Questions and Answers
The aim of our small company is to provide a friendly, professional service to travelers seeking adventure activities and contact with a Polynesian culture in a pristine, tropical environment.
1. How long has the business been operating and how did it start?
Originally from the west coast of Canada, the travel itch led Doug and Sharon Spence to explore the South Pacific by sea kayak in 1988 when they discovered the Vava'u Islands. Captivated by the natural beauty of this island paradise and the friendliness of its natives, they set up their kayak business in 1991.
2. What is your company's mission?
To promote fun, safe adventure activities within an atmosphere of harmony and unity, specifically between the indigenous people, their natural environment and their guests. We are actively committed to protecting Tonga's unique culture and pristine environment and to sharing these special aspects of Tonga in a safe, responsible manner (through the dissemination of our Minimum Impact Guidelines).
3. What does your company specialize in?
Our core business is multi-day sea kayak tours of the Vava’u and Ha’apai Island Groups in the Kingdom of Tonga. We also offer multi-sport tours including kayaking, mountain biking, whale watching, diving and sailing. We specialize in customized family and small group trips.
4. Who is the founder or owner of the company and briefly describe his/her past activities?
Sharon and Doug Spence, together with 'Epeli and Valeti Lavaki, are the original owners/operators of M06516. Natives of British Columbia, Canada the Spence’s are now world citizens dividing their time between Tonga, Canada and their other home, Dunedin in the south island of New Zealand. They have kayaked rivers and oceans in all three countries as well as Fiji.
Natives of Vava'u, Tonga, 'Epeli and Valeti Lavaki produced vanilla and King’s pearls for export before becoming shareholders in their kayak business. Also formerly a commercial fisherman, 'Epeli knows just about every reef in the island group.
5. What is your most popular travel package and why?
Our Vava’u 6-day package is our most popular tour package because it is relatively affordable and short yet includes many of the highlights of the longer tours.
6. What is the best compliment you received from a client?
Our most widely traveled guests have commented that our guides are amongst the best in the world.
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