A French overseas country like Tahiti, New Caledonia is a long island 17,000 square kilometres in size, enclosed by an extensive and complex coral reef system. The capital town, Noumea, has a very large, well­equipped marina and is a popular stopping­off port for yachties from all over the Pacific.

Just to the south of Noumea are two of the finest beaches in the South Pacific, Baie de Citrons and Anse Vata Bay. The latter closely resembles a beach on the French Riviera, with its long stretch of golden sand, catamarans and Windsurfers for hire, and just across the waterfront road, resorts, cafes and restaurants galore, all serving a‘la cuisine Francaise

A day‘s launch trip from Noumea to Amedee Lighthouse, located on an islet on the outer edge of the lagoon, is a unique excursion. The lighthouse was built with convict labour (New Caledonia was once a French penal colony) and is older than Paris‘s Eiffel Tower. Surrounding the lighthouse are powdery white sands and water which is superb for snorkelling. A picnic under the palm trees completes a great day on the water.

Off the southern end of New Caledonia, only 20 minutes by air from Noumea, is the Isle of Pines. Several sheltered bays indent the island‘s coast, where there are glorious white sand beaches, translucent lagoons and, on the skyline, the pine trees after which the island is named. There is very good scuba diving at the Isle of PinesOuameo Bay.