Situated approximately 240 kilometres north of Tongatapu, the Vava'u Island Group is a smattering of 50-odd islands, in an area 23 by 25 kilometres, protected by a semi-circular reef. The islands are separated by reefs or open water, but are not great paddling distances apart.
On our Tonga sea kayaking expeditions we strive for a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure. We generally paddle in the mornings, leaving the afternoons free for snorkelling amidst colourful coral and inside legendary marine caves; exploring lush tropical bush; and observing the traditional village lifestyle. The pace of life in Vava'u is slow and relaxed - much like it was a century ago. We spend our evenings on deserted beaches beneath waving palms and the Southern Cross bathed by warm South Pacific breezes.
2008 Departures: 09-19 Jul, 23 Jul – 02 Aug, 06-16 Aug, 20-30 Aug, 03-13 Sep, 17-27 Sep, 01-11 Oct, 15-25 Oct, 29 Oct – 08 Nov, 12-22 Nov, 26 Nov-06 Dec, 17-27 Dec.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
Upon arrival at Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u a driver will be waiting to escort you to your hotel/resort. Please ensure that you send us your full flight itinerary so we may arrange transport at the appropriate time. Your guides will phone you at the resort this afternoon to welcome you and discuss the schedule of events for the next few days;
Day 2 - Acclimatization
Today is an opportunity to acclimatize and, for those travellers arriving from far-away places, to recover from jet lag. Your guides present a 45-minute orientation talk commencing 9:30 a.m. at The Adventure Centre in Toula Village. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk. This is your last opportunity to visit the bank and purchase items for the trip;
Day 3 - Kayaking. Destination: Vaka'eitu Island (Base Camp)
A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at the The Adventure Centre before departing for the first of eight days of kayaking. Our journey begins in the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful port in the Pacific. We paddle into renowned Swallows Cave, snorkel and picnic at Nuku Island, and finish off the day by skirting several islands on the western side of the island group. Tonight's camp is on Vaka'eitu Island, inhabited only by a small resort hidden in the bush. Includes: (L), (D);
Day 4 - Kayaking. Destination: Vaka'eitu Island (Base Camp)
Following a leisurely hot breakfast, there is an optional paddle to the village of Matamaka on nearby Nuapapu Island. At low tide, we snorkel the magnificent Coral Gardens, adjacent to our camp site, where colourful coral gardens teeming with reef fish offer snorkellers endless hours of delight. A short hike before dinner to the island's summit may be rewarded by a view of the setting sun and possibly humpback whales (June-October) in Ava Pulepulekai channel! Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5 – Kayaking. Destination: Ovalau Island
After breaking camp we paddle to Ovaka Island and stroll through this quaint outer island fishing village before paddling on to uninhabited Ovalau Island. Tonight's camp is a sandy beach facing the setting sun with possibly the best view in the Vava'u Group. While paddling in Vava'u we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales, the latter of which migrate annually to Tonga's warm sheltered waters (June-October) to breed and calve. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 6 – Kayaking. Destination: 'Euakafa Island (Base Camp)
On today's paddle to 'Euakafa Island, our Tongan guide leads us through shallow reef-strewn turquoise waters. This afternoon is free for snorkelling the exquisite reefs and beach combing the expansive beaches of uninhabited 'Euakafa Island, our base camp for tonight and tomorrow night. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 7 – Kayaking. Destination: 'Euakafa Island (Base Camp)
A guided walk to the summit of 'Euakafa's distinctive table top island in the cool hours of the morning takes us to the site of a legendary royal tomb within the fortress of a Tu'i Tonga king. This afternoon we have the option of paddling empty kayaks to nearby uninhabited 'Eueiki Island, where we do some wall snorkelling and explore an immense cave with Tarzan-like vines cascading down through a hole in the cave ceiling. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 8 – Kayaking. Destination: Ofu Island
Today we make our way to the eastern chain of islands and visit Ofu village before paddling around to our windward campsite. This evening the villagers host an authentic Tongan feast consisting of roast suckling pork complemented by fresh root vegetables, octopus, reef fish, vegetarian dishes, and tropical fruits such as papaya in coconut milk, all steamed in an underground oven or 'umu. This gastronomic delight is followed by a traditional Tongan song and dance performance. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 9 – Kayaking. Destination: Ofu Island
This morning we paddle across to neighbouring Kenutu Island, one of three eastern islands comprising a fringing reef that protects the Vava'u Group from the Pacific swells. From the summit of the precipitous or windward side of the island a spectacular view of the waves crashing against the cliffs helps one appreciate the calm idyllic waterways inside the reef. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 10 – Kayaking. Destination: The Adventure Centre
On this final day of paddling, the journey westward takes us to Mala Island near the Port of Refuge where we started our journey eight days ago. Mala was once the home of a cannibal demi-god that liked nothing better than to catch and eat paddlers passing in outrigger canoes! From Mala's beach we can snorkel to the entrancing Japanese Gardens before returning to the The Adventure Centre. From here, we transfer by taxi to your hotel/resort and hot showers! This evening, we dine at a local restaurant in Neiafu. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 11 – Departure. The trip concludes today with transfers to Lupepau'u Airport and a warm farewell from your guides.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package components:
- Return airport transfers between Lupepau'u Airport (Vava'u) and the hotel/resort;
- 3 nights' accommodation (based on double occupancy): 2 nights before and 1 night after the kayak tour;
- A 45-minute orientation talk (Day 2);
- Use of quality double and single fibreglass kayaks and accessories;
- A 8 days kayak tour of the outer islands with professional guides (guide: guest ratio = 1:6);
- Snacks and 3 meals a day on the kayaking portion of the tour;
- Camping and snorkelling equipment;
- A traditional Polynesian 'umu feast and kava circle;
- A farewell dinner at a local restaurant;
- A Friendly Islands Kayak Company T-shirt to take home.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Tonga
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Ecotourism
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