Catamaran cruises in south province

Hop on a boat and enjoy a cruise on the lagoon ! All year round, the trade winds transport you to the turquoise waters of the South Province. On board a monohull sailboat or catamaran, head for the must-see spots of the South Lagoon and Île des Pins. Choose from a day cruise, a weekend getaway, or a week-long adventure, departing from Nouméa or Prony. From July to September, enjoy the unforgettable experience of a day trip to observe humpback whales. There are plenty of professional sailors today eager to show you New Caledonia’s still wild islets and marine life. To find out what’s on offer, visit the Maison du lagon in Port Moselle. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of the amazing boat trips that are waiting for you!

A comfortable cruise aboard a catamaran

Can’t decide between a monohull sailboat and a catamaran? If you’re not used to swells and waves, a catamaran, whether sail or motor, will likely be much more comfortable for you. Multihull boats like catamarans do not tilt, and are more stable. Another advantage is that they are larger, so you can travel in a larger group and share the cost. Catamaran capacity generally ranges from 7 to 12 people, depending on the space available. So, they’re perfect for leisure cruising with mates or in a small group, with added comfort.

The best cruises on the South Province lagoon

Thematic cruises for a stay filled with activities and nature discoveries: in the heart of nature: “Total Adventure” and “Total Relaxation”

The Amédée lighthouse or the islets Larégnère and Signal, classified as a protected marine reserve.
A great weekend on the islet Casy and the five islands to the south.
The crossing to Île des Pins as far as Baie de Kuto.
Baie de Prony, with an anchorage in Baie du Carénage or Anse Majic on the southern tip.
The Forgotten Coast, with an overnight stay in Port Bouquet, Thio.
Baie Maa and the islets Mbé Kouen, Mbo, Mba, north of Nouméa.

An all-inclusive cruise

Fancy the simplicity of a sailing cruise? Discover the Caledonian lagoon guided by a professional skipper. In this package deal, an experienced crew advises you on the destination and duration of your cruise, according to your expectations and budget. Even without a captain’s licence or any notion of navigation, you can enjoy the pleasures of sailing and boating. Depart from Nouméa and spend a weekend exploring the South Lagoon. Many heavenly islets line the route: Île Ouen, Mato, Kouaré, Ua, to name a few. If you have more time, one of the best cruises is to set sail for Île des Pins! Depending on the provider, you can choose between a full-board version or managing meals yourself.

Our advice

If you’re managing your own meals, bring something to cook fish in. With a bit of luck, your skipper or some of the participants will want to do a bit of fishing! Likewise, count your skipper in for meals: you’ll surely want to share these moments with them.

Madeleine, Tourist Office of Nouméa

Exploring the South Lagoon

New Caledonia’s southern lagoon is dotted with small paradisal islets. What better way to discover them than on a sailing trip? As you anchor at different spots, you’ll quickly become enchanted by the beauty of their seabeds. Once past Nouméa, the boat takes you gently to Ouen Island, the islets of Mato, Ua, Uatio and Kouaré, all of them must-see sites for catamaran cruises. In the evening, gazing at the starry sky away from the city lights is a true delight! On the agenda: short hikes on land, fish-filled reefs to explore with your snorkelling gear, spearfishing, lounging, strolling around, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. Depending on the weather and the time you have available, the activities vary. The memories left by the turquoise waters and these little bits of land will stay with you for a long time.

Setting sail for Isle of Pines

A must on any catamaran cruise: the crossing to the Île des Pins. If you have several days, this boat trip will leave you with unforgettable memories. Departing from Nouméa, the crossing takes in Île Ouen and the islets of the South Lagoon, before reaching the shores of Île des Pins. When you arrive, you’ll be amazed. The cruise stops in the most beautiful bays (Kuto, Kanuméra). Activities include lobster tasting, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, hiking… whatever takes your fancy.

Whale watching on a catamaran

Whale watching is an extraordinary experience, to be enjoyed from June to September. Many catamaran rental companies offer this exceptional day trip. Humpback whales come to give birth in New Caledonian waters, avoiding the too-cold waters of Antarctica. A one-day cruise allows you to get up close to them, while respecting the regulations designed to protect them. Most of our service providers are members of the Calédonie Charter Association. As such, they adhere to the Cetacean Watching Charter (Charte d’observation des cétacés). Departures are from the Somme Bay in Prony or Port Moselle in Nouméa. Reservations can be made from the chalets set up along the quays of Port Moselle.

The Cétacean Watching Charter: a directive drawn up by the South Province’s Department of the Environment that indicates the proper conduct regarding distance and observation time.