

Day 4: LIfou – Ouvea

Originally called Drehu, Lifou claims a population of 10,000, making it the largest of the Loyalty Islands. Lifou lies 133 nautical miles from Nouméa and is very picturesque, offering anchorage 16 meters off the beach in Baie de Gaatcha. As a haven of peace displaying great respect for tradition and the environment, time seems to stand still in Lifou – protected bays, fine white beaches, the warm welcome of the local citizens keep visitors coming back.

book2sail-LIfou – Ouvea

The people of Lifou carry their old-world traditions into the twenty-first century. Included in the long list of must-sees and must-dos is an old church in Easo, Qanono Church Temple, Sandal Bay, the 40-meter Jokin cliffs, the beach at Peng and the Xodré Cliffs, which feature a view of Tiga Island.

Day 5: Ouvea – Hienghene

Ouvéa is a dream destination with its magnificent emerald lagoon and the longest beach of New Caledonia – 25 kilometers of uninterrupted white sand punctuated by unique green parrots. A northerly sea breeze offers ideal sailing conditions if you want to get out on the water.

book2sail-British Virgin Islands BVI 4

For those who desire solid ground, Mouli Bridge and Church of Saint Joseph are sights to see. The bay and cliffs of Lékiny, the Blue Hole of Anawa and Fayawa Island are some of the unforgettable natural wonders that Ouvéa offers.

Day 6: Hienghene – Houailou

If fishing is on your wish list, the Northern Province is the place to cruise. Encompassing the ports of Koumac, Hienghène, and Touho, the area is home to some of the best fishing waters in New Caledonia. If land activities are more your guests’ speed, you still can’t go wrong in Hienghène, with hiking, biking, and horseback riding for all to enjoy. In addition, the port’s waterfalls, coconut plantations, and lush vegetation add to its tropical appeal.

book2sail-Hienghene – Houailou

Beautiful rock formations such as the magnificent Hen and Sphinx rock formations that rise from the sea, and Mount Panié, the highest point in the region, are areas to explore. While at Hienghène, make sure to stop in and try a “bougna,” made with chicken or fish and vegetables that have been wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an earth oven.

Day 7: Houailou – Noumea

You will find the center for growing lychee fruit on your way to Houaïlou. Every year in December, the district organizes a lychee festival where the producer’s association displays the most beautiful fruit of its kind, so be sure to stop in and sample some of the delicious fruit.

book2sail-Houailou – Noumea

At Poindimié, the main town of the East Coast, guests can discover coffee plantations and the splendid Beach of Tiéti. A bit down the coast, Houaïlou is the final stop on this seven-day adventure. It has a small airport that accommodates private jets or connects with the international airport in Nouméa.

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

Latest news

Charter a yacht with Book2Sail

Book2Sail makes you feel that when it comes to chartering a boat, there is no limitation. You can choose any form of boat at any time and anywhere (catamaran, sailboat, motorboat, jet ski). Whether you’re sailing in August with a catamaran to explore the Dalmatian coastline or spending Easter holidays in the French Riviera, you will find your dream boat.

Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

Get in touch now and Book2Sail today.