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. In his book, The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific, author Paul Theroux describes sea kayaking in Vava'u thus: "It was a perfect area for paddling a kayak - perhaps the best in the Pacific. There was a surfy side and a safe side to each island - the lee shores usually had the beaches - all were secluded, all were lovely."
2009 Departures: 18-23 Jul, 01-06 Aug, 15-20 Aug, 29 Aug – 03 Sep, 12-17 Sep, 26 Sep - 01 Oct, 10-15 Oct, 24-29 Oct, 07-12 Nov, 21-26 Nov
2010 Departures: 17-22 Jul, 31 Jul - 05 Aug, 14-19 Aug, 28 Aug – 02 Sep, 11-16 Sep, 25 -30 Sep, 09-14 Oct, 23-28 Oct, 06-11 Nov, 20-25 Nov
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival / Orientation
A driver will be waiting at Lupepau’u Airport in Vava’u to escort you to the Twin View Motel. Please ensure that you send us your full flight itinerary so we may arrange transport at the appropriate time. Your guides present a 45-minute orientation talk commencing 1:00 p.m. at The Adventure Centre in Toula Village, approximately one kilometre south of the Twin View Motel. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk. Meals: on own. Accommodation: Twin View Motel;
Day 2 – Kayaking
Excursion Time: 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at The Adventure Centre before departing on today's guided sea kayak tour. Our paddle begins in the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful in the Pacific. We paddle into renowned Swallows Cave, then on to scenic Nuku Island for snorkelling and a picnic lunch on the beach returning to the Adventure Centre mid-afternoon. From here we transfer by taxi to the Twin View Motel. Meals: L provided (B, D on own). Accommodation: Twin View Motel;
Day 3 - Land Tour
Excursion Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Today we set off in a mini bus to explore Vava’u Island’s villages, historic sites, plantations, lookouts and beaches. Heading west through Neiafu township and across Vaipua causeway, we come to Lei'ulu and Sia Ko Kafoa - a historical burial ground and 'esi (resting area) for chiefs and nobles. We follow the road around Lake 'Ano before veering north through lush, tropical forest and plantations. A short walk through a vanilla plantation, leads us to the lookout at Utula'aina Point atop a steep cliff offering breathtaking coastal views. Following a picnic lunch we return to Neiafu through Holonga and Mataika villages where we visit a primary school before finishing off the day with a refreshing dip in the sea! Meals: L provided (B, D on own). Accommodation: Twin View Motel;
Day 4 - Whale Watching / Snorkelling
Excursion Time: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Aboard our comfortable 8.5-metre rigid inflatable boat, Tropic Bird our team of whale enthusiasts and educators discuss humpback whale migration, mating, surface activity and song. From July through October we observe the impressive acrobatic displays of these magnificent mammals. Outside the whale watching season (June, Nov, Dec), we enjoy a day of snorkelling, picnicking and sightseeing in the beautiful Vava’u Islands. Meals: L provided (B, D on own). Accommodation: Twin View Motel;
Day 5 - Diving or Sailing
Excursion Time: Diving 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Sailing 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Join our preferred water sport operator for an active morning of scuba diving (two tanks) or for a more restful day, go sailing aboard 13-metre trimaran Orion. Vava'u is a natural playground for diving and sailing, and reputedly one of the best destinations in the South Pacific for both activities. This evening, the group and guides meet for the farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Neiafu. Meals: B, L, D on own if diving; L provided (B, D on own) if sailing. Accommodation: Twin View Motel;
Day 6 – Departure
The trip concludes today with transfers to Lupepau'u Airport and a warm farewell from your guides. Meals: on own.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package components:
- Return airport transfers between Lupepau'u Airport (Vava'u) and the hotel/resort;
- 5 nights' accommodation (based on double occupancy) at the Hilltop Hotel, Twin View Motel or Harbour View Resort (subject to availability);
- A day of guided sea kayaking (Day 2);
- A guided land tour (Day 3);
- A guided whale watching or snorkelling excursion (Day 4);
- A day of either sailing or scuba diving (Day 5);
- Snorkelling equipment;
- 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
Boating and Sailing
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