Chesterfield Islands - Facts

Following violent protests in May 2024 the situation is now stable and Noumea can once again be used as a stopover. See Security for more info.

Where are the Chesterfield Islands?

Lying some 800 kms (500 miles) west of the northern end of Grande Terre, this is an area of small, uninhabited islets and coral cays and reefs which have been part of the Coral Sea Natural Park since 2014 and a nature reserve since August 2018.

Since the Covid Pandemic the area has been closed to visitors and remains so. The only way to visit is to apply for permission. See this report from the Down Under Rally in their Ahoy Newsletter (August 2023 pages 32-33) here.

Applications to visit can be submitted and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, however, no yachts that have lodged applications to visit have been granted permission as of September 2023.

Cruiser highlights for the Chesterfield Islands:

It provides a useful stopover when on passage between Vanuatu and Australia and it is tolerated if yachts need to anchor here in order to shelter from weather without having a visa or marine park permit. The French Navy will want to know your intentions.

Huon Atoll which is part of Entrecasteaux Reef and Chesterfield Reef are splendid places to visit with gorgeous beaches and thousands of birds.

Chesterfield Reef photo courtesy of SY Maunie of Ardwal.

Entrance notes or cautions for the Chesterfield Islands:

Authorization is required to visit to this marine sanctuary and yachts must clear into the country first before visiting.  See the Clearance section to download the appropriate forms.

It is advisable to swim and snorkel near the beaches as cruisers have reported many sharks in the area.

Position - Long Island, Chesterfield Reef:

19°53'S, 158°19'E