Noonsite Pacific Ocean outlook

Pacific Ocean © noonsite.com

Hurricanes: The 2024 central Pacific hurricane season outlook from NOAA forecasters is below average, with only 1-4 tropical cyclones across the central Pacific Hurricane region. A near-normal season has 4 or 5 tropical cyclones, which include tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes.

Sharks: With such incredible colours and life in the sea around the South Pacific, most cruisers spend a lot of time swimming, snorkeling and diving. Occasionally, however, things go wrong very quickly, as demonstrated by OCC member SV Kisadee's account of an unprovoked shark attack in the remote Gambier.

French Polynesia: Yacht clearance is becoming faster and more efficient with the introduction of the pre-arrival online form, as reported by cruisers clearing into Nuka Hiva, Marquesas and Rikitea, Gambier. This has reduced arrival paperwork with no more bother having to send forms to Papeete.

Cook Islands Port Authority have confirmed that Avatiu (Rarotonga) and Arutanga (Aitutaki) are the only two ports of entry currently operational. From July 1st, 2024, there will be a 6% increase in port tarif fees for yachts visiting Avatiu.

Samoa: Nearly 400 Dengue Fever cases have been reported in the last 6 months and 120 new cases in the first two weeks of May. Health authorities recommend comprehensive insurance - including the provision for medical evacuation by air.

Niue has been bustling with World ARC boats these last 2 weeks, however the fleet have now departed meaning moorings are readily available once again. Book your mooring in advance via the Niue Yacht Club website.

New Caledonia: South Pacific Rally boats departing from ports in NZ and Australia for New Caledonia, have had to divert to Vanuatu after violent protests broke out in Noumea mid-May. It is recommended to avoid the country for the forseeable future. Supplies including food and spare parts are hard to come and there are no commercial flights in and out of the country. Anyone concerned for cruising friends or relatives in New Caledonia should contact or Noumea Yacht Services who are assisting cruisers where possible.

Vanuatu Border Control ask that all yachts coming from Noumea to Vanuatu report to Port Vila as their port of entry.

Papua New Guinea: Cruisers clearing out of Vanimo on the Main Island, report on the procedures.

New Zealand: A free Cruisers Guide to the Bay of Islands, in Northland, has been published by the Opua Business Association and Bay of Islands Marina.

This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.