Sailing in Vava'u - Tonga
Sample 10 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Neiafu to Kapa Island
After your boat Orientation and chart briefing, depart Neiafu harbour and sail to Kapa Island. This is a great anchorage with a beautiful white sandy beach at low tide, ideal for your first happy hour ashore!
Day 2: Kapa Island to Fale Vai
Snorkel the north side of Ava Island, sail to Nuku and anchor off Fale Vai
Day 3: Fale Vai to Hunga
Sail out the Faihava Pass to Hunga, where the fishing is excellent (bring your favourite lures & handline), anchor in Hunga Lagoon
Day 4: Hunga to Vaka'eitu
Enjoy a short sail to Foeata for snorkelling, then onto Vaka’eitu for the night
Day 5: Day Trip to Luahaipu
Sail south for a day trip to Luaa Fuleheu or Luahaipu, both beautiful and uninhabited, cruise back to Vaka’eitu and snorkel the reef
Day 6: Vaka'eitu to Hinakawea
Beach Sail to Euaiki, then on to Hinakawea Beach for a Polynesian feast and traditional Tongan dance
Day 7: Hinakawea Beach to Kenutu
Sail to remote Maninita for lunch and snorkelling, head north to Kenutu. Anchor and explore the reef
Day 8: Kenutu to Taunga
Leave early for Fanua Tapu Pass, anchor on the north side of Taunga and snorkel the reefs of Tauta
Day 9: Taunga to Olo'ua
Sail carefully through the reefs to visit Mafana and Olo’ua
Day 10: Olo'ua to Kapa Island
Sail around Taunga for snorkelling between Ngau and Pau, then head for Nuapapa and Mariners Cave and on to Swallows Cave on Kapa. Return to Base for check-in and debrief before noon
Cruising Notes
Restricted Zones
This information is covered in the chart briefing – clients are asked to stay away from the windward (east side) exposed Pacific Ocean side of the Island Group. The charter area is the islands of Vava'u Group.
Charter Base Marina in Neiafu
Facilities include provisioning service, fuel, ice, laundry, boutique, restaurant, shower, café and bar
There are NO shops or stores on any of the outer islands, but there are several small island restaurants
Port Maurelle
Port Maurelle is the spot where the Spaniard, Maurelle, the first explorer to see Vava'u, anchored his ship. It is a lovely and protected natural anchorage.
Kapa
From this central location you can cruise to no less than forty recognised anchorages, many of them within two hours sailing of the base. Just out of Neiafu is the lovely island of Kapa with its Swallows Cave, similar to the Blue Grotto in Capri, and a spectacular sight.
Nuapapu, Hunga and Vaka'eitu
To the west are the islands of Nuapapu, Hunga and Vaka'eitu. Hung'as huge lagoon, formed by the crater of an extinct volcano, can only be reached through a 200 foot wide pass. Here a traditional Tongan village shares the shoreline with the 'Island Style' Club Hunga Resort. Further along, on the western coast of N'uapapu is the fascinating Mariner's Cave, an underwater cavern which good swimmers will be able to visit. In Vaka'eitu you will find a safe overnight anchorage.
Mananita
Mananita is surrounded by reefs - which provide some of the best snorkelling in the area. Careful navigation through the reefs will be rewarded by the discovery of perfect white, powdery beaches. A stroll inland will take you into a luxuriant natural temple filled with the brilliant green light provided by the large-leafed puko trees.
Kenutu
Kenutu is an idyllic lagoon for an overnight anchorage, with an attractive beach, excellent diving for experienced divers on the reef and a walk on the ocean side to visit the caverns and blowholes. While you are here, the Berlin Bar is a great stopover. Throughout the cruising area, you will find amazing diving and snorkelling, in crystal clear waters, with brilliantly coloured coral and reef fish.
Mounu
A delightful small island surrounded by a sandy beach, Mounu is the idyllic South Pacific island. A new mini resort has been established on the western end of the island, call ahead on the VHF and make your reservation for a gourmet meal.
Nuku
A tiny island with a cosy anchorage alongside an idyllic sandspit, Nuku is possibly the most photographed island in the Kingdom of Tonga. A perfect day stop for safe swimming and snorkelling for those beginners to gain their confidence. Nuku becomes a favourite with all who visit Vava'u.
Ava
Adjacent to Nuku and Port Maurelle, Ava provides some amazing snorkelling and diving, particularly along the western shoreline. The mid afternoon sun highlights the natural colours of the coral and fish life, the depth dropping away to around 200 feet.
