Interesting facts about sailing around New Caledonia, are its strategic location between Vanuatu and Australia, New Caledonia lies in the South Pacific as a French overseas territory. Its defining feature is the world’s largest coral lagoon enclosed by one of the planet’s longest barrier reefs which makes it a perfect cruising destination
Best sailing period or season is generally from late April through to mid‑November, when trade winds prevail and sailing conditions are calm, making this the prime cruising season Avoid December to April due to cyclone risk.
Nouméa is the only official port of entry for yachts. Upon arrival, yachts must fly a quarantine flag (Yellow Q flag). Nouméa Ocean can arrange entry clearances and paperwork, Customs, immigration, and biosecurity formalities can also be handled by agents like Nouméa Yacht Services or Seal Superyachts, streamlining clearance processes. Cruises longer than 90 days may require visas unless crew are EU/EEA nationals.
Navigate the lagoon’s maze of reefs with care: detailed cruising guides like the Rocket Cruising Guide offer GPS‑precise anchorages, hydrographic surveys, and route planning—essential in these shallow, coral-rich areas.
Approaching Nouméa involves three main passages, the Pass de Boulari, Pass de Dumbéa, and the tide‑sensitive Pass de Havannah, each with specific navigational challenges and marked aids (like Amedée Lighthouse) Notably, the 56 m tall Amédée Lighthouse marks one safe approach and is itself a striking landmark. Mark I eyeball navigation is better than electronic charts here.
Cruising itineraries might include the World Heritage Lagoon & Barrier Reef, which is a UNESCO‑listed wonder featuring vibrant coral, tropical fish, and other marine biodiversity.
Île des Pins has white sands, lush forests, and historical cave retreats, ideal for secluded anchoring break.
Loyalty Islands (Ouvéa, Lifou, Maré) include .Ouvéa: Remote and serene, featuring the mystical Turtle Hole where you can swim with giant turtles in a natural rock pool.
Lifou: Rich in Kanak culture and generous seafood. Expect warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and local crafts
Maré: Less visited with stunning landscapes, birdlife, and authentic island culture (though less documented, merits exploration).
Nouméa offers over 130 restaurants, reflecting a fusion of French, Melanesian, Asian, and Pacific flavours. Don’t miss bougna (traditional Melanesian feast in banana leaves), creperies, seafood, and elegant French fare such as the renowned Hippocampe’s crème brûlée with mango chutney and sorbet which blows away the traditional ones.
Markets in Farino or Moindou near Nouméa carry fresh produce and iconic visuals like the mangrove heart of Voh. On the Islands, expect Kanak cuisine, tables d’hôtes, fusion dishes, and relaxed local venues with ocean views. Lifou's Kitchen offers abundant local seafood crab, lobster, turtle plus pig, goat, and tropical crops make island meals both hearty and authentic
New Caledonia’s waters are sensitive. Some lagoons are UNESCO‑protected, and anchoring may only be allowed at designated areas or moorings . Adhere to no‑discharge policies for wastewater and refuse to maintain ecological integrity. Well‑equipped shipyards and service providers in Nouméa support mechanical repairs, provisioning, internet access, and local transfers.
Nouméa Yacht Services is the principal agency for yachts and superyachts in Nouméa. Their extensive services include provisioning, bunkering, customs clearance, and vessel support. They can assist to coordinate logistics, transport, and deliveries, an invaluable resource when stocking up before heading out into more remote waters. Use if your budget permits. The Rocket Cruising Guide to New Caledonia is a solid resource offering detailed maps, store locations, and provisioning options for cruisers. Many yacht agents provide this guide to help skippers navigate shopping and supplies planning.
Casino Giante: This is the largest, best priced supermarket in Noumea and they have just about everything from fishing gear, kitchen supplies, electronics, alcohol, clothes as well as an organic/bio section, fresh vegetables, cheese, butcher, seafood, bakery, canned goods, Asian goods, free range eggs, candies and much more. It's open from 08:00 until 20:00 every day and the best time to shop is from 10:00 to 13:00 on weekdays. Giante is absolutely packed with people shopping on the weekends. On advice I found that butcher at Casino Port Plaisance to be better priced and also better quality
BioMonde: The largest health food store in Noumea. with organic goods at competitive prices. Giante has self-serve bulk foods however they are cheaper at BioMonde (and even cheaper at Boko).
The Carrefour Market: On the route back to the marina. Not cheap but still worth a look
Thiriet: A frozen-food specialist opposite BioMonde. They have good prices for frozen foods and a very extensive product selection.
Michel-Ange Shopping Mall: The supermarket there has an great selection of fresh and frozen foods. The store is higher priced than other supermarkets but they often have products that other stores do not. There's also a pharmacy and a hardware store in the shopping center.
Boko: A self service bulk food and veggie store with great prices, just off the mall
Casino Port Plaisance: Excellent deals on butchery and fresh produce.
Auchan Ferry’s Quay: Closest supermarket to the marina for quick provisioning trips, though costs more
Local Markets
Nouméa City Market (Rue Georges Clemenceau, near Port Moselle). Open from Tuesday to Sunday. Ideal for freshly caught seafood, fruits, vegetables, meats, and crafts.
Port Moselle area market: Vendors on village market stalls offer fresh produce and baked goods. Locals suggest focusing on supermarket shopping for both value and variety.
Sailing around New Caledonia is really rewarding and highly recommended.