Bluewater Safari

Dean wants to go where his dad never went, New Caledonia, but the wind abandons Barefoot on the long crossing from the Coral Sea. It's a slow but spectacular journey until the engine explodes.

Barefoot heads to the other Loyalty Islands: Lifou and Ouvea. These islands are laid back, rich in cultural heritage and full of environmental treasures. Local tradition demands Dean and the crew seek permission of the Chief.

The Barefoot crew heads to Grande Terre, the main island of New Caledonia with supplies running low. When they hit land, they find empty streets and closed shops courtesy of a local festival.

As they head north up the east coast of Grande Terre, the Barefoot crew find themselves in Canala Bay and take the opportunity to hike inland to a spectacular waterfall. The east coast also provides three historic wreck dives.

Barefoot completes its circumnavigation of New Caledonia with a festival of free diving around Bonhomme de Bourail and Blue Hole; with Vanuatu calling, crew are tested by the rough west coast waters as they fish for supplies for the crossing.

The crossing to Vanuatu is rough, held up by appalling weather and slowed by sea sickness. The Barefoot crew are relieved to arrive in Tanna, and take some time on land to revive their spirits.

Dean takes the Barefoot crew on a search to find Stanley, a local Chief who helped his father Ben learn more about Vanuatu more than half a century ago. As they journey into the rainforest, they take time for river diving and discover rock carvings.

Barefoot travels to the far south of Vanuatu on a mission to Mystery Island. This uninhabited island with a dark military history provides stunning free diving opportunities for the crew.

Dean and the crew take a breath out, slow down and take in the beauty of the ocean between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Surrounded by curious sharks, stingrays and turtles, Barefoot meanders from bommie to sand cay to spectacular sunset.

As Barefoot nears the Australian Coast, the crew bond with the birds of Chesterfield Reef and explore the pristine marine environment around the 11 Chesterfield Islands. The expedition is rounded off with a return to the Wreck Reefs.