The Best Countries to Sail to in the Pacific

Enigmatic, remote and picturesque, the islands of the Pacific Ocean should be on every sailor’s bucket list. Navigating the tranquil waters between these paradisical places will make you feel like you’re alone in the world, while the destinations themselves can’t fail to captivate.

Before you look at yachts for sale and set off from shore, browse this list of the best countries to sail to in the Pacific and identify your favourites. Whether you want remote beaches, bustling ports or luxury resorts, this region has what you’re looking for in abundance. You might be able to build all your chosen countries into one itinerary if you’ve got the time, or you can spend your days discovering one destination in detail.

Fiji

Comprised of over 300 islands each with a unique composition of white sand beaches and rugged lush interiors, this South Pacific archipelago attracts romantics from around the world. The staggering sunsets are the perfect proposal backdrop and will have established couples falling in love all over again.

Must-includes for your itinerary are swimming in the azure waters of the Mamanuca Islands, waterfall walks on Taveuni and world-class diving in the northern islands, best accessed by a scenic flight which provides a bird’s eye view of Vitu Levu, the major island.

French Polynesia

Experience extravagance in French Polynesia, the only overseas country of France – although this ‘country’ is 100 islands spread across 2,000km of ocean, many of which are fringed by coral reefs.

The best holiday destinations in French Polynesia such as Bora Bora rival the Maldives for an idyllic beach experience with water villas perched above the sea and regal resorts offering five-star service and facilities. You’ll also find remote islands praised for their natural beauty such as flower-filled Huahine and jewel-colored Moorea.

New Zealand

Do you value vacations filled with adventure? New Zealand is the destination for you.

In the countryside, majestic mountains, rushing rivers with rapids for rafting and glorious coastline with great waves for surfing await. In Queenstown – known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ – you’ve got bungee jumping, skydiving and paragliding, climbing and zip lining, jet boating and heli-skiing, and zorbing. Don’t miss out on seeing the active geysers at Rotorua.

Hawaii

Sail 2000 miles southwest of the United States and you’ll reach Hawaii, the country’s only non-mainland state which has a distinctive tropical climate and alluring laidback atmosphere that makes it a favorite destination for solo surfers and honeymooners alike.

Go island hopping around Hawaii to discover all the highlights. The main island, O’ahu, is home to the capital Honolulu with high-rise hotels and lively nightlife and historic Pearl Harbour. Sail southeast for 100 miles and you’ll reach Maui which is an idyllic escape with lush rainforest, glittering waterfalls and beaches so beautiful they’ll take your breath away. If snorkeling is on your hitlist, set a course for Kaua’i.

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