Situated approximately 240 kilometres north of Tongatapu, the Vava'u Island Group is a smattering of 50-odd islands, in an area 23 by 25 kilometres, protected by a semi-circular reef. The islands are separated by reefs or open water, but are not great paddling distances apart.
On our Tonga sea kayaking expeditions we strive for a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure. We generally paddle in the mornings, leaving the afternoons free for snorkelling amidst colourful coral and inside legendary marine caves; exploring lush tropical bush; and observing the traditional village lifestyle. The pace of life in Vava'u is slow and relaxed - much like it was a century ago. We spend our evenings on deserted beaches beneath waving palms and the Southern Cross bathed by warm South Pacific breezes.
2009 Departures: 15-19 Oct, 22-26 Oct, 29 Oct - 02 Nov, 05-09 Nov, 12-16 Nov, 19-23 Nov, 26-30 Nov, 07-11 Dec, 17-21 Dec
2010 Departures: 14-18 Jan, 22-26 Jan, 04-08 Feb, 18-22 Feb, 04-08 Mar, 18-22 Mar, 01- 05 Apr, 15-19 Apr, 06-10 May, 20-24 May, 10-14 Jun, 24-28 Jun, 01-05 Jul, 08-12 Jul, 15-19 Jul, 22-26 Jul, 29 Jul – 02 Aug, 05-09 Aug, 12-16 Aug, 19-23 Aug, 26-30 Aug, 02-06 Sep, 09-13 Sep, 16-20 Sep, 23-27 Sep, 30 Sep – 04 Oct, 07-11 Oct, 14-18 Oct, 21-25 Oct, 28 Oct - 01 Nov, 05-08 Nov, 11-15 Nov, 18-22 Nov, 25-29 Nov, 06-10 Dec, 16-20 Dec
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Orientation
Your guides present a 45-minute orientation talk commencing 9:30 a.m. at The Adventure Centre in Toula Village, a two-minute taxi ride from the Neiafu township. Please call us to reconfirm the time and venue. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk.
Accommodation, transfers, meals and beverages, on own.
Day 2: Day 1 of Kayaking
A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at The Adventure Centre before departing for the first of four days of kayaking. Our journey begins at the entrance to the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful harbour in the Pacific. We paddle into renowned Swallows Cave, snorkel and picnic at Kapa Island, and finish off the day by skirting several islands on the western side of the island group. Tonight’s camp on uninhabited Ovalau Island is a sandy beach facing the setting sun with possibly the best view in the Vava’u Group.
L, D … Ovalau Island; Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Day 3: Day 2 of Kayaking
On today’s paddle to ‘Euakafa Island our Tongan guide leads us through shallow, reef-strewn turquoise waters. This afternoon is free for snorkelling the exquisite reefs and beach combing the expansive beaches of uninhabited ‘Euakafa Island. While paddling we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales, the latter of which migrate annually to Tonga’s warm sheltered waters (June-November) to breed and calve.
B, L, D … ‘Euakafa Island; Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Day 4: Day 3 of Kayaking
In the cool hours of the morning, a guided walk to ‘Euakafa’s distinctive tabletop summit takes us to the site of a legendary royal tomb within the fortress of a Tu’i Tonga king. This afternoon, we paddle to nearby ‘Eueiki Island for some wall snorkelling and exploring an immense cave with Tarzan-like vines cascading down through a hole in the cave ceiling. A short paddle across the channel, and we reach the beautiful isthmus of Taunga Island. Exploring the inter-tidal zone of Taunga, Ngau and Pau Islands, connected to one another at low tide by a sand bar, is a pleasant diversion. This evening, the villagers host an authentic Tongan feast consisting of roast suckling pork complemented by fresh root vegetables, octopus, reef fish, vegetarian dishes, and tropical fruits such as papaya in coconut milk, all steamed in an underground oven or ’umu. This gastronomic delight is followed by a traditional Tongan song and dance performance.
B, L, D… Taunga Island; Paddling Time: 1-2 hours
Day 5: Day 4 of Kayaking
On this final day of paddling, the journey westward takes us back to the Port of Refuge where we started our journey four days ago. Skirting Mala Island, once the home of a cannibal demi-god who liked nothing better than to catch and eat paddlers passing in outrigger canoes, we cross the channel to Otea Village. From the beach we can snorkel to the entrancing Japanese Gardens before returning to The Adventure Centre. From here, we transfer by taxi to the hotel and hot showers! This evening your guides join you for dinner at a fine restaurant in Neiafu.
B, L, D… Accommodation on own; Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package components:
- A 45-minute orientation talk (Day 1);
- Use of quality double and single fibreglass kayaks and accessories;
- A 4-day kayak tour (Day 2-5) of the outer islands of Vava'u with professional guides (guide: guest ratio = 1:6);
- Snacks and 3 meals a day on the kayaking portion of the tour;
- Camping equipment;
- A traditional Polynesian 'umu feast and kava circle;
- A farewell dinner at a local restaurant;
- A Friendly Islands Kayak Company T-shirt to take home.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Tonga
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Camping
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