Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For two months, New Caledonia blessed us with “calendar” cruising: no matter where we
pointed the camera, we had an award-winning shot. It was a different kind of cruising than
we had experienced thus far in our Pacific crossing: short distances in a compact area with
periodic runs to replenish supplies, meet visitors, or pick up parts. Refreshingly, charts are
spot-on and aids to navigation well-maintained. At the same time, reefs and isolated
dangers keep things just challenging enough. It's an aquatic wonderland accessible to
part-timers and long-range cruisers alike, thanks to numerous charter bases operating out
of Noumea.
Every islet in the lagoon has its own charm, its own appeal. Many rival the most remote
atolls of the Pacific in pristine beauty. And despite their proximity to the capital, we found
ourselves blissfully alone at many a picture-perfect anchorage. Case in point: at the re-
mote Cook Island of Suwarrow, we were one of thirty boats. In New Caledonia, we
claimed entire anchorages for ourselves, time and time again. Of course, numbers swell
on weekends when working sailors flee the mainland. That's when we the flexible head to
the outermost islands or back to the capital for supplies.
We arrived in New Caledonia with little idea of what to expect and left chock full of azure
memories. May you do the same, with a little help from this introduction to the area's
highlights. First, we'll have a look at the capital city, Noumea; second, explore the islands
on Noumea's doorstep; and finally, move on to the true jewels farther afield.
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