©Noumea, capital of New Caledonia|Marine Reveilhac

Nouméa Stopover

The French Touch of the Pacific

Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, offers a unique blend of South Pacific charm and French sophistication. Located in the heart of the city, the port gives cruise passengers immediate access to shops, cafés, museums, bakeries, and restaurants, and just a few minutes by car to white-sand beaches. Beyond the attractions of a modern, cosmopolitan city, Nouméa also serves as the gateway to islets, lagoons, and nearby natural parks. It is both an appealing destination for visitors and a highly practical technical stop for cruise operators.

Excursions from the Capital

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Port Access & Berthing

“Quai des conteneurs” (Outer Port)

Length of berth: 680 m (853 yd): 1 cruise ship authorised
Berth height: 3 m at low tide
Maximum length overall (LOA): 350 m (382.7 yd)
Maximum draught: 10.3 m (11.2 yd)
Tidal range: 1.80 m (1.9 yd)
Towing compulsory for vessels over 60 m (65.6 yd) LOA
Trawling compulsory for vessels over 80 m (87 yd)
No gangway ashore
Distance from town: 1 km (0.6mi)
Shuttles compulsory for customers between the port and the cruise passenger terminal (access to the ferry terminal provided by the cruise lines)
Tour operators can pick up passengers directly from the quay for excursions purchased on board.

Cruise ship at the Quai des conteneurs in Nouméa — ©Cruise ship at the Quai des conteneurs|Oneye Productions

©Cruise Ship at Quai Ferry in Nouméa|Cédric Jacquot Photography

“Quai des Longs Courriers” (Inner Port)

Length of berth: 110 m (120.297 yd)
Berth height: 3 m (3.28yd) at low tide / 1.50 m (1.64 yd) at high tide
Length overall (LOA): 262 m (286.5 yd)
Maximum draught: 8.9 m (9.7 yd)
Tidal range: 1.80 m (1.9 yd)
25 knots maximum for vessels up to 262 m
Towing compulsory for vessels over 60 m (65.6 yd) LOA
Trawling mandatory for vessels over 80 m (87 yd)
No gangway ashore
Location near the city centre
In and around the cruise terminal, you’ll find a range of tourist services and facilities, including bureaux de change, independent tour operators, free Wi-Fi, craft markets and more.

Port Autonome de Nouvelle-Calédonie

Nouméa Cruise Terminal

The Nouméa Cruise Terminal is the central passenger facility, conveniently located near downtown shops, cafés, and restaurants. It offers: free Wi-Fi, excursion operator desks, currency exchange counter, large craft market, tourist information desk, toilets and practical passenger services.