The Tongan Islands of Vava'u with their safe anchorages and secluded coves offer one of the world's finest Cruising areas. The Northernmost group of the Tongan Islands, the Vava'u Archipelago is blessed with a near-perfect climate for year-round sailing. It is estimated to have over 2,000 years of settlement. This group of islands is a place of brilliant colours, blue lagoons, fine white coral sand beaches and lush green coconut plantations.

Experienced travellers liken the Vava'u group to "a cross between the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands" with its dramatic deep water drop offs and brilliant shallow lagoons. The Vava'u group has a population of about 20,000 spread over most of the 50-odd islands - about a third live in or around Neiafu (and the harbour) where there are four nearby villages: Makave, Taoa, Toula and Vaimalo.

Tonga is a mere 2 1/2 hour flight from New Zealand, with flights regularly leaving from Auckland. It is then a short flight to the base in Vava'u, the Northern most island in Tonga. Vava'u has been described as the untouched Caribbean.

Your yacht charter base is in the heart of Neiafu. Neiafu is a natural harbour and is one of the most picturesque in the Pacific. It is a deep and wholly sheltered, fiord-like anchorage. From this central location there are in excess of forty recognised anchorages in an area no more than ten miles long and seven miles wide.

The diving and snorkelling is amazing in crystal clear water with its brilliantly coloured coral and reef fish. During the period from July to November the area is home to huge pods of Humpback whales which often swim with the yachts accompanied by their newly-born offspring.

For those who enjoy dining out, Tongan beach feasts are regular functions at the local resorts. There are also a number of island beach bars and restaurants set in magical anchorages, ideal for watching the famous Tongan sunsets.

Tonga is renowned for its handicrafts, reputedly the finest in the South Pacific. In Vava'u the choice is fabulous. It is possible to make direct personal contact with the artists, weavers and artisans. Duty-free shopping is also available in Vava'u. Like the rest of Tonga, Vava'u is a duty-free port.

ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES:

	Kayaking
	Snorkelling
	Windsurfing
	Big Game Fishing
	Water-skiing
	Beach Feasts and Kava Ceremonies
	Whale and Dolphin Watching

Tonga Yacht Charter Prices

TONGA TRAVEL NOTES:

Climate: Tonga is slightly cooler than most tropical areas, with an annual temperature of 23C / 77F. The average daytime high temperature hovers around 25-26C (77-80F) between May and September. It rises to 29C (85F) October through April and the humidity is highest in January and February. The average sea temperature is 25C (79F). SE trade winds (15-25 knots) predominate during the Austral winter (May-Sept). In summer, breezes are lighter (10-20 knots) and more often from the NE. Hurricane season is December-March. Happily, Vava'u has suffered far fewer storms than the rest of the South Pacific Islands in the past years.

Tides & currents: In Vava'u there are two high and low tides in a 24 hour period. The mean tide ride and fall is 3.3 feet. Tide tables are provided on each yacht.

Anchoring: Most anchoring will be done at depths of 15-45ft. Virtually all the anchorages have visibility beyond such depths and it is easy to check for coral heads.