Pacific Ocean outlook - July update

The humpback whales arrived late June in © noonsite.com

Niue: The humpback whales arrived late June in Niue and are expected to stay until October. If you are wintering in NZ and didn't manage to visit Niue on your Pacific crossing, flights from NZ to Niue are very reasonable.

Cook Islands: Palmerston Atoll, famed for their hospitality towards visiting yachts, have been in touch to remind cruisers that in order to visit Palmerston, Cook Islands Customs (Border Control agencies) requires mandatory clearance into Aitutaki or Rarotonga first and sailing vessels have to request for approval to visit Palmerston.

Tonga: Following news that Starlink had to shut down operations in the Kingdom of Tonga, the Government Ministry has now granted a provisional temporary permit to the company to operate in the country for the next six months. Read more...

Fiji: Fiji is one of the most popular cruising destinations in the South Pacific, but skippers heading to these islands need to ensure they are aware of immigration requirements for crew changes and new biosecurity restrictions on cats and dogs on board visiting vessels. Here is an update on the new rules.

NZ: An all-women crew have set sail from New Zealand for Tonga on a restored voyaging waka, in a historic journey aimed at inspiring the next generation of female voyagers and raising the profile of women in the maritime industry. Read more...

Australia: Yachts heading to Australia need to be aware that all international, non-commercial vessels, must only arrive at specific Australian ports, known as First Points of Entry (FPOE). You must also ensure that your FPOE is also a Biosecurity First Point of Entry. If you want to arrive at a Port that is a non-FPOE, you must apply for permission at least 10 days before arriving into Australian territory. Find out more details at Australia Clearance.

Great feedback on clearing into Australia at Thursday Island, from regular Noonsite contributors Maria and Allen Wadsworth of Sailing Jamala, a friendly and straightforward port of entry if coming from Vanuatu.

A number of around-the-world cruising rallies arrive in Queensland, Australia from July onwards. The World ARC Rally, arrive in Mackay from Vanuatu at the end of July, followed by the Oyster World Rally in mid-August (both with 20-30 boats). The Go West Rally yachts arrive in Bundaberg from SW Pacific Islands during October/November.

Taiwan: Super Typhoon Gaemi made landfall near the city of Hualien late July 2024 and officials say it could be the most powerful storm to hit the island in eight years. Read more...

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