New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a French territory in the South Pacific, comprising the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, and a number of smaller islets. The territory's extensive barrier reef system encloses a large lagoon that forms the primary cruising area, with passages connecting a range of anchorages along both coasts of Grande Terre and to the outer islands. The country serves as both a long-stay cruising ground and a seasonal base for yachts in the South Pacific.

Grotte de la Reine Hortense is a large cave with a history connected to the Kanak queen who is said to have sheltered here for a year. The cave is open in the mornings and requires a torch and sturdy footwear.

Point de Vue de Yaté offers panoramic views over the surrounding landscape from a lookout on the southeastern side of the main island.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Ilot Mato ★ 5.0 Strong protection in varying winds contributes to a comfortable anchoring experience. Visitors report that the anchorage is safe, with calm conditions despite winds reaching 20 knots. The sea life, including turtles and sharks, adds additional interest to the location.
	Ilot Kouare West ★ 5.0 Anchorage is characterized by shallow depths and notable marine life including turtles and black tip reef sharks. Visitors have enjoyed snorkeling and wing foiling. Clear water, although not as pristine as other locations, complements the remote experience.
	Baie Maa ★ 4.7 Baie Maa provides a large, well-protected anchorage with good holding. Visitors enjoy quiet conditions and pleasant walks along dirt tracks and beaches. Access to a beach and multiple walking trails enhances the anchorage experience.

Marinas

	Port Du Sud ★ 5.0 Friendly staff facilitate customs and immigration procedures. Berth fees include water and power, with limited availability noted. Free showers and token-based laundry add to the conveniences for visitors enjoying nearby amenities along the waterfront.
	Port Moselle ★ 4.8 Helpful staff and good berths contribute to a positive experience. The marina features competitive rates that include water and electricity, as well as proximity to the town center and local markets. Some minor issues with facilities and cleanliness have been noted.

Moorings

	Isle Casy ★ 5.0 The anchorage features ten mooring balls and a well-maintained dock. Visitors appreciate the stunning natural surroundings, including golden sands and clear waters, alongside sightings of marine life such as turtles and rays.
	Phare Amédée ★ 4.8 Mooring balls are well-maintained and situated in shallow water. Clear visibility allows for sighting turtles, reef sharks, and sea snakes. Visitors should check their satellite images when approaching to ensure their yacht is suitably moored.
	Isle de Maitre ★ 4.5 Moorings are in good condition and free to use. Anchoring at the south end is advised due to day tourist shuttle boats creating wake. The site is part of a marine reserve, limiting activities such as fishing and swimming under certain conditions.
	Anse Majic ★ 4.3 The anchorage features mooring balls in good condition, facilitating protection during adverse weather. Bird life and trails to the lighthouse enhance the natural experience, but some visitors found the water unclear for snorkeling. Activities are limited within the anchorage.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

	Marine Corail Plaisance ★ 5.0 Extensive inventory is available, with a strong emphasis on French-built boats. Visitors highlight a well-stocked selection and friendly staff. Services also include the capability to order items from abroad.
No image	Paciffic Accastillage ★ 5.0 A variety of cordage is available at reasonable prices. A review mentions a positive selection, indicating a level of satisfaction regarding product choice.
	Speed Marine ★ 4.5 The chandler provides a diverse selection of items. Patrons mentioned a good service experience and noted potential discounts on slow-moving items. The store is conveniently located next to the Express store.
	JKRmarine ★ 4.0 A good selection of products is available. Visitors may find what they need for their boating requirements, although specific service experiences are not detailed in the review.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in New Caledonia:

Nouméa is the sole port of entry for arriving yachts. Once cleared out, a vessel may not stop anywhere else in New Caledonian territory, including the Île des Pins and the Loyalty Islands. Yachts wishing to visit the Loyalty Islands must obtain prior authorisation from the Marina de Wé before departing Nouméa. The Chesterfield, Bellona, Astrolabe, Petrie, and Entrecasteaux reefs were fully protected in August 2018.

During the off-season, many yachts remain in New Caledonia, with options for storage in areas like Nouméa's Port Moselle. Some cruisers opt to relocate to alternative locations in the Pacific, such as Vanuatu or Fiji, which also offer marina facilities and established yachting communities. The availability of storage and local services in New Caledonia supports longer-term stays.

• Best times of year to sail here: April to November
• Most common type of shore power: 220V 50Hz
• Cost for provisioning: Medium
• Currency: CFP Franc (XPF)
• Personal security: Generally considered safe, though standard precautions are advised
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Police: 17
  • Fire: 18
  • Medical: 15
• International dialing code: +687
• Time zone(s): UTC +11

The maritime history of New Caledonia begins with Austronesian settlers whose descendants, the Kanak people, have inhabited the islands for over three thousand years. These early communities developed inter-island navigation and trade across the southwestern Pacific long before European contact.

James Cook was the first European to sight the main island, in 1774, naming it New Caledonia. French and British interest in the territory grew through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and France formally claimed the islands in 1853. Nouméa was established as the administrative centre, and from 1864 the territory served as a French penal colony, receiving transported convicts until 1897. Nickel deposits discovered in the 1860s brought further commercial maritime activity, with ore exports shaping the territory's port infrastructure through the colonial period.

New Caledonia's lagoon and reef system, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, has brought increasing numbers of cruising yachts to the territory in recent decades. The port of Nouméa retains its role as the primary hub for commercial shipping and vessel services in the region.