New Caledonia

Captain James Cook first sighted and named New Caledonia in 1774 on his second South Pacific voyage and colonization soon followed by the British and French. The indigenous Kanak population, a Melanesian culture which settled there around 1500 BC, call themselves Ti-Va-Ouere which means brothers of the earth, a fitting moniker which encapsulates their belief that the land belongs to everyone and the role of an individual is foremost a member of his tribe. An important part of the Kanak culture is traditional ceremonies and rituals which commonly incorporate dance. Tribe members are colorfully painted and wear wooden masks as they perform these dances during important events such as a birth, marriage, or a death. Wood sculpture is a signature art form of the Kanak culture with carvings crafted in the shape of hawks, ancient gods, serpents and turtles being popular as well as “flèches faîtières” arrows, which were used to decorate the roof of ceremonial houses.

A sublime combination of South Pacific laid-back island style with a touch of French sophistication, Nouméa boasts of stunning palm tree lined powdery soft beaches, world-class shopping, and a thriving epicurean scene. A little slice of France in the tropics, the cosmopolitan capital of New Caledonia offers phenomenal cafés, gourmet restaurants, colorful markets, and designer boutiques. With endless sunshine and translucent sapphire blue waters, charter guests have the perfect playground to enjoy swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Main attractions include Le Grand Casino where you can try your luck at roulette, blackjack, or poker, the Tjibaou Cultural Centre to learn about traditional Oceanian and Melanesian cultures, and the Aquarium des Lagons.

Part of the Loyalty Islands Province of New Caledonia, Maré is a pristine oasis suited for guests that appreciate unadulterated natural beauty. A raised coral atoll protected by the second-largest barrier in the world, Maré will astound you with her striking coastline featuring beautiful turquoise lagoons, and stunning beaches with backdrops of towering pines, limestone grottoes and caves, and rugged coral cliffs. As one of the world’s best diving regions, the crystalline seas which teem with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays are prime for underwater exploration, while visits to the tribal villages of Cengeite and Wabao provide great opportunities to immerse yourself in a rich and relatively unchanged culture that dates back around 40,000 years. Trou de Bone, an astounding limestone cave which descends over 130 feet deep, is another can’t miss stop to add to your yacht charter itinerary.

Lifou is the largest island in the Loyalty Island archipelago and home to some of the most scenic beaches in the world. Secluded stretches of soft white sands extend for miles and there is no shortage of sheltered bays which are abundant in colorful marine life. One of the most glorious attractions on the island is the towering seaside cliffs of Jokin. Truly impressive, gazing out into the turquoise seas from above these fossilized coral cliffs will reward you with dazzling views that will sweep you away. For snorkeling in an aquatic wonderland, nothing compares to Jinek Bay, while those that prefer sightseeing on land should check out Notre Dame de Lourdes Chapel overlooking Santal Bay or the Mucaweng Vanilla Plantation.

New Caledonian cuisine is distinctive and unique and there are a wide variety of dining experiences that charter guests can indulge in, from superb five-star restaurants to local casual eateries. Much of the food infuses French-style cooking and both wine and coffee are integral parts of every meal. Home to some of the finest and freshest ingredients, many dishes are prepared with seafood such as tuna, mahi mahi, prawns, coconut crab, octopus, and exotic fruits and seasonal vegetables. A traditional Kanak dish to try is Bougna, made from meat or seafood and local vegetables in a coconut milk marinade, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for hours on the hot stones of a Kanak earth oven.

With superb secluded beaches, beguiling cultures, and outstanding attractions, New Caledonia offers everything anyone could ever wish for in a South Seas escape. Embark on an unforgettable voyage to Nouméa, Maré, and Lifou with Sunreef Yachts Charter onboard a charter mega yacht, charter sailing yacht, charter luxury catamaran, or charter power boat for the charter vacation of a lifetime.