Arriving by boat
Catamaran Sur Le Lagon La Poze Nct 2028 05 23 3Catamaran Sur Le Lagon La Poze Nct 2028 05 23 3Catamaran Sur Le Lagon La Poze Nct 2028 05 23 3Embark on a cruise
Dancing to welcome cruise passengers to NouméaAround ten cruise lines, including industry leaders like Royal Caribbean Cruise and Carnival Cruise Lines from Australia and New Zealand, make stops in New Caledonia. Typically, these liners disembark passengers in Nouméa between 7 am and 9 am, setting sail again around 5 pm. This allows ample time to explore Nouméa, offering activities such as lagoon snorkelling, city and bay tours, visits to major museums, and various water sports. The cruise terminal (ferry terminal) conveniently welcomes passengers in downtown Nouméa on Jules Ferry Quay. Here, you’ll find tourist service providers and some shops. Tourist buses and taxis provide transportation in the capital, including to nearby beaches and islets.
Bring your own boat
Before docking
As a vibrant South Pacific city, Nouméa offers a rewarding stopover experience. Yachtsmen should contact “Port Moselle” on VHF (Channel 67) or Port du Sud (24 47 77) for access to Nouméa. Upon arrival, each crew member must present a valid passport and visa, depending on nationality. Remember to display your yellow flag until all formalities are completed.
Visitor-Friendly Ports
- Port Moselle: Limited stay to 3 days in high season (May 15-December 15) and 6 days in low season. Caution is advised when approaching the bay at night, as many boats anchor there without anchor lights.
- Port du Sud: Visitors can stay for up to one month except in the event of a cyclone warning.
Find out more
Capitainerie de Port Moselle : port.moselle@sodemo.nc – +687 27 71 97
Direction des douanes : douanes.nc@offatel.nc – +687 26 53 85
Police aux frontières : dpaf-noumea@interieur.gouv.fr – +687 24 32 00
Find the yacht arrival formalities form to hand to Sivap agents during inspection
Sivap : import-sivap.davar@gouv.nc – +687 78 26 81
Where to go with your boat?
Port life
Nouméa‘s two harbours, Port Moselle and Port du Sud, provide sanitary facilities, water, electricity, laundry, and a service station. Port Moselle offers free wifi. Nearby, you can dine at restaurants serving French and Caledonian cuisine, shop in malls, or enjoy various activities, including diving. Nouméa also hosts numerous boat repair, deck fitting, spare parts, and equipment suppliers. Transit boats enjoy tax exemptions on spare parts for repair work.
For more information, refer to the “Stopover guide”
Catamaran at Port Moselle, Noumea
Outing to Signal island, NouméaNear Nouméa
The Southern Province offers 120 moorings in the marine protected areas around Nouméa. Islet Maître, Islet Signal, and Islet Larégnère feature beautiful beaches, barbecue spots, and snorkelling. When mooring, approach the buoys slowly, facing into the wind or current, and be cautious of swimmers and other boats. Check the condition of the mooring line you are using. Before departure, consult the tide times to avoid getting stranded on an islet.
Find out more:
- Guide to the lagoon available on the Province Sud website
- New Caledonia nautical guide
- Download the free Tides NC app for tide times
Before leaving
New CaledoniaDeparture formalities must be completed within 24 hours before departure, and by Friday at the latest for boats leaving the Territory over the weekend. The boat’s papers and passports should be presented to:
- Customs (using the form provided upon arrival)
- The immigration department
- The Port Autonome harbour master’s office, which issues the clearance
Vessels leaving Nouméa are no longer authorised to call on the Territory of New Caledonia, including the Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands.
Frequently asked questions about boating in New Caledonia
