Ten Awesome Reasons to Explore the South Pacific
Expect white-sand beaches, sapphire seas, warm weather and warmer hospitality on some of the most amazing tropical islands in the world. The South Pacific is truly made for Superyacht cruising!
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The islands of the South Pacific are, almost without exception, exactly what you’d expect them to be. If you’re picturing idyllic white-sand beaches surrounded by azure lagoons, fringed by nodding palms, then you’re on the right lines. However, with thousands of islands dotted across a vast area of ocean, there is actually a surprising degree of diversity to be found.
Visiting any of the following places is as good for the mind and soul as it is for the body. Completely relaxing and singularly disconnected from the rest of the world, you can really recharge between trekking through pristine jungle, diving on fascinating shipwrecks and enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the locals. To help you narrow down the seemingly endless choice of outstanding places to visit, here are the 10 best.
Fiji
Perhaps the most famous of the island nations in the South Pacific, Fiji is no less stunning for its popularity. The archipelagic nation has a timeless beauty, typified by white-sand beaches, lively coral reefs and lush jungles. It’s no surprise that its landscapes provided backdrops for the movie Cast Away.
The people of Fiji have a curious culture that blends both traditional roots and heavy European influences, to the extent that rugby is one of the more popular sports. Fijians are famous for their hospitality, so you can almost guarantee a warm welcome.
Tonga
Tonga is famous for offering close encounters with whales and a wealth of other marine life at amazing snorkelling and scuba diving sites. Head to the northern islands of Vava’u for a really unforgettable experience.
On land, Tonga is the sort of place where time has no meaning. You can while away the days relaxing on the pristine beaches and then enjoy the equally relaxing party atmosphere in the evenings. Don’t bother watching the clocks – everything happens at its own pace.
Niue
Niue is about as close as you can get to a the deserted island ideal without being actually deserted. It’s an untouched paradise with no crowds, no massive tourism developments, no traffic – virtually nothing, in fact.
Well, nothing except about 1,000 hectares of rain-forest and a tiny native population, making it the smallest independent nation in the world. Nothing except incredibly clear waters, stunning coral reefs and migrating humpback whales passing through each year. If you’re looking for a bit of wild adventure, you’ll find it here.
Palau
Palau has what is generally thought to be the best scuba diving in the South Pacific. Three ocean currents converge to bring a huge amount of nutrients into the shallow waters around the island, in turn bringing a huge array of marine life.
It’s no surprise that the star attraction – the Rock Islands – are UNESCO-listed. Grab your mask, fins and scuba gear and you can see sharks, rays, turtles and much more. If you want to see something really unique, though, head to Jellyfish Lake. Lacking any natural predators, the namesake jellyfish here have lost their stings, so you can swim among them safely.
Mo’orea
Mo’orea is one of the stars of French Polynesia – a volcanic island paradise of rugged, jungle-covered mountains ringed by pristine shores and a stunningly bright blue lagoon.
The protected waters are home to a dizzying array of colourful sea life, including resident whale and dolphin populations. You don’t have to sail too far off shore and the playful marine mammals will be coming to meet you. If you’d rather stay closer to shore, take to the lagoon in a kayak and you’ll have a kaleidoscope of tropical fish escorting you.
Isle of Pines (Île des Pins)
The Isle of Pines (French: Île des Pins) is a tiny speck of land a short flight from Noumea, New Caledonia’s Capital, measuring just 13 km by 15 km. Effectively isolated from the outside world with a population of just 2,000, it’s like a tiny tropical sanctuary.
The variety of reefs in the area is second only to the Great Barrier Reef, and attracts just as diverse a selection of sea life as its more famous cousin. The natural wonders aren’t just under the sea, either. Grab your boots and hike to the top of Pic Nga for amazing views of this amazing island.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is one of the better-known of the South Pacific islands, and therefore a bit busier than the others on this list. Despite its tiny size, there’s so much to see and do that it can seem a little overwhelming.
You can motor through the forest on a 4×4 safari, scale Mount Otemanu for stunning views, relax on the pristine white-sand beaches or take to the crystal-clear seas to see the colourful array of marine life. Don’t forget to book a table for your romantic beachfront dinner, too.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands have a long and interesting history, creating a cultural diverse destination. Numbering nearly 1,000 islands in total, you’ll find tribal traditions blending with European influences, creating a truly unique identity.
The sights to see here are no less diverse and have their own fascinating history. Skull Island is a bit shocking, being a sacred place filled with the skulls of defeated adversaries. The remains of more recent opponents can be found in the form of World War II wrecks, both on land in the form of crashed aircraft and underwater in the form of sunken warships. It’s not all history, though – don’t forget to spend some time enjoying the amazing beaches!
Vanuatu
The 83 islands of Vanuatu have so much to offer that you can’t possibly enjoy it all in a single trip. It’s a first-class wreck diving destination with the SS President Coolidge as the star attraction. On land, you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a live volcano. The fantastic beaches are almost an afterthought!
One of the better-developed destinations in the South Pacific, Vanuatu is great for those who want to live in the lap of luxury. Expect five-star resorts on private beaches, with the sapphire-blue seas lapping almost at your door.
Cook Islands
Made up of only 15 islands spread across an area of ocean similar in size to Western Europe, it’s hard to think of the Cook Islands as a single nation. However, its 15,000 people are among the most welcoming and easy-going you’ll find in the South Pacific.
Be sure to check out the island of Rarotonga, especially if you’re looking for adventure. Surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, it’s most famous for its scuba diving. However, it’s also home to stunning mountain landscapes.
Destinations: Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Fiji for detailed information about cruising around Fiji, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Chase Smith is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Fiji and the surrounding area.
Chase Smith
Phone: +679 999 6556
Email: fiji@seal-superyachts.com
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts New Caledonia for detailed information about cruising around New Caledonia, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Clémentine GIVRE is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of New Caledonia and the surrounding area.
Clémentine GIVRE
Phone: +687 79 56 01
Email: newcaledonia@seal-superyachts.com
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts French Polynesia for detailed information about cruising around French Polynesia, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Pascal Bredin is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of French Polynesia and the surrounding area.
Pascal Bredin
Phone: +689 87 774 447
Email: paco@seal-superyachts.com
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Vanuatu for detailed information about cruising around Vanuatu, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Justin Jenkin is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Vanuatu and the surrounding area.
Justin Jenkin
Phone: +678 771 9174
Email: vanuatu@seal-superyachts.com