Wavehunters Surf Travel

Surf New Caledonia on a superb French yacht with a great host. There are so many waves going unridden every day in NC and it's only 2.5 hours flying time from Australia. Try something different for a unique 'french style' surf adventure.

Only 2.5 hours from the east coast of Australia and you will find yourself in the French territory of New Caledonia. Noumea, the nation's capital, is a tropical, cosmopolitan metropolis and the stepping stone to some of the most beautiful islands and reefs in the South Pacific. This land of contrast is composed of a group of islands: the main island, Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines, Belep and a myriad of small islands. The barrier reef, stretching 1600 km and encircling the mainland island, is the world's largest lagoon and surely one of the most beautiful.

Kuare is a 46 ft Bahia Catamaran from Fontaine Pajot with two double cabins with ensuite bathrooms and two twin cabins. It is ideal for groups of 6-8 passengers.

The South Pacific can be tricky in winter with the predominent wind being SE. Most south-facing Pacific coasts are onshore or cross shore in these conditions. New Caledonia is similar to Indo, with surf on the west coast which means offshore in SE trades. This, combined with the fact that New Caledonia is a swell magnet serving up Indo-style power, makes it a fantastic winter surf destination.

Your expert local skipper and crew will add a French flavour to your trip. The food on board is healthy and tasty ensuring your body's got fuel to burn when you're in the water. Sit back in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset as you knock back a few cold local beers or sip on french wine. Kuare lacks for nothing where food and drink is concerned.

Noumea, the nation's capital, is a tropical, cosmopolitan metropolis and the stepping stone to some of the most beautiful islands and reefs in the South Pacific.
This land of contrast is composed of a group of islands: the main island, Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines, Belep and a myriad of small islands.
The barrier reef, stretching 1600 km and encircling the mainland island, is the world's largest lagoon and surely one of the most beautiful.

IMPORTANT NOTE: FLIGHTS TO NEW CALEDONIA WILL NOT TAKE BOARD BAGS OVER 7FT 6INCHES. MAX. 120 INCH TOTAL DIMENSIONS ALLOWED: LENGTH+WIDTH+DEPTH OF BOARD BAG EG: 7'2"FT (86") LONG+24" WIDE+10INCH DEEP=100" IS OK!

Our most popular charter duration is 8 nights and an example 8 night/7 day itinerary is as follows:

Day 1 - Met at the airport by English-speaking guide and transferred by bus to the boat. If arrival is mid to late afternoon you will spend the night on Kuare in Noumea harbour and check out the sights of the nation's capital, Noumea. Meals at own expense whilst in port.

Day 2 - Depart Noumea harbour at first light and arrive at first surf break by approximately 9am. The guide will decide this surf break based on prevailing conditions and experience. Options are two right-handers, three lefts close to Noumea, two lefts a little further away. Quick breakfast available (cereal, coffee, tea) at daybreak before first surf. Cooked breakfast around 9am after first session. Depending on conditions it is surf, sail, fish, swim, explore islands or just kick back on deck with a good book, interrupted only by lunch. Mooring is usually beside an island for the night as close as possible to the next day's surf spot. Dinner consists of another home-cooked meal.

Days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 - As above arriving into the Noumea Port late afternoon/early evening on day 7. Hit the town for dinner/beers at your own expense.

Day 8 - Free time until your transfer to the airport in time to check in for your flight home.

We are only operating in the PEAK surf months, months that almost guarantee swell and good conditions. New Caledonia can get surf in March and October however these months are LESS consistent.

Scheduled departures operate with a min. of 5 passengers. Bookings available for individuals or sole use groups. For bookings made up with individuals a maximum of 6 passengers will be booked as there is only 6 beds onboard. For SOLE USE groups you can have up to 8 passengers sharing the 6 beds (4 singles/2 doubles). Group of 8 get 1 space free and only pay for 7 spaces.

· Return airport transfers.
· 3 meals daily and snacks (excludes meals whilst in port).
· Bottled water, soft drinks and hot drinks.
· Accommodation on board in cabins with ensuites
· Services of English-speaking skipper/SURF GUIDE with extensive local knowledge.
· Use of all onboard equipment.

New Caledonia is blessed with the largest reef lagoon in the world which is riddled with islands, reefs and fish. If there is no surf your options are fishing, island hopping (all uninhabited), snorkelling or swimming. Very basic fishing and snorkelling gear is provided on the boat free of charge however we do recommend you bring your own if you are a keen fisherman or snorkler.

There are also obviously other things to see on the land, such as rainforest with flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Land-based tours can be arranged on request at an additional cost.

New Caledonia is a place of contrasts, from the people - Melanesians, Polynesians, French, ex-convicts (Australian style) and Vietnamese - to the landscape - dry, inhospitable mountains dotted with pockets of rainforest, grassy hills rolling down to grazing cattle, large tracts of mangroves sheltering prawn farms and clean, clear oceans full of fish and vibrant reefs. A great place to visit. It is like flying into Europe with out the jet lag as it is only 2.5 hours from Sydney.