Things To See & Do > Adventures > Sailing

On Sailing in Vava’u

Before you are even 50 metres off the dock you’re in navy blue waters more than 30 metres deep and with visibility of 15 metres up to 30 metres.

A well marked channel leads you away from Neiafu Harbour into the groups of islands with no more than 40 safe anchorages at your disposal. A 10 day visit to the area is just ideal.

About a 20 minute sail will take you by the Tongan Beach Resort on your port side. It’s a great stop for lunch or dinner or even for a cocktail in its soft sand-filled bar.

Down the track about four miles and Swallow’s Cave comes into view on the western end of Kapa Island. With the beautiful colours from late afternoon sun, snorkelling is a must. Off to the west of Kapa is Tu’ungasika, a distinct pillar like island with awesome dive sites.

From this point you have a choice of travelling south to Hunga Island on the west side or to the east side. From the West you will pass an entrance 100ft wide and 10ft deep into a calm sheltered lagoon. Here is Ika Lahi International Game-fishing Lodge, a place for a beer, a meal or even a tremendous place to check in to after you have finished cruising. And not far away on Foiata Island is the resort Blue Lagoon, which has a wonderful rustic charm about the place and is an extremely popular restaurant.

Going the other direction will lead you down a channel that has the legendary Mariner’s Cave on the port side. The channel will take you into whale watching territory for humpbacks between July to the end of November – and often into December.

Head round to Vaku’eitu and from there a quick sail across to Mounu Island resort, for those who want tranquility on a beautiful island. The eco resort is small, welcoming and fantastic.

‘Euakafa is a larger unihabited island with beautiful white sandy beaches and great snorkelling. South of here you can venture to some of the more remote islands to find rare bird life in action. The tiny islands are only day anchorages. You’ll need to get back to more sheltered spots north, like Ano or Lisa Beach where you can enjoy a traditional Tongan feast. Later in the day, when the sun is behind you, pick you way through the reefs out to Kenutu and anchor overnight.

In the morning, take a walk over to the other side of Kenutu, where it’s open to the crashing easterly swell and great views of the deepest trench int he Pacific Ocean.

You can see just how easily it is to let the days slip by when sailing in these waters. But you will have left the chance for a last stop at Port Maurelle, the most popular place to anchor because of its central location and gorgeous sunsets.

Then, it is back to base to disembark and say a long goodbye.

Written by Mark Managh for TongaHoliday.com

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