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.
2008 Departures: 17-21 Jan, 25-29 Jan, 14-18 Feb, 22-26 Feb, 13-17 Mar, 25-29 Mar, 17-21 Apr, 25-29 Apr, 15-19 May, 23-27 May, 12-16 Jun, 26-30 Jun, 03-07 Jul, 10-14 Jul, 17-21 Jul, 24-28 Jul, 31 Jul 04 Aug, 07-11 Aug, 14-18 Aug, 21-25 Aug, 28 Aug 01 Sep, 04-08 Sep, 11-15 Sep, 18-22 Sep, 25-29 Sep, 02-06 Oct, 09-13 Oct, 16-20 Oct, 23-27 Oct, 30 Oct - 03 Nov, 06-10 Nov, 13-17 Nov, 20-24 Nov, 27 Nov 01 Dec, 08-12 Dec,18-22 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 5-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. Following the briefing there is an optional guided walking tour of Neiafu, Vava'u's historic harbor town, and environs. This is your last opportunity to visit the bank and purchase items for the trip;
Day 2 Kayaking. Destination: Ovalau Island
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours. A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at the The Adventure Centre before departing for the first of four days of kayaking. Our journey begins in the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful in the Pacific. We paddle into renowned Swallows Cave, snorkel and picnic at Nuku Island finishing off the day by skirting several islands on the western side of the island group. Tonight's camp on Ovalau Island is a sandy beach facing the setting sun with possibly the best view in the Vava'u Group. Includes: (L), (D);
Day 3 Kayaking. Destination: Euakafa Island (Base Camp)
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours. 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-October) to breed and calve. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 4 Kayaking. Destination: Taunga Island (Base Camp)
Paddling Time: 1-2 hours. A guided walk to the summit of 'Euakafa's distinctive table top island in the cool hours of the morning 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 uninhabited 'Eueiki Island where we do some wall snorkelling and explore 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. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5 Kayaking. Destination: Paradise Hotel
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours. On this final day of paddling, the journey westward takes us to Mala Island near the Port of Refuge where we started our journey four days ago. Mala was once the home of a cannibal demi-god that liked nothing better than to catch and eat paddlers passing in outrigger canoes! From Mala's beach we can snorkel to the entrancing Japanese Gardens before returning to the The Adventure Centre. The trip concludes with dinner at a fine restaurant in Neiafu and a warm farewell from your guides. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
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 and snorkelling 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
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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