7 Day charter itinerary – New Caledonia
DAY ONE – Ile Ouen & Mato (Cruising distance: Nouméa – Ile Ouen: 24nm / Ile Ouen – Mato: 5nm)
Guests will be arriving via an international flight into Noumea. Port du Sud is a 45 min car transfer from the terminal. Waking up at the renowned Hotel Chateau Royal, we invite you to a relaxing spa treatment at the Aqua Royale which is located inside this world-class hotel. Prior to boarding, why not take to the air and set the scene for your next 7 days in New Caledonia. A helicopter flight will provide some sensational views over the lagoon and the multiple colours under the sun. This afternoon we will cruise to the South towards Ile Ouen and Mato. The stunning hike to the top of Mato will reveal a panoramic view of the islands!
If you are eager to step on board and start exploring the lagoon, your Captain suggests to cruise early towards the “5 Islands”: these are 5 small islands situated between Ilot Eroue and Ilot Kouare and the site is absolutely superb. Continuing on to Ile Ouen, Baie de la Tortue (Turtle Bay) is ideal for an introductory snorkel off the beach or adjacent reef. This is a perfect place to spot a loggerhead turtle as it is a popular feeding spot for the turtles. If turtles are feeling friendly, they will even swim through the crystal clear waters with you! Plants grow only sparsely on Ile Ouen. The abandoned jade mine is part of New Caledonia’s history and can be seen from the beach. The island itself is home to two villages and will be ours for the night too – we anchor here for the evening after a delicious dinner on board.
DAY TWO – Baie de Kuto (Cruising distance: 47nm)
After breakfast, we will make our way to Isle of Pines. Deserted beaches, wild coasts, pristine blue water, the Isle of Pines is a paradise in the Pacific. Dominated by the peak Nga (262 meters altitude), Isle of Pines emerges from the superb lagoon, with waters so blue it hurts the eyes. Later in the evening, we’ll anchor in the magnificent Kuto Bay, one of Caledonia’s most beautiful bays. Here you can have lunch in one of the local restaurants: indulge in freshly caught seafood in this charming and intimate bay.
After lunch, our dedicated guide, Ivar, will join us for a private tour of the island: Queen Hortence grotto, ruins, Vao village and the most exclusive scenic views! Back on board, it is time to relax with sunset cocktails and canapes admiring the changing of colours in your new surroundings.
DAY THREE – Ilot Moro (Cruising distance: 47nm)
This morning, our guide will meet us on board, to discover the natural reserve of Nokanhui. This atoll is one of a kind, with sand so white you can only look at it through sunglasses and water ranging from cobalt to turquoise and every shade in between. To access Nokanhui, our guide will have requested the authorization to the local tribe. For lunch, we will cruise to Moro Islet for a barbeque feast of seafood, fresh lobster and other local fish. After lunch, guests can rest and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings, or engage in more active watersports sessions.
Once the energy is spent playing in the crystal-clear waters, there is a unique opportunity for a traditional New-Caledonian dinner: Bougna is the traditional Melanesian dish and it’s definitely worth a try. Bougna is a combination of chicken, lobster or fish with yams, bananas, sweet potatoes and coconut milk wrapped in banana leaves. The food is then steamed in an earth oven heated by hot stones. Bougna is served with a variety of other dishes, including seafood, coconut milk and tropical fruit.
DAY FOUR – Baie d’Oro (Cruising distance: Kuto – Baie d’Oro: 15nm / Oro – Gadji Bay: 6nm)
Wake up to the sound of water against the hull, and a hearty breakfast on the shaded sundeck. After your morning swim, sail on a traditional dugout kayak around Upi Bay and St Joseph: approximately 2 hours of smooth sailing, drifting with the wind on these smooth turquoise waters. Turtles, dolphins, reef sharks and stingrays may come to your encounter.
Upon disembarking from this travel back in time, cross the tropical forest to find La Piscine Naturelle, a pool of exquisite turquoise water sheltered behind the reef (45 minutes walk in exquisite landscapes). The secluded spring is part of a waterway which leads from the open sea to Baie d’Oro. Your superyacht and Captain will be waiting for you on the other side in Baie d’Oro. Lunch is possible at the Meridien Hotel, La Pirogue, which also provides you access to the Spa. A refined French/Melanesian menu includes the bougna, and will be enjoyed outdoors or around the sleek, open-air bar. After this memorable experience, the Captain will make his way to Gadji Bay for our anchorage.
If you are interested in the remaining 3 days of the entire itinerary please contact us at info@oceanalliance.com.au.