How to Travel to the South Pacific

Congratulations! You have found our POST CARTE to the South Pacific. The islands and nations that make up this beautiful region of our world have been inspiring us for decades. This blog will have everything you need to inspire you. The goal is to ensure the South Pacific becomes a travel desire that CARTE ATLAS can fulfill. The eternal benefit of travel awaits you. Now, it is time to explore the South Pacific!

What Exactly is the South Pacific?

Depending on who you ask, the South Pacific could mean many things. It is a famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical and movie production. It is also the location shown in the animation classic Moana. But for us travelers, it is a geographic region, made up of regions within it. Let’s dive deeper.

A Geography Check In – Consider the South Pacific like two big pieces of a puzzle. Within this puzzle are two segments. Polynesia encompasses the central and eastern parts of the region. Melanesia, however, has the western parts.

The Polynesian Triangle: Polynesia is best thought of as a triangle. The points are the islands of Hawai’i, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Within this segment include the countries of Tonga and Samoa. The Cook Islands and Niue operate in free association with New Zealand. This means they share citizenship, currency and head of state while maintaining self-governance. The state of Hawai’i is a part of the United States of America, while multiple territories are also in Polynesia. These include French Polynesia (France), American Samoa (USA), and Easter Island (Chile).

The Melanesia Arc: While not as easy to show like the Polynesian Triangle, it is much easier to understand. The Melanesia Arc contains the countries of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The territory islands include New Caledonia (France). It has far fewer islands than Polynesia, wouldn’t you agree?

What is the Travel Forecast for the South Pacific?

June, July, August – American Summer means South Pacific Winter

While the world winter may mean cold to us, it means dry and warm for the South Pacific islands. This is the perfect time to go and experience all that it has to offer. It is also whale season which runs usually from June to October, with great views from July into September. Our CARTE ATLAS Travel Forecast gives this a great outcome to experience all that the South Pacific has to offer.

September, October, November – American Autumn means South Pacific Spring.

Enter the cyclone season. Expect to wear longer sleeves and trousers and mosquitos begin to appear. I would also be wary of extra rain as the spring progresses there. The humidity and rainfall are on their way. I would also caution you here as a delayed or canceled flight could begin to occur.

December, January, February – American Winter means South Pacific Summer.

This is key travel time for locals as this encompasses the Christmas and New Years celebrations. It is also a key time of year for multiple rain showers. This can bring large amounts of mosquitos, high humidity, and high temperatures. Not the picture perfect holiday we have in mind.

March, April, May – American Spring means South Pacific Autumn.

Those rains in Spring and Summer we just talked about will slowly fade away. It brings about clear waters that are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water adventures. It just might take time before all the rain goes away, the mosquitos leave, and the humidity dies down. If you have your own snorkel set, now is the time to pack it and explore the reefs. Perhaps, closer to May.

Ready to explore more places to visit each month? Visit our CARTE ATLAS Travel Forecast to read more about the best places to travel. You can also watch online our monthly segments or live on Coast Live WTKR. Each month we dive into travel planning and where to travel to next six months from now and beyond.

How can I Travel to the South Pacific?

TAHITI & FIJI: Homebase for a South Pacific Sojourn

Both Tahiti and Fiji have become a top destination for the islands as it now has nonstop routes from various international locations. The islands themselves do not often fly to each other. Tahiti and Fiji, however, often can become a home base to explore the islands you prefer. It can also be a place for cruises to depart out of if a voyage by sea is preferred. Tahiti has plenty of islands to explore, as well as close proximity to Cook Islands. Fiji can be a great place to explore Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. You are in the heart of it all, and can unlock plenty of doors.

HAWAI’I: Add a trip to Polynesia with Tahiti

There usually are direct flights from Hawai’i into Tahiti. This can bring the South Pacific to you while on a vacation. It is the optimal time to visit during the summer. You could have one week in Hawai’i followed by one week in the South Pacific. Likely flying into Pape’ete, Tahiti, you then have access to locations in French Polynesia. These include places such as Mo’orea, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotu Islands. The Cook Islands are also close by. Tahiti is also a common luxury cruise or yacht embarkation location. The cruise allows you to visit multiple islands while just unpacking once.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND: Add a trip to Melanesia with Fiji

If you have these nations on your vacation, you are incredibly close to the South Pacific already. Fiji is less than five hours away from Sydney and less than four hours away from Auckland. New Caledonia is just shy of three hours flying time from Sydney. This can open up to additional locations to you, like Vanuatu. You are now able to explore the islands that few get to enjoy. Having that luxury of going where few get to go gives new meaning to the eternal benefit of travel.

CHILE: Add a trip to Easter Island

The island is less than six hours flight from Santiago, Chile, and is also available by cruise. The island itself is often a site visit for world cruises. Those cruises usually go all the way around the world in a circumnavigation. Perhaps even a Transpacific Cruise, which will cross the entire Pacific Ocean in one go. A Transpacific Cruise will be much longer than a Transatlantic. Those usually will go from Southampton, United Kingdom, to New York City, United States of America.

What Islands can I Visit in Polynesia?

TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA

Tahiti – The main island, with its capital Pape’ete is a common starting point.

South of Hawai’i, the islands of French Polynesia which include Tahiti are often a first introduction to the region. The island of Tahiti is the starting point. The Faa’a International Airport located in the capital of Tahiti, Pape’ete, is ten minutes from downtown. Direct flights from the United States are common, including Hawai’i and the west coast. At CARTE ATLAS, we can arrange private transfers to your resort once you arrive to avoid the taxi line. The cruise terminal is located in Pape’ete and is not considered a far walk. While the island of Tahiti is a starting point, I would recommend heading to a more remote location. The island and its capital city bring traffic, noise and crowds.

Should you wish to visit the island further, I often ensure Sunday is a part of this experience. That is when Pape’ete comes alive with its market. An early morning, and we mean by 7am, will grant you a wonderful culinary experience. The multiple stalls with fish, vegetables, and food will leave you wanting more. Be sure to try the Firifiri, which is a doughnut made with coconut milk. Or perhaps the Pua’a roti, which is a roasted pork chinese-style. If you have a sweet tooth, then Po’e is for you. It is a fruit puree mixed with tapioca and covered in coconut milk. The market can close as early as 10am, so do not sleep on this experience!

You also might hear the term “Society Islands” when exploring French Polynesia. This is the name of an archipelago which includes multiple famous islands. Those islands include Tahiti, Bora Bora, Mo’orea, among many others. The luxury cruise line Paul Gauguin specializes in these voyages and offers 7-Night Voyages to explore the Society Islands.

Bora Bora – Welcome to quiet and barefoot luxury.

With its iconic peaks rising up from the center, the island of Bora Bora is one that plenty recognize. The key to unlocking its beauty though, is seeing it for yourself. With plenty of luxury resorts to choose from, the island greets you with its beauty. The gentle water and sunsets over the island bring the eternal benefit of travel to life. Overwater bungalows are an experience few get to enjoy. Bora Bora offers it to her guests in wide array of choices. To relax in a private pool, and gaze at the beauty of the island, is an experience of a lifetime.

Mo’orea – Whales rise up to greet you.

The beautiful lagoon and mountain peaks make Mo’orea an icon of Polynesia. The island is about a 40-minute ferry ride away from Pape’ete in Tahiti. The nature seems to come out of the water to greet you. Temae Beach is a white sand beach with iconic palm trees. Belvedere Lookout launches you into hiking trails along the island. Opunohu Bay and Ta’ahimanu Beach give you beautiful views of the mountains while snorkeling along the reefs. You can explore the island by car, e-bike, scooter or via a guided tour as well. CARTE ATLAS is happy to ensure arrangements are made to make the most of your experience.

This island is also iconic for one large and always returning guest. Whales migrate through here and love to visit Mo’orea. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the whales that visit, with our CARTE ATLAS Travel Forecast showing July through September as the prime months to enjoy.

Taha’a – So close, yet feels so far.

The island of Taha’a is less developed than its more known relative of Bora Bora. That makes it more appealing for those wishing for an escape. The island has famous vanilla plantations which are highly regarded. It also has rum that is made by the locals. Absolutely beautiful resorts call this place home, and CARTE ATLAS would love to introduce you to them.

Tetiaroa – Private & Exclusive

Plenty of stars from Hollywood have made Tetiaroa a holiday vacation destination. The absolute best in private luxury can be found here. It is the island that says private and exclusive, while at the same time, welcoming you with open arms.

Voyaging by Sea – Common, plenty of ships and opportunities

One key way to see the islands is by the water. After all, this is how the voyagers of Polynesia expanded and built their island nations. The luxury cruise line Paul Gauguin specializes in ships that can handle the shallow waters. While some cruise lines may dock away from the island, their ships can go into the coves and lagoons. The views from the ship as you relax and take in the beauty are envied by many. Dive into the Paul Gauguin Experience and envision yourself on their luxury voyages.

These islands themselves are exceptionally spread out. Plenty of islands are there for exploration, but often are not available by plane or ferry. Enjoying all that French Polynesia has to offer via a 14-Night Voyage to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands shows the full range of these islands. Their 10- & 11-Night Voyages to Tuamotus & the Society Islands offer fewer nights but the same beauty. The most common cruise ports include Pape’ete/Tahiti and Bora Bora, followed by Mo’orea.

Plenty of voyages are ready to explore with Paul Gauguin. They currently have a 2026 Voyages Catalog, a 2027 Voyages Catalog, and a 2028 Voyages Catalog.

For 2027, Paul Gauguin Cruises will be partnering with The Explorers Club, the world’s leading society of cultural exploration and scientific discovery with over 120 years of history. On May 29 and Nov 6, 2027 sailings, members will sail aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, sharing their stories and expertise in ways that transform travel into exploration.

If you are looking for a Tempting Paul Gauguin Tahiti Offer, look no further for you have found it. There are also opportunities with Ponant Explorations, the sister brand of Paul Gauguin, to explore as well.

Quick Tips for Tahiti

• Cash – Be sure to have some as you will often find stalls do not accept credit cards.
• WIFI – Limited to resorts and cruises. If required, be sure to rent a pocket wifi device at the airport or invest in a SIM Card with a local provider.
• Drinking Water – Consider this unsafe to consume, and always have water bottles from your resort. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel.
• Tipping – The custom of tipping is not required.
• Sunday – Most places may be closed in the morning which is for church services.

COOK ISLANDS

Rarotonga – The main harbor to the islands

As we move west from French Polynesia, we arrive at Cook Islands. And a common launching point to the islands is its main island of Rarotonga. Arrival at the Rarotonga International Airport in Avarua is a common first step. Select flights do arrive from Hawai’i into the island. Transfers to luxury hotel stays can be arranged. Additional flights to islands like Aitutaki also fly out of Rarotonga. You will see cruise ships outside the reef. This means tenders will be running into Avatiu Harbour instead of a cruise dock typically found in other locations.

The Muri Lagoon offers plenty to see under the clear waters as you snorkel or kayak. The Avaavaroa Passage showcases beautiful turtles that swim leisurely through. Explore the culture of Cook Islands at Highland Paradise Cultural Centre. The gorgeous gardens of Maire Nui have lily ponds and views of the mountain all in one spot. You can take in all the views as you enjoy the Cross Island Trek. This trek is three to four hours of hiking with north to south recommended. The trek ends at Wigmore’s Waterfall for a well-deserved swim.

The best times are always with native food, and enjoying the Punanga Nui Market which occurs on Saturday morning in Avarua. Food might include Fish Tacos with grilled Tuna or Mahi Mahi. Drinks may include Nu, which is drinking coconut. The jewels of the islands are also present, specifically pearls. Visit pearl stores and other shops in Avarua. You might even find a Pare Rito, a hat made from coconut fibres, or a Tivae-vae which is hand-sewn quilted fabrics. Evening comes alive during “Island Night” which includes beautiful dance and music.

Aitutaki – The luxury escape waiting for you

Arriving here from Rarotonga is a quick 45-minute flight into the Aitutaki Airport. While this could easily be a day trip, the real luxury is staying here overnight. Luxury resorts do indeed exist here. They allow you to say that the lagoon was not a stop over, but fulfilled travel desire.

The lagoon offers many opportunities to explore. You could take a day cruise on the Aitutaki Lagoon that stops at the islets that surround it. This is also called Motu-hopping, as the word Motu means Islet. The islet of Maina has plenty of tropical birds for example. The islet of Tapuaeta’i might have a bbq lunch served. Enjoy lunch after you snorkel between this islet and Tekopua islet. You can swim, snorkel, kiteboard, and enjoy the whales that also pass by.

Voyaging by Sea – Uncommon or Rare

You will find Rarotonga an Uncommon stop, with 25 or fewer cruise ships visiting in a year. These cruises are usually from Trans Pacific Voyages or from Paul Gauguin on select cruises. Aitutaki I would consider a Rare stop with usually 15 or fewer cruise ships visiting in a year.

Windstar Cruises specializes in small ship cruising, and Getting Closer Changes Everything. Feel free to explore their South Pacific sailings to Cook Islands, Tahiti, and beyond.

Quick Tips for Cook Islands

• Cash – Credit Cards are widely accepted here. Note that because this is associated with New Zealand, the NZ Dollar is the currency. I always recommend having some on hand just in case.
• WIFI – Limited to resorts and cruises. If required, be sure to invest in a SIM Card with a local provider.
• Drinking Water – Consider this unsafe to consume, and always have water bottles from your resort. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel.
• Tipping – The custom of tipping is not required.
• International Date Line – If you are traveling here from Australia or New Zealand, it is important to note you are crossing the International Date Line. This would impact your hotel stays and flights, as you would be arriving the previous day. This is why having a luxury travel advisor like CARTE ATLAS puts this stress away. Let us handle this for you, and ensure you arrive on time, and perhaps with an extra day in your pocket.
• Sunday – Most places may be closed in the morning which is for church services.

Remaining Islands

American Samoa: The only American inhabited location in the southern hemisphere

Compared to the nation of Samoa, the islands could not be more different. A seaport and tuna canneries greet you, however that is not why you come here. You come to see the National Park of American Samoa, which is as stunning as any national park stateside, if not more. The national park began in 1988 near Pago Pago, the main city for the island of Tutuila that is American Samoa. The visitor center offers a wealth of knowledge as you explore. Flights from Hawai’i occur rarely; however, as an American territory, it is the easiest place to visit in terms of currency, electricity, and driving. It is not developed like Samoa, as tourism is not its main form of income. A port stop here is RARE with likely less than fifteen visits in a year.

Samoa: The Heart of Polynesia

Samoa considers itself the heart of Polynesia and follows Fa’a Samoa, or the Samoan Way. The nation has two primary islands, as well as a few smaller ones. ‘Upolu is the main island that houses the capital Apia which contains Faleolo International Airport and Apia Harbour. Cruises that come here will likely dock in Apia, and have a five-minute taxi ride or twenty-minute walk into town to reach Apia. Minibuses will often be the tour bus of choice as taxis only take cash. Tours provide you the option to explore natural wonders like Piula Cave Pool, Papase’ea Sliding Rocks or the famous Sua Ocean Trench. Bring your swimsuit and a change of clothes for these tours. Savai’i is the second primary island and is the largest shield volcano in the South Pacific. You can visit this island by ferry if you enjoy lava fields, craters and active blowholes.

The city of Apia hosts plenty of culture with its Samoa Cultural Village so you can see the Fa’a Samoa first hand. You may even see the Royal Samoan Police Band march and play. For shopping, the Fugalei Market has coconut jewelry, and lava-lava (sarongs). You will find plenty of smoothies, but ensure you have cash on hand as credit cards may not be widely used. Samoa may become your own Treasure Island as you head to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The Scottish author lived here before his death, and his tomb is a hike up Mt Vaea. If you wish to spend the night or have an overnight cruise stop, a Fiafia is worth it. This is a “Happy Get-Together” with dancing, singing, music, and plenty of food. A port stop here is UNCOMMON with likely twenty or fewer cruise visits in a year.

Tonga: A Nature Wonderland Above & Below the Ocean

The nation of Tonga is filled with natural wonder, from humpback whales swimming underneath to gorgeous forests that rise from the ocean. Tongatapu is the main island with its capital Nuku’alofa, which hosts Fua’amotu Airport and a cruise port. The city has plenty of walkable locations well within reach. Vuna Wharf is where cruise ships dock and offers access directly into the city. The Talamahu Market has great food like tomatoes, lemons and coconut cream. There is plenty of shopping at the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre for local handmade items.

On the island of Tongatapu you can see the amazing blowholes of Mapu’a ‘a Vaea, or perhaps explore the Hufangalupe Archway. There is even a stonehenge structure you can wander through called Ha’amonga’a Maui. If you would like a more private escape, the island of Pangaimotu is less than a fifteen-minute ferry ride. A cruise stop on the island of Vava’u can allow snorkeling in the Swallows Cave to occur, which is one hour from Vava’u. Whales arrive from June to September. A port stop to Tonga can vary, with Nuku’alofa RARE with likely fifteen or fewer cruise visits in a year, and Vava’u VERY RARE with likely five or fewer.

Niue – The Rock of Polynesia

The world’s smallest self governing nation is known as the Rock of Polynesia. It is home to dozens of caves for both spelunking, scuba and diving. With no run off rivers, the visibility of the water is astounding. The island is also the only Dark Sky nation, as it is accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association. Views of the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds offer sights using binoculars or a telescope. Whales can be seen from July through October. Similar to Cook Islands, it is associated with New Zealand and uses their currency. A port stop here is VERY RARE with five or fewer cruise visits on average in a year.

Voyaging by Sea – Uncommon to Very Rare

• Uncommon Port Stops with twenty five or fewer cruises a year: Apia, Samoa
• Rare Port Stops, with fifteen or fewer cruises a year: Pago Pago, American Samoa; Nuku’alofa, Tonga;
• Very Rare Port Stops, with five or fewer cruises a year: Niue; Vava’u, Tonga;

Quick Tips for these Islands

• Cash – Assume cash is 100% required, and must be in local currency.
• WIFI – Limited to resorts and cruises. These islands will not have great connectivity. It is recommended to download anything first before arrival or disembarking. If required, be sure to invest in a SIM Card with a local provider.
• Drinking Water – Consider this unsafe to consume, and always have water bottles from your resort or cruise. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel.
• Tipping – The custom of tipping is not required.
• International Date Line – If you are traveling here from Australia or New Zealand, it is important to note you are crossing the International Date Line. This would impact your hotel stays and flights, as you would be arriving the previous day. This is why having a luxury travel advisor like CARTE ATLAS puts this stress away. Let us handle this for you, and ensure you arrive on time, and perhaps with an extra day in your pocket.
• Sunday – Most places may be closed in the morning which is for church services.

What Islands can I Visit in Melanesia?

FIJI

Viti Levu – Gateway to the Islands of Fiji

The nation of Fiji has grown in popularity each passing year. The islands have become, not just a beautiful location itself, but a launch pad for cruises into more remote islands. The gateway is the main island of Viti Levu. The island contains Nadi Airport where nearly every international plane will land. From there, you will likely take a connection to Nausori International Airport in Suva. The capital city of Suva is a cruise port city where you likely will embark on your cruise of the South Pacific. The other cruise port is located at Lautoka. This is important to note that the arrival and embarkation points are not at the same spot. This is different from the other islands we have discussed. As a luxury travel advisor, we ensure that your voyage goes smoothly, and we take this all into consideration.

The capital of Suva comes with the beautiful gastronomic flare. The city is quite walkable, and you will find plenty to enjoy. The Suva Municipal Market is a tropical food lover’s paradise. There are plenty of spices to smell and explore in the market. You may even find the local dish of Kokoda, which contains raw fish, lime, coconut milk and vegetables. Pair this with Ota, a wild fern salad, and you have got yourself a delightful dish. Keep exploring to see the Thurston Gardens with fruit bats hanging off the trees, and wander through the Fiji Museum. You can learn more about Kava drink. Keep an eye out for a local shop selling Sulu (Sarong). The waterfront has plenty of food stops to try Nama, a sea grape salad, while enjoying the various blues of the water. Indian cuisine also features heavily here, and has multiple restaurants to enjoy.

Vanua Levu – Underwater Reefs & Marine Reserves Await

The second island most likely to be seen is Vanua Levu. This island contains the cruise port of Savusavu. This area hosts a number of beautiful locations to dive, snorkel, boat, or any number of aquatic activities. Rainbow Reef has a colorful array of corals to enjoy. White, Purple, Yellow and more get you up close to the colors of the ocean. The Namena Marine Reserve, the largest marine reserve in Fiji, hosts plenty of species. Multiple whales from humpback to minke can be spotted here July through October. You may also see spinner or bottlenose dolphins. The Hawksbill turtle has nesting sites here. It can take about 45 minutes to get to the reserve from Savusavu, so we make sure to plan this for you accordingly. You do not want to miss the underwater beauty of Fiji. Even Jacques Cousteau believed Fiji had some of the best reefs around.

Ports & Islands Beyond – Privacy Awaits Your Voyage

Should your port stop visit Lautoka, be ready to learn about the sugar industry. Lautoka is known as the “Sugar City” and hosts plenty of sugar plantations. You are also quite close to prime surfing locations and may be able to see surfers out on the water. Natadola Beach offers white sand and a beautiful, relaxing view. Multiple reefs are nearby as well for a day at sea. These include Covuli Reef and Tivua Island.

Additional islands offer luxury resort stays. The Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands give the white sand beach look and feel that make Fiji world renowned. Other islands where luxury hotels reside, away from busy cruise ports and cities, include Yaukuve Levu, Pacific Harbour, Royal Davui, and Wakaya. Whether you search for barefoot luxury, quiet luxury, or a mix of both, Fiji can indeed provide all of this.

Voyaging by Sea – Common to Rare

• Common Port Stops with twenty five or fewer cruises a year: Suva and Lautoka
• Rare Port Stops, with fifteen or fewer cruises a year: Savusavu

Quick Tips for Fiji

• Cash – Have local currency ready, especially if you are venturing outside the larger cities and ports.
• WIFI – Limited to resorts and cruises and could be unreliable. These islands will not have great connectivity. It is recommended to download anything first before arrival or disembarking. If required, be sure to invest in a SIM Card with a local provider.
• Drinking Water – Consider this unsafe to consume, and always have water bottles from your resort or cruise. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel.
• Tipping – The custom of tipping is not required.
• Sunday – Most places may be closed in the morning which is for church services.

VANUATU

Port Vila, Efate – Culture Meets Connection

Vanuatu has become a staple of Melanesia. Along with Fiji & New Caledonia, it is a common stop to experience. The main capital is Port Vila. The town contains Bauerfield International Airport with plenty of direct flights from Australia and Fiji. Port Vila also plays host to the cruise port terminal, which is just a five-minute drive from town. There is a short boat ride to Hideaway Island, which features an underwater post office. For a more local experience, the Hebrida Market Place and the Port Vila Market provide fresh fruit, hand painted clothing, and authentic ni-Vanuatu crafts. You might find laplap which is the national dish of root vegetables, coconut cream, and fish or chicken. There is plenty of fresh seafood grilled and steamed with spices. For history lovers, the Vanuatu National Museum might just have a sand drawing artist on site.

The Ekasup Cultural Village is twenty minutes away from Port Vila. Here you can learn about Kastom which is the way of life from politics to ceremonies of ni-Vanuatu. This would be about a half day, which could involve your entire port stop. A real exploration into the way of life helps you understand Vanuatu in new found ways.

Voyaging by Sea – Common

• Common Port Stop with multiple cruises a year: Port Vila, Vanuatu

Quick Tips for Vanuatu

• Earthquake – A 2024 7.3 earthquake impacted this nation, so if you see areas needing improvement please keep this in mind.
• Cash – Have local currency ready, especially if you are venturing outside Port Vila.
• WIFI – Limited to resorts and cruises and could be unreliable. These islands will not have great connectivity. It is recommended to download anything first before arrival or disembarking. If required, be sure to invest in a SIM Card with a local provider.
• Photography – For special ceremonies involving kastom, we invite you to be present.
• Drinking Water – Consider this unsafe to consume, and always have water bottles from your resort or cruise. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel.
• Tipping – The custom of tipping is not required.
• Sunday – Most places may be closed in the morning which is for church services.

NEW CALEDONIA

Noumea, Grand Terre – Sail the Largest Lagoon in the World

New Caledonia contains natural wonders, including the largest lagoon on our planet. There are plenty of reefs and beaches to explore on the island of Grand Terre. Your gateway likely will be Noumea, which blends French and Melanesian cultures together into one beautiful place. The Tontouta International Airport is just 45 minutes from the city, and cruise ships will anchor at the Port of Noumea for their visits.

The city of Noumea has plenty to see. French restaurants will surround you with poisson cru which is the famous Polynesian dish of fish and coconut milk with lime. There is also the local Ti’Punch (short for Petit Punch) which is a cocktail worth sipping, with rum and sugar cane. The Port Moselle Market hosts ripe fruit to enjoy as a snack. You can also snorkel just by the Baie des Citrons, with coral reefs and tropical fish all around you.

The island of Grand Terre is a nature lover’s paradise. The Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue has plenty of natural wonders. The Ilot Maitre is just 15-minute boat ride from Noumea and has windsurfing, kayaks and more on bright blue waters. Parc des Grandes Fougeres gives stunning forests a home to hike and enjoy. Plage de Poe offers lagoon relaxation, white sands, and various blue waters. New Caledonia truly gives a Pacific Paradise no matter where you seem to explore. You might even find yourself seeing totem poles carved by the Kanak people of New Caledonia.

Voyaging by Sea – Common

• Common Port Stop with multiple cruises a year: Noumea, New Caledonia

Quick Tips for New Caledonia

• Cash – Have local currency ready, especially if you are venturing outside Noumea.
• WIFI – Limited to resorts and cruises and could be unreliable. These islands will not have great connectivity. It is recommended to download anything first before arrival or disembarking. If required, be sure to invest in a SIM Card with a local provider.
• Photography – For customary Kanak ceremonies, please ask before taking photos.
• Drinking Water – Consider this unsafe to consume, and always have water bottles from your resort or cruise. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel.
• Tipping – The custom of tipping is not required.
• Sunday – Most places may be closed in the morning which is for church services.

REMAINING ISLANDS

Solomon Islands: Over 900 Islands with a Historic Past

With over 900 islands, the Solomon Islands welcome only around 30,000 tourists a year. These islands truly are a unique place to explore, and very few pursue them. The port city of Honiara on the main island of Guadalcanal is the place to start. Cruises will dock just a short walk from the Honiara Central Market and Honiara Craft Market. At the market, you can sample ngali nuts and poi, taro-root paste. Be sure to see the various shells as well, which were the traditional currency of the Solomon Islands. The Vilu War Museum hosts relics from World War II on display for history lovers to see. The US War Memorial is also close by. You even have the opportunity to snorkel above a Japanese shipwreck from the war at Bonegi, just 30 minutes away from the port city.

Papua New Guinea: Unexplored Lands Await

The country shares its main island with Indonesia, while also having other islands near the Solomon Islands. It is not considered a common port stop; however, it does have a few places to explore. You may enter Rabaul, Madang or Port Moresby. But there are plenty of islands around as well. Port Moresby is often where you will find international stops, while Madang will have plenty of shorelines to explore. Rabaul is where volcanic activity still exists, while also housing a few World War II relics. The cuisine is pork heavy with Mumu which has pork, sweet potatoes and greens in an earth oven cooking technique. But the international scene continues to grow, especially for bird lovers. Plenty of Birds of Paradise reside in Papua New Guinea. The naturalist will definitely find the beauty in this island nation.

Voyaging by Sea – Rare to Very Rare

• Rare Port Stops, with fifteen or fewer cruises a year: Honiara, Solomon Islands; Rabaul, Papua New Guinea;
• Very Rare Port Stops, with five or fewer cruises a year: Santa Ana & Lumalihe, Solomon Islands; Alotau & Garove Island, Papua New Guinea;

Quick Tips for these Islands

• Cash – Assume cash is 100% required, and must be in local currency.
• WIFI – Limited to resorts and cruises. These islands will not have great connectivity. It is recommended to download anything first before arrival or disembarking. If required, be sure to invest in a SIM Card with a local provider.
• Drinking Water – Consider this unsafe to consume, and always have water bottles from your resort or cruise. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel.
• Tipping – The custom of tipping is not required.

What Islands are Not Part of South Pacific?

Welcome to Micronesia – The main group of islands is called Micronesia. While they are close to the South Pacific islands, they are at or above the equator. Thereby being part of the North Pacific. They include two United States territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana islands. They also include the countries of Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

United States Territories – Guam is the largest of the islands of Micronesia. It operates as a United States territory, and likely has flights to the island from Hawai’i. The Northern Mariana Islands lie just north of Guam and encompass a vast array of islands.

The Five Micronesian Countries: The Marshall Islands are the closest to Hawai’i, and consist of volcanic masses and plentiful coral reefs. Kiribati, which contains the Gilbert Islands, lies nearly central in the Pacific Ocean. In fact, it straddles both sides of the equator, north and south. Nauru lies further west and is the smallest island nation on the planet. The Federated States of Micronesia spreads out from there stretching over 600 islands. Palau makes up the final nation, sitting just east of the Philippines and north of Indonesia.

Voyaging By Sea is Extremely Rare: A visit to any of these islands should be considered extremely rare. Ports might see five or fewer cruises in a year. The most common cruise ships that can visit are expedition and luxury small ship. You will also find Trans Pacific crossings occasionally stop here as well, though it is never a guarantee depending on their final repositioning.