New Caledonia is a French territory which consists of dozens of islands and is in the South Pacific. New Caledonia is a popular tourist destination, especially among French tourists as the national language is French, however, it is still underrated compared to its neighbours such as the Maldives, with beautiful seas and reefs surrounding the islands, and rich culture, it is a great place to visit if you want a relaxing holiday away from tourists.
Pricing and Info on hiring a boat in New Caledonia
To hire a sailboat in New Caledonia, prices average between £700 - £800, with motorboats costing roughly the same. For a weeklong charter, both motorboats and sailboats average a similar price at around £6,000. However, these prices are not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on several factors including type of boat and time of year.
Boat availability in New Caledonia
New Caledonia has two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. If you are looking for a sunny holiday, it is best to avoid the rainy season which reaches its peak during February. However, New Caledonia is still a very sunny place, and although February is rainier than other months, it is still relatively sunny. The dry season occurs from April-May and September-November. As New Caledonia is close to Australia, it is a popular destination for Australian families, and the busy season occurs during the Australian school holidays (April, July, and October) which will see higher prices and busier crowds. It is nice temperatures year-round, averaging around 25 degrees Celsius, and although trade winds blow year round which makes it a great place for sailing or sports involving wind, December to February offer the best conditions.
Do I need a license to hire a boat in New Caledonia?
To hire a boat in New Caledonia you do not need a license, however, you will need to prove you have experience on similar boats in the past. Otherwise, you can hire your boat skippered, to have a more hands-off experience.
Overview of New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a paradise of wildlife and beauty. It is the perfect destination if you want to escape the crowds and high prices for an island holiday. Being a French territory, French influence can be felt in every corner of life from food to customs, however, New Caledonia also has its own unique culture which makes it a magical place to visit.
Out of everything to do in New Caledonia, the most famous is probably La Coeur de Voh, a mangrove swamp shaped like a heart. To be able to see this natural wonder, you must be looking from high above, either by plane or helicopter or climb Mount Kathepaik which has a viewing deck for you to see. The mountains are one of the reasons many tourists visit, as hiking enthusiasts can enjoy some incredible hikes with unique and stunning views, such as the climb of Mount Dore, which rises 800 metres above sea level. For some other natural wonders, explore the Grotte de la Reine Hortense, and marvel at the caves and caverns and their massive stalactites.
For some man-made but equally culturally rich exploration, visit the Mwa Ka Monument, which is a feature of Kanaks culture, and the 8 different levels represent the 8 regions of the archipelago. Another man-made site is Fort Tereka, which is an abandoned military port and the lookouts, tunnels and gunpowder holdings can be explored on foot or by bikes.
If you are looking for a beach holiday, as most of New Caledonia’s tourists are, visit the famous Anse Vata Beach, which often experiences the perfect amount of wind to make kitesurfing and windsurfing a popular activity. If you prefer to explore the underwater, try snorkelling at the nearby Ilot Canard (Duck Island) which is the most popular islet. With New Caledonia having the third most extensive reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef) it is a must-do activity to snorkel and explore the reef life.
Sailing areas around New Caledonia:
