A Guide to Chartering in the South Pacific

The South Pacific stretches across 25,000 islands scattered like jewels over the world’s largest ocean. Here, emerald lagoons, coral atolls, and untouched island cultures create an escape unlike anywhere else.

In French Polynesia, anchor in Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon, ringed by dramatic peaks and white-sand motus. Fiji’s Yasawa Islands welcome you with sunlit beaches and a seafaring spirit, while the Cook Islands offer Rarotonga’s lush mountains and Aitutaki’s luminous lagoon—paradise in its purest form.

Beneath the surface, visibility often stretches over 30 meters, where manta rays, reef sharks, and kaleidoscopic fish glide through reefs. In Tonga, humpback whales return each year to calve; in Vanuatu, you can hike to the rim of a live volcano. New Caledonia’s vast lagoon is UNESCO-listed, while in Tahiti, a traditional ma’a Tahiti feast celebrates island heritage.

Remote, pristine, and deeply cultural—the South Pacific is a world best discovered by yacht.

Where are the must-see destinations in the South Pacific?

French Polynesia

• Tourist hotspots: Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa
• Marinas and ports: Marina Taina (Tahiti), Uturoa Marina (Raiatea), Avatoru Wharf (Rangiroa)
• Popular beaches: Matira Beach (Bora Bora), Temae Beach (Moorea), La Plage de Maui (Tahiti)
• Historic sites: Marae Taputapuātea (Raiatea), James Norman Hall Home (Tahiti)

French Polynesia is a yachting paradise famed for its luminous lagoons, volcanic peaks, and coral‑fringed atolls. Bora Bora’s Matira Beach is a picture‑perfect anchorage with shallow turquoise waters, while Moorea enchants with its lush, jagged mountains and golden shores. Marina Taina in Tahiti offers world‑class yacht facilities and easy provisioning for long‑range cruising. History lovers can explore the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the spiritual hub of Polynesia.

Fiji

• Tourist hotspots: Yasawa Islands, Mamanuca Islands, Vanua Levu
• Marinas and ports: Port Denarau Marina, Vuda Marina, Copra Shed Marina (Savusavu)
• Popular beaches: Natadola Beach (Viti Levu), Blue Lagoon Beach (Nacula), Horseshoe Bay (Matagi Island)
• Historic sites: Levuka Historical Port Town (Ovalau Island)

Fiji offers more than 300 islands of yacht‑friendly cruising grounds, each with its own blend of culture and natural beauty. The Yasawas and Mamanucas deliver idyllic anchorages, powder‑white beaches, and world‑class diving. Port Denarau and Vuda Marina are well‑equipped bases for provisioning and refueling before exploring the outer islands. History buffs will appreciate Levuka, Fiji’s first capital and a UNESCO‑listed historical port.

Tonga

• Tourist hotspots: Vavaʻu Group, Haʻapai Group, Tongatapu
• Marinas and ports: Neiafu Marina (Vavaʻu), Nukuʻalofa Wharf (Tongatapu)
• Popular beaches: Pangaimotu Island Beach, ʻEua National Park Beach, Haʻatafu Beach
• Historic sites: Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon (Tongatapu), Ancient royal tombs at Lapaha

Tonga is renowned for its calm, sheltered anchorages and the rare opportunity to swim with humpback whales from July to October. The Vavaʻu Group offers crystal‑clear waters, secluded coves, and thriving coral gardens. Neiafu Marina provides a friendly yacht hub for provisioning before venturing into the more remote Haʻapai Group. Ancient Polynesian history comes alive at the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon and the royal tombs of Lapaha.

Vanuatu

• Tourist hotspots: Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, Tanna Island
• Marinas and ports: Port Vila Boat Harbour, Yachting World Marina
• Popular beaches: Champagne Beach (Espiritu Santo), Lonnoc Beach, Port Resolution (Tanna)
• Historic sites: WWII relics in Luganville, Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (UNESCO World Heritage)

Vanuatu blends lush volcanic landscapes with vibrant island traditions. Yacht charters can anchor in Espiritu Santo to enjoy Champagne Beach’s dazzling white sand or dive into WWII shipwrecks in Luganville. On Tanna Island, visit the rim of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Chief Roi Mata’s Domain offers a rare glimpse into ancient Melanesian heritage.

New Caledonia

• Tourist hotspots: Nouméa, Isle of Pines, Loyalty Islands
• Marinas and ports: Port Moselle Marina (Nouméa), Baie de Sainte‑Marie Marina
• Popular beaches: Oro Bay (Isle of Pines), Yejele Beach (Maré), Poe Beach (Bourail)
• Historic sites: Nouméa Cathedral, WWII coastal batteries on Ouvéa

New Caledonia boasts one of the world’s largest lagoons and a UNESCO‑listed barrier reef system. Nouméa serves as a sophisticated gateway for provisioning and cultural exploration, while the Isle of Pines offers powder‑soft beaches and impossibly clear waters. The Loyalty Islands are a remote cruising gem for those seeking untouched anchorages and authentic island life.

What are some cultural highlights, festivals, and events awaiting you?

In French Polynesia, events like the Hawaiki Nui and Tahiti Nui Va’a bring the islands alive with traditional outrigger canoe races, while Bastille Day blends Polynesian spirit with French heritage. Tonga’s Heilala Festival is a joyful showcase of dance, music, and floral parades, and the Vavaʻu Regatta & Festival attracts sailors from across the globe. In the Cook Islands, Te Maeva Nui celebrates independence with dazzling costumes, drumbeats, and island feasts, while the Vaka Eiva canoe races unite competitive paddlers in the turquoise lagoon. Vanuatu’s Port Vila Cultural Festival and Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival immerse visitors in kastom dances, music, and art, while Papua New Guinea’s Hiri Moale and Canoe & Kundu Festival honor ancient maritime trading traditions with elaborately carved canoes and spirited performances. From Fiji’s Lautoka Sugar Festival to New Caledonia’s Lagoon Festival, these celebrations offer an unforgettable glimpse into the traditions, history, and shared seafaring heritage of the South Pacific islands.

What local dishes should you try in the South Pacific?

Exploring the South Pacific by yacht is as much a culinary adventure as it is a voyage through turquoise lagoons and pristine islands. On a South Pacific yacht charter, you can savor French Polynesia’s poisson cru—fresh tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk—or indulge in Fiji’s kokoda, a citrus‑cured fish dish enriched with coconut cream. In Tonga, lu pulu—corned beef and taro leaves baked in coconut milk—offers a taste of authentic island comfort food, while Vanuatu’s lap lap, made from grated root vegetables wrapped in banana leaves, brings earthy island flavors to the table. New Caledonia’s signature bougna, a feast of chicken, yams, and sweet potatoes steamed in coconut milk, blends traditional Melanesian cooking with French influence. Whether enjoyed ashore in bustling island markets or prepared by your private yacht chef, these South Pacific dishes capture the region’s rich cultural heritage and make your yacht charter experience truly unforgettable.

What’s next? 

From Bora Bora’s iconic turquoise lagoon to Fiji’s sun‑drenched Yasawa Islands and Tonga’s whale‑filled waters, our South Pacific yacht charter itineraries showcase some of the most breathtaking cruising grounds on Earth. Explore our curated itineraries to begin planning your ultimate voyage across these remote and enchanting islands.

Find your perfect yacht from our hand‑selected luxury fleet and experience the South Pacific’s untouched beauty, vibrant cultures, and world‑class sailing in true style.