A Yachtsman’s Guide to New Caledonia
Overview
New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, offers a blend of European charm and Polynesian beauty. Known for its stunning lagoons, coral reefs, and a fascinating mix of cultures, it’s a paradise for sailors. The main island, Grande Terre, is surrounded by smaller islands such as the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines, all offering pristine anchorages and unique experiences.
Sailing and Navigation
Port of Entry
- Nouméa: The capital city and primary port of entry. Check in with customs and immigration at Port Moselle. Efficient facilities cater to international yachts.
Charts and Navigation
- Use updated nautical charts, as the lagoon is vast with reefs. Navionics and local cruising guides are essential for safe passage.
- The lagoon’s waters are generally well-marked, but daylight navigation is advised for reef areas.
Weather
- New Caledonia enjoys a tropical climate. Cyclone season runs from November to April, so plan accordingly. Trade winds dominate from May to October, offering steady sailing conditions.
Must-Visit Locations
1. Nouméa
- A bustling city with French bakeries, restaurants, and yacht services.
- Anchor at Port Moselle or Marina Baie de l’Orphelinat.
- Explore the vibrant market and Tjibaou Cultural Centre.
2. The Isle of Pines
- Known as “the Jewel of the Pacific,” its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches are breathtaking.
- Anchorages: Kuto Bay and Kanumera Bay.
- Activities: Snorkel in Oro Natural Pool and visit ancient ruins at Vao village.
3. Loyalty Islands
- Comprising Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa, each offers unique experiences.
- Lifou: Visit the vanilla plantations and enjoy pristine beaches.
- Ouvéa: A UNESCO World Heritage site with its lagoon and endless stretches of sand.
4. Grand Terre’s West Coast
- Offers sheltered anchorages like Baie de Prony.
- Explore the southern lagoons, including the stunning Ile des Pins.
5. Chesterfield Reef
- A remote group of reefs ideal for adventurers seeking untouched beauty. This requires careful planning and navigation.
Local Highlights
Culture and Cuisine
- Enjoy traditional Melanesian food such as bougna (a mix of root vegetables and meat or fish cooked in banana leaves).
- French-inspired cuisine and wine are prevalent, making provisioning a delightful experience.
Activities
- Snorkeling and diving: New Caledonia boasts one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, offering unparalleled underwater adventures.
- Hiking: Trails like the Giant Fern Park offer lush landscapes.
- Kiteboarding and windsurfing: Ideal conditions in Anse Vata.
Practical Tips
Provisioning
- Nouméa is the best spot for provisioning with supermarkets and specialty stores offering French delicacies.
- Local markets provide fresh produce, fish, and baked goods.
Fuel and Water
- Available in Nouméa and at major marinas. Bring filters for water as some remote areas may lack potable supplies.
Communication
- Local SIM cards are available from companies like OPT. Wi-Fi hotspots can be found in Nouméa and larger towns.
Customs and Regulations
- New Caledonia is part of France, so ensure your paperwork is in order, including passports, vessel registration, and proof of insurance.
- Fishing and visiting certain reefs may require permits.
Environmental Considerations
- Respect the pristine marine ecosystem. Anchoring on coral is prohibited, so use designated mooring buoys.
- Many areas are part of the UNESCO-listed lagoons and require sustainable practices.
MARINAS
WEATHER
Swell
PILOT CHARTS
NEW CALEDONIA Pilot Charts provide historic points and aggregated information of wind flows, air and ocean temperatures, wave heights, rain, barometric weight, and climate conditions at various seasons. This data was acquired from oceanographic and meteorologic perceptions over hundreds of years starting in the late eighteenth century. These diagrams are planned to help mariners choose routes around and approaching Cuba with respect to the normal climate and sea conditions using prevailing seasonal wind information.
PORTS OF ENTRY
Yachts must clear in to Noumea before visiting the loyalties or even isl de pins . If a yacht (or yachts) wish to enter or depart from Lifou the yacht(s) must notify Immigration in Noumea at least a week in advance and pay for an immigration official transportation from Noumea plus expenses.
When arriving in New Caledonia by sea, Nouméa serves as the primary port of entry for immigration formalities
Yachtsmen should contact Port Moselle on VHF Channel 67 or Port du Sud at +687 24 47 77 for access to Nouméa. Upon arrival, each crew member must present a valid passport and visa, depending on nationality. It’s important to display your yellow quarantine flag until all formalities are completed.
While Nouméa is the designated port for immigration, certain locations such as Lifou, Koumac, Hienghène, or Touho are valid for customs entry.
If you make a technical stop at one of these ports, you have a maximum of 72 hours to complete your entry formalities in Nouméa.
Please note that regulations can change, so it’s advisable to verify the latest entry requirements before your voyage.
DOCUMENTS
CHARTS
- 6540 Baie de Saint-Vincent
- 6553 Baie de Kouaoua
- 6554 Baie Chasseloup – Anse Vavouto
- 6589 Baie de Canala
- 6687 Abords de Nouméa – Passes de Boulari et de Dumbéa
- 6768 Nouvelle-Calédonie (partie Sud) – Ile des Pins
- 6770 Abords Sud-Ouest de lÎle des Pins – Baies de Kuto et de Kanuméra
- 6820 Mouillages de lÎle Lifou – Baie du Santal
- 6827 Du Mont Dore à Port-Boisé – Passes de Mato et de Uatio
- 6933 De lÎle Ouen à lÎle des Pins – Passe de la Sarcelle
- 6949 Abords de Thio – Du Cap Bégat à lÎle Toupéti
- 6985 De Paagoumène à Ouaco
- 6986 De Port-Ounia au Cap Ndoua
- 7011 De la Presquîle Neuméni à Port-Ounia
- 7051 Du Cap Colnett à Touho – Abords de Hienghène
- 7052 De Nouméa à lÎle des Pins – Le Grand lagon Sud
- 7073 Ports et mouillages de la côte Sud-Est
- 7097 Baie de Bourail – Coupée Mara et Baie de Moindou
- 7098 Baies dOuaraï et Chambeyron – Passes dOuaraï et dIsié
- 7168 De la Baie de Bourail à la Passe de la Poya
- 7218 Atolls dOuvéa et de Beautemps-Beaupré
- 7259 Ile Maré
- 7268 Nouvelle-Calédonie – Îles Loyauté
- 7273 De Nouméa à la Baie de Saint-Vincent
- 7313 De la passe de Koné à Ouaco
- 7318 De Poum à lÎle Pam
- 7319 De lIle Pam au Cap Colnett
- 7320 De Koumac à Poum
- 7322 De la Passe de Poya à la Passe de Muéo
- 7351 De la Passe de Goyeta à la Passe de Koné – Abords de Koné
- 7375 De la Passe de Poya à la Passe de Koné
- 7643 Port de Nouméa
- 7644 Accès au Port de Nouméa
- 7755 De Ponérihouen au Cap Dumoulin
- 7756 De Touho à Ponérihouen
- 7758 Îles Belep – Îles Pott et Art – Îles Daos du Nord
- 7760 Nouvelle-Calédonie (partie Nord) – Récifs dEntrecasteaux
- 7761 Nouvelle-Calédonie (Partie Nord-Est)
- 7762 Nouvelle-Calédonie (Partie Ouest)
- 7764 Abords Nord-Ouest de lÎle des Pins – Baie de Gadji et mouillage de Uapan
WEATHER
WEATHERLINKS
METVUW
PILOT CHARTS NEW CALEDONIA CLIMATOLOGY
JANUARY
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
MARCH
APRIL
APRIL
MAY
MAY
JUNE
JUNE
JULY
JULY
AUGUST
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
MUST SEE
1. Heart of Voh
- Latitude/Longitude: 20°57′ S, 164°38′ E
- A natural heart-shaped mangrove swamp visible from the air and made famous by Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
2. Nouméa
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°16′ S, 166°27′ E
- Explore French-inspired city life, with markets, beaches, and the Tjibaou Cultural Centre.
3. Tjibaou Cultural Centre
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°17′ S, 166°29′ E
- A masterpiece of architecture celebrating Kanak culture through exhibitions and performances.
4. Anse Vata Beach
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°17′ S, 166°27′ E
- A hub for water sports, dining, and beach relaxation in Nouméa.
5. Amedee Lighthouse
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°28′ S, 166°28′ E
- Climb the 56-meter-tall iron lighthouse for panoramic views, or snorkel nearby coral reefs.
6. Isle of Pines
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°37′ S, 167°29′ E
- Known as “the Jewel of the Pacific,” this island offers Kuto Bay, Kanumera Bay, and Oro Natural Pool.
7. Oro Natural Pool
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°38′ S, 167°29′ E
- A crystal-clear tidal pool surrounded by lush vegetation and white sands.
8. Lifou Island
- Latitude/Longitude: 20°54′ S, 167°13′ E
- The largest of the Loyalty Islands, with vanilla plantations, cliffs, and stunning bays.
9. Jokin Cliffs
- Latitude/Longitude: 20°50′ S, 167°05′ E
- Dramatic cliffs on Lifou offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
10. Maré Island
- Latitude/Longitude: 21°30′ S, 167°52′ E
- Known for its rugged landscapes, hidden grottos, and natural pools.
11. Ouvéa Island
- Latitude/Longitude: 20°39′ S, 166°32′ E
- Famous for its pristine lagoon and 25-kilometer-long beach.
12. Baie de Prony
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°21′ S, 166°53′ E
- A beautiful anchorage on Grand Terre’s southern tip, with hiking trails and geothermal springs.
13. Blue River Provincial Park
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°09′ S, 166°41′ E
- Home to the drowned forest, kauri trees, and hiking and biking trails.
14. Grande Terre Lagoon
- Latitude/Longitude: 21°30′ S, 165°30′ E
- The world’s largest lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
15. Ilot Maitre
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°21′ S, 166°24′ E
- A small island with an eco-resort and excellent kiteboarding and snorkeling opportunities.
16. Kanumera Bay
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°39′ S, 167°29′ E
- A tranquil bay on the Isle of Pines with crystal-clear waters and the iconic Sacred Rock.
17. Hienghène
- Latitude/Longitude: 20°41′ S, 164°57′ E
- Famous for its limestone cliffs, the Brooding Hen rock formation, and cultural tours.
18. Poe Beach
- Latitude/Longitude: 21°36′ S, 165°28′ E
- A long sandy beach on the west coast, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
19. Koné
- Latitude/Longitude: 21°03′ S, 164°52′ E
- A gateway to the Heart of Voh and a center for exploring the northern regions.
20. Koumac
- Latitude/Longitude: 20°34′ S, 164°17′ E
- A base for exploring caves, ancient petroglyphs, and nearby islets.
21. Yaté Lake
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°10′ S, 166°51′ E
- A serene reservoir surrounded by dense forest, popular for kayaking and hiking.
22. Ilot Ténia
- Latitude/Longitude: 21°38′ S, 165°23′ E
- A small islet with sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
23. Dumbéa River
- Latitude/Longitude: 22°09′ S, 166°22′ E
- A popular spot for freshwater swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.
24. Chesterfield Reefs
- Latitude/Longitude: 19°00′ S, 158°30′ E
- Remote and pristine reefs, ideal for adventurous divers and sailors seeking solitude.
REPAIRS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
New Caledonia offers a comprehensive range of marine services, including well stocked chandleries, haul-out facilities, and repair services, concentrated in Nouméa adn the industrial pats of town.
Chandleries:
- Altomarine: Located in Nouville Plaisance, Altomarine provides boat maintenance products such as antifouling paints, fiberglass materials, and marine electronics. They are agents for brands like Rocna Anchors and Lowrance.
- Speed Marine: Also situated in Nouville Plaisance, Speed Marine offers marine paints, resins, stoves, pumps, electrical fittings, and life raft repairs. They have a wide assortment of yachting supplies.
- Limousin Marine: Located at 70 Route Port Despointes, Faubourg Blanchot, Limousin Marine specializes in outboard parts, repairs, and general chandlery items.
- Accastillage Republic: Near Port Moselle Marina, this store offers rigging hardware, chains, and lines. It serves as a satellite store for the industrial Boniface shop in Ducos.
- Marine Corail: With three locations, including one at 26 Rue du Général Mangin in central Nouméa, Marine Corail provides fishing gear, diving equipment, sportswear, electronics, paints, hardware, and more.
Haul-Out Facilities:
- Nouville Plaisance: As the largest slipway for pleasure yachts in New Caledonia, Nouville Plaisance operates a travel lift handling boats up to 50 tons with a maximum width of 6.2 meters. The facility offers a clean cement hardstand with provisions for long-term storage, video surveillance, toilets, showers, and a lifting crane.
- Neptune and CarenOcean: Located in Baie de Numbo, Neptune operates a travel lift for monohulls up to 34 tons, 15 meters in length, and 5 meters in width. They also have a hydraulic cradle for catamarans up to 18 tons and 18 meters long. CarenOcean shares management with Neptune and offers a marine railway capable of handling most catamarans and trimarans.
- Port Autonome: Operating two marine slipways in the Petite Rade, Port Autonome offers facilities for vessels up to 200 tons and a larger one for vessels up to 1,000 tons.
Yacht Services:
- Noumea Yacht Services: Established in 2006, they assist yachts and superyachts with arrival and departure formalities, marina berthing solutions, technical assistance, repair and maintenance services, and provisioning. They also offer yacht caretaking services and have access to a 1,000-ton slip haul-out facility and a 50-ton travel lift.
- Noumea Ocean: Specializing in superyacht services, Noumea Ocean provides comprehensive support, including berthing arrangements, provisioning, technical assistance, and customized cruising itineraries. They aim to make the captain’s job easier by offering efficient coordination and a wide range of services.
EMERGENCIES AND SAR INFO
SEARCH AND RESCUE
MRCC Noumea
Type: MRCC, Country: New Caledonia, SRR: SRR NEW CALEDONIA
Latitude, Longitude:
(-22.26667023,166.4499969)
Telephone:
+687 291870 standard +687 292121
Email:
Fax:
+687 292303
Website:
INMARSAT:
Inmarsat-C: 422 799 194 (POR) VHF DSC MMSI 005401000