Vava'u Travel Guide
Consisting of a single main island and a maze of 50 smaller islands, Vava'u has a well earned reputation as one of the world's yachting capitals. The beautiful coastline, sheltered waterways, secluded anchorages and steady trade winds are a sailor's paradise. Beyond the turquoise waters and idyllic sandy beaches lie lush hills, quiet villages and hidden caves. Only 21 of the islands are inhabited, and many of the larger islands are covered in lush tropical rainforest, including palms, pandanus, casuarinas and mulberry trees.
The capital of Neiafu is Tonga's second-largest town, and sits on the hill with spectacular views over the deepwater harbour Port of Refuge - a mecca for international yachties. Neiafu is Tonga's main centre for yacht charters, diving and game fishing. It is also one of the best places in the world to go whalewatching, as these magnificent creatures arrive yearly to breed in the warm waters surrounding Vava'u.
Population: 20,000
Capital City: Neiafu
Area: North of the Ha'apai group, and 275km north of Tongatapu.
Climate: Pleasant and slightly cooler than most tropical areas.
The mean annual temperature 23.7ºC.
Wet Season: December to March.
Attractions:
- Sailing
The Port of Refuge, with its lovely natural harbour, is Tonga's main sailing base. There are about 40 recognised anchorages in the group, offering caves, lush forests and uninhabited coral islets to explore. The best time for sailing is the 'winter' (April to October) when cyclone season is over. There are several yacht charters operating out of the port, offering bareboat, skippered or fully crewed yachts, all with snorkelling gear. Two-person catamarans can be hired at most resorts.
- Diving & Snorkelling
The crystal-clear waters of Vava'u are superb for snorkelling and diving, with fine coral reefs, extensive cave systems and steep drop-offs to explore. There are diving tours to nearby shipwrecks and caves. The waters offer up to 30m visibility.
- Game Fishing
Vava'u is the main centre for game fishing charters, which leave from the Port of Refuge below the main town of Neiafu. The fishing grounds lie in the deep waters outside the reef, and there are good chances of a strike - many records are held by local charter boats.
- Whalewatching
Pods of humpback whales arrive in Vava'u's warm waters to mate and calve at the end of May. The migratory path of the whales is just 30 minutes from the Port of Refuge, and several whalewatching companies operate out of the harbour. Excursions take visitors up close to these majestic creatures as they breach the surface of the water, allowing you to swim, snorkel or even dive alongside them. The best months for viewing whales are from July to October. Operators include Whale Watch Vava'u and Dolphin Pacific Diving.
- Sea Kayaking
This is a popular activity on Vava'u's tranquil waterways, where visitors can often see dolphins, frigate birds, sea turtles and even whales in season.
- Mount Talau
Situated behind Neiafu, Mt Talau (131m) is the highest point in Vava'u. The table-top summit is easily climbed in an afternoon and has magnificent views.
- Makave & Matalave
East of Neiafu along the shore of the Old Harbour, Makave Beach has an ancient canoe-mooring site and an impressive cave. There are also freshwater springs at nearby Matalave.
- 'Utula'aina Point
North of Holonga village, a track leads to this spectacular lookout.
- Veimumuni Cave
A path east of Toula village leads to this cave, which has a freshwater spring and swimming hole.
- Tongan Feasts
Weekly Tongan feasts are staged at 'Ano, Hinakauea and Lisa Beaches at Pangaimotu. Beautiful Ano and Hinakauea are also ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with their sheltered turquoise waters.
- Nuku Island
Picnic excursions can be taken to nearby Nuku, a perfect castaway island with a lovely white sand beach.
- Swallows Cave
This multi-coloured cave on the island of Kapa is home to thousands of swallows in the autumn.
- Mariner's Cave
Nuapapu Island is famous for this secluded cave at its northern end.
- Boat Tours
Boat tours usually offer a stop at Swallows and Mariner's caves, along with an island picnic and offshore reef snorkelling. They can be booked through your accommodation.