Yacht Charter Destinations; Fiji French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Tonga, Whitsunday Islands
The yacht charter area in the South Pacific extends from Australia in the west to French Polynesia in the east. Popular yacht charter destinations include Fiji, New Zealand, the Whitsunday islands of Queensland, Australia and New Caledonia
The choice of yacht charter in the South Pacific is very extensive and includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, dive charter, fishing charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter. Catamarans are well suited to the South Pacific waters because of their small draft in shallow waters. If planning a bareboat charter it is crucial to confirm that your sailing license will be acceptable by the yacht charter company and to have in writing that confirmation.
Much of the South Pacific remains relatively unspoilt by modern day development and a yacht charter in the area gives you the chance to explore remote and tranquil islands. The South Pacific is home to some of the world’s friendliest people; most of islands have been largely unspoilt by the trappings of the outside world. A yacht charter in the South Pacific will allow you to encounter traditional lifestyles that focus on kinship and kindness rather than material possessions and wealth.
In some of the remoter areas, like Tonga or the Marquesas Islands, it can be difficult to obtain normal provisions so make sure you provision the yacht properly prior to embarking on your yacht charter in the South Pacific.
Whether you choose to explore the beautiful islands of French Polynesia or the dramatic coast of New Zealand you will not be disappointed. The islands of the South Pacific all offer dramatic geography, beautiful beaches, fascinating flora and fauna, a tropical climate and stunning scenery. The reefs and lagoons are resplendent with diverse rich marine growth and populated by a plethora of unusual and colourful fish.
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity. French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands, located in the south-central part of the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago includes the Society, Marquesas and Austral islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago. Tahiti is the most well known of the islands. There is no better way to truly explore French Polynesia than to take a sailing yacht charter holiday. The main yacht charter base is on the island of Raiatea
The choice of yacht charter in French Polynesia is extensive and includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, dive charter, fishing charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter.
French Polynesia is tropical destination with lots of sun all year round. However, when planning your vacation you need to be aware of the seasonal differences. There are roughly two seasons: from November through March when it is warmer and humid, and from April through October when the climate is cooler and drier. Average temperatures during the warmer humid season range from 85-95 degrees. And the cooler dry season range from 78-85 degrees. Sailing conditions are really ideal during this dry period with trade winds from the East.
April to June offers moderate trade winds blowing from the East at 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to 25 knots. July to August represents winter with cooler temperatures and usually stronger south easterly winds from 25 - 35 knots with gusts up to 40 - 45 knots. These southeast trade winds are known as “Maraamu Wind”. September to October is very comfortable with moderate winds from the East 10 to 15 knots. But you will want to be sure to have a cotton sweater with you for the evening, as it is cooler. The second half of October marks the beginning of the rain season and will be a bit wet. November to March will put you in the rainy season, which is hot and muggy. However, the rain showers usually do not last very long. Sailors must also be aware of the risk of hurricanes that may occur at this time of the year.
New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France, made up of a main island, Grande Terre and several smaller islands. It is located in the region of Melanesia in the southwest Pacific about halfway between Fiji and Australia. Noumea is the centre for yacht charters
The choice of yacht charter in New Caledonia is very extensive and includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, dive charter, fishing charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter.
The main island of Grande Terre, the third largest in the South Pacific, is encompassed by a barrier reef of 1000 miles to create the world's largest lagoon. The Isle of Pines lies to the south. To the east are the Loyalty Islands; Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa and Tiga. To the north west are the Belep, Astrolabe, Ballona, Beautemps-Beaupré, Chesterfield, Huon, Surprise and Walpole. All share the attributes of an exceptional clarity of water and invite you to enjoy a spectacle of multicoloured fish and coral right from the deck of your charter yacht. Reefs surround all the outer islands of New Caledonia. These reefs create individual lagoons lapping against lovely beaches.
Cooled by the Pacific Ocean and trade winds, New Caledonia has a spring-like, sunny climate all year round. The best months for yacht charter are May to December. January to March is the rainy season and there is a risk of severe weather during these months. Air temperatures vary from an average of 20°C in the winter months of July and August to 25°C in the summer months of December and January. Trade winds from the northeast to the southeast blow most of the year at an average of 16 -18 knots.
April to November offer the best sailing conditions with southeasterly trade winds of 15-20 knots providing good sailing conditions. The tidal range is only half a metre currents are negligible. If you can pick your holiday weeks consider taking in one of New Caledonia’s many festivals. The Avocado Festival runs from in mid to late May. There is a three-day Foire de Bourail from late August to early September and the Equinox is in October.
Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga, is an independent archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean. It lies about a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii, south of Samoa and east of Fiji.
Tonga in Western Polynesia is considered by many to offer the best yacht charter sailing grounds in the Pacific South Seas. There are 170 coral islands to explore in three distinct groups, with the Vava'u Islands considered to be the finest. The yacht charter area of Tonga is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced sailors
Tonga offers deep channel waterways, protected bays, wonderful snorkelling and great beaches. The trade winds are fairly predictable, there is line of sight sailing and more than 50 yacht anchorages all within an easy day's sail on calm waters. As the sailing conditions are calm and inviting even an inexperienced sailor will appreciate Tonga in one of the world's premier, yet uncrowded sailing destinations.
The main yacht charter centre in Tonga is the Vava'u Islands, which have become a Mecca for sailors around the world. The Vava'u Islands are just one of the three island groups that make up the Kingdom of Tonga; the Vava’u Group is located to the north, the Tongatapu is to the south, and the Ha’apai is at the centre. A yacht charter in Tonga offers an opportunity to explore pristine islands of majestic beauty. The Kingdom has its own special South Seas charm. A yacht charter in Tonga is an experience not to be missed.
The Kingdom of Tonga consists of 170 low coral islands and only 37 or so of these are populated. The islands are relatively small. Grouped together they would cover only 250 square miles and yet they are spread over approximately 250,000 square miles of ocean. A yacht charter in these beautiful waters is comparatively effortless and has been compared to the British Virgin Islands. Their allure has another dimension as they have kept their nickname of "The Friendly Islands", given by Captain Cook who visited Tonga in the 18th century. A yacht charter in these secluded islands will bring you in contact with some of the most peaceful and welcoming people on earth.
The main yacht charter season in Tonga starts in April and runs through October or November, although charters can run all year round. Some 300 or so international yachts will gravitate to Tonga for the season. Mild temperatures and steady trade winds blow in a south easterly direction at a constant 13-18 knots throughout the year and make sailing here a pleasure. Occasionally, northwest winds blow, which will usually shift to the south normally within twelve hours.
Tonga weather is tropical with temperatures mostly in the 20Cs during the day and a bit cooler at night. Tropical showers are common on most afternoons. The Vava'u, being further north than Tongatapu is warmer.
The Whitsunday Islands are a collective of continental islands that lie off the coast of Queensland, Australia. There are some 74 tropical islands to explore on your yacht charter, most of which are unspoiled national parks and uninhabited. Most of these islands are close to each other so navigation in the Whitsunday Islands is normally by line of sight. The main yacht charter bases of the Whitsunday Islands are Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island.
The choice of yacht charter in the Whitsunday Islands is very extensive and includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, dive charter, fishing charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charter.
The Whitsunday Islands can be divided into four groups; The Whitsunday Group, the Lindeman Group, The Molle's and the Northern Group
English is spoken throughout the Whitsunday Islands. The currency is the Australian Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted widely.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. And a divers paradise. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects 70% of the region fostering superb coral formations and an abundance of marine life. The tranquil and turquoise waters are home to whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays. The Great Barrier Reef stretches nearly 1500 miles along the northeast coast of Australia; it is the largest structure on the planet built by living organisms. It can even be seen from outer space. Up close, however it is truly spectacular. New fish species are found in the Great Barrier area every year. There are approximately 4,000 molluscs and 350 hard, or reef-building, corals. One coral chunk the size of a basketball yielded 1,441 worms from 103 species. The Great Barrier Reef is comprised of more than 2,800 coral reefs. The carnival of colourful marine life that call it home provide some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. Novice divers find it hard to describe the unforgettable encounter of seeing over a 100 fish per minute. Experienced divers will be moved by this ultimate experience.
Sunny tropical weather is almost guaranteed year round in the Whitsunday Islands. Avoid school holidays for off-peak periods. Yacht charters are cheaper and the Whitsunday Islands are not as crowded. At any time of year, there is usually enough wind for a pleasant sail.
Summer runs from December to March and is warm and humid with rain showers. Winter runs from June to September and is warm by day and cool at night. Trade winds usually blow slightly stronger from May to August. There is a risk of cyclones from February to March. Late September to early November are considered by some to be the best cruising weather in the Whitsunday Islands. The average daily temperature of is 27°C. January is the warmest month averaging 30°C and July the coolest month averaging 23°C. The water temperature remains a pleasant 23 - 27°C with the average year round water temperature being an inviting 24°C.
