For adventurous travellers seeking to create unforgettable memories, a South Pacific yacht charter is an enchanting way to discover one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
Scattered between Hawaii in the north and New Zealand in the south, the archipelago known as the South Pacific consists of hundreds of islands of all shapes and sizes, providing endless opportunities and experiences for those on a yachting holiday.
But don’t expect to explore the whole of the area in just one South Pacific yacht charter. The region covers more than 11 million square miles and includes the notable islands of Tahiti and Fiji as well as dozens of lesser-known, secluded islands whose names we likely can’t even pronounce.
Where to head to on a luxury South Pacific yacht charter?
As previously mentioned, it would be impossible to see all the delights that this stunning region has to offer in one trip. To give you some ideas before you head off on a holiday of a lifetime, we have put together a list of our top five experiences to enjoy when you rent a yacht in the South Pacific.
Whale Watching in Fiji
Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands, with most of the population living on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. With the backdrop of volcanic mountains surrounded by azure blue sea, it is every sailor’s dream and offers incredible snorkelling and diving possibilities. However, our favourite pastime in this remote corner of the globe is watching whales. Whales and dolphins have been protected in Fiji since 2003 when the country was labelled a Whale Sanctuary, and it is quite common to see rare species such as humpback whales, false killer whales, minke whales, sperm whales, fin whales and spinner dolphins leaping through the water.
Explore the Waterfalls in Vanuatu
Vanuatu holds a special place in our hearts thanks to its deserted beaches and rugged scenery. But, perhaps the best part of this ‘no frills’ island is its stunning waterfalls, which are a ‘must’ on any luxury holiday in the South Pacific. A particular favourite is the impressive Mele Cascades a short drive from Port Vila, where you can swim in a series of clear blue pools that form terraces on the hillside. At the top is a 35-metre waterfall which drops into a natural plunge pool.
Hiking on Rarotonga
The magical Cook Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a self-governing archipelago, with its population officially listed as citizens of New Zealand. There is something extraordinary about this place, not least of all the extremely friendly locals and the incredibly beautiful landscapes. Our top tip for those on a South Pacific yacht charter here is to drop anchor in waters off of Rarotonga and hike along the Cross Island Trek. The challenging path cuts through some of the best mountain scenery in the region, finishing up at Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall. The end aim of the trek is to reach The Needle, a jagged rock which juts out in the middle of the island. Needless to say, the views from the top are sublime and well worth the hike.
Watch the pro-surfers at Teahupo’o, Tahiti
We definitely don’t advise that you have a go yourself, but if you are visiting Tahiti on a yacht charter, then it is worth checking out one of the world’s most dangerous surf breaks, Teahupo’o. In fact, with its massive swells and sharp coral reefs below, the legendary surf spot which hosts the Billabong Pro: Tahiti competition is only recommended for surf professionals. Not to worry, as watching the exhilarating sport from afar is very much encouraged.
Witness an active volcano in Hawaii
You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your yacht to experience our last tip for a luxury holiday in the South Pacific, the famed active volcano of Mount Kilauea in Hawaii. Organised tours can be arranged to take you to the heart of this unpredictable volcanic landscape via road, or the dramatic vista can also be seen by sea and air. Without doubt, the optimal time to see this phenomenon is at night, when lava glows brightly. Watching Mount Kilauea billow red hot lava from the deck of your yacht charter is an experience we promise you will never forget.
