04-16 Jul 18-30 Jul 01-13 Aug 15-27 Aug 29 Aug-10 Sep 12–24 Sep 26 Sep-08 Oct 10-22 Oct 24 Oct-05 Nov 07 -19 Nov In Ha'apai you will find not only exceptional natural beauty, but also the friendliest folk in the Kingdom. Because papalangis or foreigners are rare in Ha'apai they are welcomed with open arms by the locals. The 45 km long Lifuka archipelago comprises low lying coral islands, expansive white sand beaches, towering volcanoes and colorful lagoons. We paddle along the lee side of the archipelago, occasionally venturing offshore into more exposed waters to access remote islands. We strive for a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure, generally paddling in the mornings, leaving the afternoons free for snorkeling amidst colorful coral; exploring lush tropical bush; and observing the traditional village lifestyle. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival. A driver will be waiting at Salote Pilolevu Airport in Ha'apai to escort you to your accommodation. Please ensure that you send us your full flight itinerary so we may arrange transport at the appropriate time. Your guides will visit the resort this afternoon to welcome you and discuss the schedule of events for the next few days. Day 2: Today is an opportunity to acclimatise and, for those travelers arriving from far-away places, to recover from jet lag. Your guides present a 45-minute orientation talk commencing 9:30 am in Pangai township. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk. Following the briefing there is an optional walking tour of Pangai and environs. Day 3: Faleloa village. Today we visit Faleloa village, immersing ourselves in the culture and unhurried traditional lifestyle of Ha’apai. Today is also your last opportunity to visit the bank and purchase items for the trip. Day 4: Transport departs early this morning (exact time is tide-dependent) from Matafonua Lodge or The Resort at Billy’s Place to our launching site approximately five km north of Pangai. Here, the guides give a safety briefing before we depart for the first of nine days of kayaking. Today we paddle along the leeward shores of Lifuka and Uoleva Islands skirting pristine reefs and beaches. Tonight’s camp is at the southern end of Uoleva Island, rated by Outside Magazine as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, too, is a magnificent coral ledge smothered in soft corals - a snorkeller’s dream. Includes: (L), (D). Paddling Time: 3-4 hrs. Day 5: Weather permitting, we paddle across a wide channel to Tatafa, a tiny uninhabited island visited only by locals. Here, we stretch our legs and have a snack before paddling eastward to neighboring Uiha Island. The view from our campsite on the southern end of Uiha gives a preview of the remote southern islands to which we journey tomorrow. This afternoon we explore Felemea village and re-supply with fresh water in anticipation of spending the next few days, weather permitting, in the remotest part of the Lifuka Archipelago. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 1-2 hrs. Day 6: Our paddle plan today is southward on the inside of a fringing reef across shallow aqua-hued waters to Uanukuhahaki (Uanuku) Island for three adventurous days of snorkeling, beach combing and more paddling. Base camping three nights on Uanuku allows us to fully enjoy the remoteness of this perfect South Pacific island. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 2-3 hrs. Day 7: We can snorkel for hours on end in the south of the Archipelago and may witness green sea turtles nesting on Uanuku, one of our favorite islands in the Lifuka Group. This remote, uninhabited island is definitely not in the guidebooks! Nor is Uanukuhihifo island, an optional short paddle to the south. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 1-2 hrs. Day 8: An optional paddle in empty kayaks to a nearby sand bar with nothing on it but sand and shells enhances one’s sense of the remoteness of this very special area. Whilst paddling, we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales, the latter of which migrate annually (June through November) to Tonga’s warm sheltered waters to breed and calve. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 1-2 hrs. Day 9: Retracing our paddle strokes, we return today to Uiha Island and stroll through the quaint outer island fishing village of Felemea for a change of pace. Tonight’s camp is on the uninhabited island of Tatafa, from where our guides may conveniently assess the sea conditions with tomorrow’s channel crossing in mind. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 1-2 hrs. Day 10: Conditions permitting, we cross ‘Auhangamea channel to the lee shore of Uoleva Island. At the southern tip of Uoleva, we can enjoy snorkeling close to shore. More confident snorkelers can do a drift snorkel along a spectacular coral wall. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 2-3 hrs. Day 11: Take advantage of today’s more relaxed pace to explore Uoleva island. Work up an appetite paddling, fishing, snorkeling and/or beach combing for this evening’s meal at a local resort. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 1-2 hrs. Day 12: On this final day of paddling, we paddle north along Uoleva and Lifuka Islands back to Pangai township where we started our journey nine days ago. From here, we transfer by taxi back to your accommodation, fresh water showers and a sumptuous farewell dinner! Includes: (B), (L), (D). Paddling Time: 3-4 hrs. Day 13: Departure. The trip concludes today with transfers to Salote Pilolevu Airport and a warm farewell from your guides. Notes: Price Includes: 
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