Noumea, capital of New CaledoniaNoumea, capital of New Caledonia
©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.

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.

“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.

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.