Southern Province
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- Perfect reef pass waves
- Variety of barrier reef breaks
- Exotic yacht trip
- Low crowd factor
Negatives
- Boat access only
- Easily blown-out
- Very expensive
- Inconsistent
Southern Province surf travel guide
It’s only in the last couple of years that New Caledonia's surf spots have begun to reveal their potential for outer reef barrels to a waiting surf world.
Although the equal of anywhere else in the South Pacific, it is unlikely to become as popular as some of its neighbours because its waves break on reef passes between 5-20km offshore and are stretched along a 700km ribbon of barrier reef. This means that unless you can afford to be on an expensive charter yacht, or spend a couple of hours each day commuting, you aren't going to do a lot of surfing.
Surf spots in Southern Province
Research the 10 surf breaks in Southern Province and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in Southern Province.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Southern Province
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 120,000
- Population
- 285,498
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- XPF
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +687
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- French, Melanesian
Electricity
- Plug Type
- f
Visas
Unlimited visa free travel for members of the EU. The UK, USA. OZ, NZ, Canada and many others can visit visa free for visits of up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check for latest requirements.
Getting There
New Caledonia is expensive to get to with major airlines including Qantas, Air New Zealand and some charter flights from France. Local carriers are Air Vanuatu and Air Calin. The airport is 45k’s (30mi) from Nouméa.
Getting Around
Rental cars are much more expensive at the airport - prices from $15-22/day + per km charge or all in from $220/wk. Boats to get out to the waves are expensive. You can rent a 7m, 7p zodiac from Nouméa for $2266/wk. Taxi-boat prices fr $62.50 (Jayak; Ouano), but much more in Noumea. For more surf time, but a bigger dent to your wallet, stay on a charter boat out by the waves (Black Lion $1700/7n; Kuare fr $2000/d private charter, sleeps 8).
Accommodation
Nekweta in Bourail has package deals - full board accommodation + surf charter (up to 6 hours surfing) is $150/p/d. The luxury class charter boats are usually catamarans so somewhat cramped. Nights at sea can be noisy and rough. Food on board will have huge helpings of the freshest seafood available. The cost of living is 34% higher than Europe and imported food is 65% higher.
Activities
If you're not surfing then onboard activities are limited to snorkelling, fishing or scuba diving. On land there is trekking, horse riding and exploring many caves.
Hazards & hassles
The only worries are reef cuts, sun stroke and marine life. There are a lot of sea snakes and sharks, with a 15yr old kitesurfer killed by a tiger shark in 2011 and a 19yr old surfer by a great white in 2009 at Bourail. The strong trades regularly hit 25 knots, which is why kitesurfing is so big.
Handy Hints
The French influence in New Caledonia is very strong and the standard of living is high. Surf boutiques in Noumea are pricey, so bring all your own equipment and booties for the reef.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.