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Old 25-03-2016, 15:20   #1
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Pacific first timers?

We have cruised the Caribbean for six months with our two children. We are now looking into spending five weeks in the pacific on a bareboat charter. Not keen on very touristy islands and don't want to sail massive distances. A little challenging is fine, such a the odd overnight sail. Where would you suggest to get a real pacific experience?
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Old 25-03-2016, 16:49   #2
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Re: Pacific first timers?

Welcome to CF.

If you are looking to give the kids a cultural experience, consider bare boating out of Phuket with approval to cruise to Langkawi (Malaysia) and return if you choose.
It is always a balance between logistics and tourism when chartering

http://www.sunsail.com/yacht-charter...al-information
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Old 25-03-2016, 16:57   #3
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Re: Pacific first timers?

Whitsunday Islands, Queensland Australia.
There are plenty of Yacht charter companies with a variety of boats in stock. Theres about 70 islands in the Whitsunday Group with excellent snorkelling in many bays as well as lots of quiet places to spend on the hook

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Old 25-03-2016, 17:07   #4
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Re: Pacific first timers?

A somewhat less populous Pacific island destination is New Caledonia. There are both mono and cat charters available, lots of good sailing within the protected waters of the reefs, and a few somewhat touristy spots... and a great many NON touristy spots!

In Noumea you have all the delights of a small French city, but within a very few hours of sailing northwards you can be in an isolated anchorage, all by yourself if that is what you crave. Over the years NC has become our favorite tropical cruising grounds.

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Old 25-03-2016, 17:39   #5
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Re: Pacific first timers?

Great suggestion Jim
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Old 26-03-2016, 03:44   #6
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Re: Pacific first timers?

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Leopardstar.
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Old 26-03-2016, 06:13   #7
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Re: Pacific first timers?

You might want to give Tonga a look
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Old 26-03-2016, 06:46   #8
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Re: Pacific first timers?

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Originally Posted by Jim Cate View Post
A somewhat less populous Pacific island destination is New Caledonia. There are both mono and cat charters available, lots of good sailing within the protected waters of the reefs, and a few somewhat touristy spots... and a great many NON touristy spots!

In Noumea you have all the delights of a small French city, but within a very few hours of sailing northwards you can be in an isolated anchorage, all by yourself if that is what you crave. Over the years NC has become our favorite tropical cruising grounds.

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Probable the best place in the South Pacific , was a Favourite for many years
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Old 26-03-2016, 14:40   #9
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Re: Pacific first timers?

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Originally Posted by Leopardstar2002 View Post
We have cruised the Caribbean for six months with our two children. We are now looking into spending five weeks in the pacific on a bareboat charter. Not keen on very touristy islands and don't want to sail massive distances. A little challenging is fine, such a the odd overnight sail. Where would you suggest to get a real pacific experience?
Do some reading first, see if you are attracted to any particular island groups. Also a good idea to consider what your re-provisioning stops would be, as the further from home you go the less like it the shopping is.

There is a lot more to see and do in New Caledonia than in the Whitsunday Islands, and between the two there are a number of other differences: NC soon gives you a greater feeling of isolation, but there's more great fresh produce in Airlie Beach. A circumnavigation of the whole of Grand Terre will keep you hopping to finish it in five weeks, if you want to stop and look at things. That said, there are loops you can do, lots of water sports involvements possible. There are lots of drift dives on the East Coast, which has a barrier reef. In the Whitsundays, you are confined to limited anchorages, not allowed to go out to the Australian barrier reef, so that the water is not as clear, due to runoff both from the continent and from the islands. Should you choose New Caledonia, in Noumea, there is a World War II Museum that was quite an eye opener to me, and the aquarium is, too. Many will speak to you in English--especially when you try out your school French.

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Old 26-03-2016, 14:52   #10
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Re: Pacific first timers?

G'day

French Polynesia is very expensive. They have little or no income tax. It's all sales tax. That's alright for the residents. but not so good for visitors. You can pay up to US$10 or more for a glass of beer. You need deep pockets to enjoy yourself.

Fiji is a good place to cruise, as long as you don't go there in the cyclone season!

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Old 26-03-2016, 16:30   #11
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Re: Pacific first timers?

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G'day

French Polynesia is very expensive. They have little or no income tax. It's all sales tax. That's alright for the residents. but not so good for visitors. You can pay up to US$10 or more for a glass of beer. You need deep pockets to enjoy yourself.

Fiji is a good place to cruise, as long as you don't go there in the cyclone season!

James
James, the OP is looking at a 5 week charter, not a cruising destination. Unless things have greatly changed, there are few charter opportunities in Fiji (which was a great place for long term cruising for us).

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Old 27-03-2016, 00:32   #12
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Re: Pacific first timers?

Thank you for suggestions so far.
We had heard that the people in New Caledonia were not particularly friendly and it is similar to being in France rather then a pacific island?
We have been considering Tonga or Fiji so any info on those areas would be great.
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Old 27-03-2016, 00:58   #13
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Re: Pacific first timers?

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Originally Posted by Leopardstar2002 View Post
Thank you for suggestions so far.
We had heard that the people in New Caledonia were not particularly friendly and it is similar to being in France rather then a pacific island?
We have been considering Tonga or Fiji so any info on those areas would be great.
A colleague of mine recently chartered in Tonga. He said the whale swim was one of the best things he's ever done.
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Old 27-03-2016, 18:02   #14
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Re: Pacific first timers?

Although Tonga is beautiful I think 5 weeks in the very limited area you can go with a charter would be too long.
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Old 28-03-2016, 05:01   #15
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Re: Pacific first timers?

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Although Tonga is beautiful I think 5 weeks in the very limited area you can go with a charter would be too long.
Great observation.

So far excellent suggestions. Whitsundays are beautiful, safe. New Cal and FP are French, are expensive. If you want the true "Pacific Island" experience, then Tonga is the place- but as stated, 5 weeks may be too long...3 at most, I'd say.
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