Tonga, situated just west of the international date line, is among the first inhabited places to greet each new day. Join us in Vava'u, where time begins, to partake in Adventure Week including sea kayaking, whale watching, mountain biking, hiking, sailing and diving.
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:15-23 Jan, 12-20 Feb, 11-19 Mar, 23-31 Mar, 15-23 Apr, 13-21 May, 10-18 Jun, 24 Jun – 02 Jul, 08-16 Jul, 22-30 Jul, 05-13 Aug, 19-27 Aug, 02-10 Sep, 16-24 Sep, 30 Sep-08 Oct, 14-22 Oct, 28 Oct-05 Nov, 11-19 Nov, 25 Nov-03 Dec, 06-14 Dec, 16-24 Dec.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival/Orientation
A driver will be waiting at Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u to escort you to the Hilltop Hotel. 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, two kilometers east of the Hilltop Hotel. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk. This is your last opportunity to visit the bank and purchase items for the trip. Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel;
Day 2 - Whale Watching/Snorkelling
Excursion Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 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 June through October we observe the impressive acrobatic displays of these magnificent mammals. Outside the whale watching season, we enjoy a day of snorkelling, picnicking and sightseeing in the beautiful Vava'u Islands. Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel. Includes: (L);
Day 3 - Diving/Sailing
Excursion Time: Diving 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Sailing 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Join our preferred water sport operators for an active morning of scuba diving (two tanks) or a more restful day sailing. Vava'u is a natural playground for diving and sailing, and reputedly one of the best destinations in the South Pacific for both activities. Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel;
Day 4 – 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 at the entrance to 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, and finish 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 5 – 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-November) to breed and calve. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 6 – 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 7 – Kayaking. Destination/Accommodation: Hilltop 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. From the here, we transfer by taxi to the Hilltop Hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 8 - Mountain Biking
Excursion time: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The best way to see Vava'u Island is from a bicycle seat. Following a brief orientation at our Adventure Centre in Toula village you and your guide will set off for a full day of exploring historic sites, legendary caves, plantations, look-outs and beaches on high quality mountain bikes with front suspension forks. This evening your guides join you for dinner at a local restaurant in Neiafu. Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel. Includes: (L), (D);
Day 9 – Departure. The trip concludes today with transfers to Lupepau'u Airport and a warm farewell from your guides.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package components:
- A 45-minute orientation talk (Day 1);
- A guided whale watching (Jun-Oct) or snorkelling excursion (Nov-Dec) aboard Tropic Bird including lunch (Day 2);
- Use of quality double and single fibreglass kayaks and accessories;
- A 4-day kayak tour (Days 4-7) of the Vava'u Islands with professional guides (guide: guest ratio = 1:6) including snacks and 3 meals a day;
- A guided mountain bike tour (Day 8) of Vava'u Island's back roads, plantations, and beaches including lunch;
- 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
Wildlife Viewing
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