The Moorings Tonga  
Cruising Notes for Sailing in Tonga  
Sailing Holidays in Tonga
Sailing in New Zealand
Start of navigation
Sailing with The Moorings New Zealand
Provisioning
spacer
The Moorings Fleet
Booking & Availability
spacer
Sailing in Tonga
Cruising Notes
Activities
Maps & Charts for Sailing
spacer
Sailing in New Zealand
Sailing Destinations
Luxury Crewed Yachts
spacer
Yacht Ownership
Boats for Sale
spacer
Contact Us
Specials
Newsletter
Employment
spacer
Photo Gallery
End of navigation
Return Home
Pacific Blue
Cathams Pacific Airlines

Cruising Notes
The Kingdom of Tonga - Vava'u Islands

Port Maurelle
Port Maurelle is the spot where the Spaniard, Maurell the first explorer to see Vava'u, anchored his ship. It is a lovely and protected natural anchorage.

Kapa
From this central location you can cruise to no less than forty recognised anchorages, many of them within two hours sailing of the base. Just out of Neiafu is the lovely island of Kapa with its Swallows Cave, similar to the Blue Grotto in Capri, and a spectacular sight.

Nuapapu, Hunga and Vaka'eitu
To the west are the islands of Nuapapu, Hunga and Vaka'eitu. Hunga's huge lagoon, formed by the crater of an extinct volcano, can only be reached through a 200 foot wide pass. Here a traditional Tongan village shares the shoreline with the 'Island Style' Club Hunga Resort. Further along, on the western coast of Nuapapu is the fascinating Mariner's Cave, an underwater cavern which good swimmers will be able to visit. In Vaka'eitu you will find a safe overnight anchorage.

Mananita
Mananita is surrounded by reefs - which provide some of the best snorkelling in the area. Careful navigation through the reefs will be rewarded by the discovery of perfect white, powdery beaches. A stroll inland will take you into a luxuriant natural temple filled with the brilliant green light provided by the large-leafed puko trees.

Kenutu
Kenutu is an idyllic lagoon for an overnight anchorage, with an attractive beach, excellent diving for experienced divers on the reef and a walk on the ocean side to visit the caverns and blowholes. While you are here, the Berlin Bar is a great stopover. Throughout the cruising area, you will find amazing diving and snorkelling, in crystal clear waters, with brilliantly coloured coral and reef fish.

Mounu
A delightful small island surrounded by a sandy beach, Mounu is the South Pacific island of your dreams. A new mini resort has been established on the western end of the island, call ahead on the VHF and make your reservation for a gourmet meal. Mounu makes a perfect add on to your sailing holiday, why not book in for a day or two after your charter.

Nuku
A tiny island with a cosy anchorage alongside an idylic sandspit, Nuku is possibly the most photographed island in the Kingdom of Tonga. A perfect day stop for safe swimming and snorkelling for those beginners to gain their confidence. Nuku becomes a favourite with all who visit Vava'u.

Ava
Adjacent to Nuku and Port Maurelle, Ava provides some amazing snorkelling and diving, particularly along the western shoreline. The mid afternoon sun highlights the natural colours of the coral and fishlife, the depth dropping away to around 200 feet.

10 day charters - Typical Itinerary

Day 1       Vava'u to Kapa Island
Orientation, chart briefing and checkout of your yacht. Sail to Port Maurelle on Kapa Island.

Day 2       Kapa Island to Fale Vai
Snorkel the north side of Ava Island. Sail to Nuku and anchor off Fale Vai.

Day 3       Fale Vai to Hunga
Sail out the Faihava Pass to Hunga, where the fishing is excellent (with your own gear). Anchor in Hunga Lagoon.

Day 4       Hunga to Vaka'eitu
Enjoy a short sail to Foeata for snorkelling. Sail to Vakaíeitu for the night.

Day 5       Day trip to Luahaipu
Sail south for a day trip to Luaa Fuleheu or Luahaipu, both beautiful and uninhabited. Sail back to Vakaíeitu and snorkel the reef.

Day 6       Vaka'eitu to Hinakawea
Beach Sail to Euaiki and then on to Hinakawea Beach for a Polynesian feast and traiditional Tongan dance.

Day 7       Hinakawea Beach to Kenutu
Sail to remote Maninita for lunch and snorkelling. After lunch, head north to Kenutu and anchor overnight.

Day 8       Kenutu to Taunga
Leave early for Fanua Tapu Pass. Anchor on the north side of Taunga and snorkel the reefs of Tauta.

Day 9     Taunga to Olo'ua
Sail carefully through the reefs to visit Mafana and Olo'ua.

Day 10   Olo'ua to Kapa Island
Sail around Taunga for snorkelling between Ngau and Pau. Sail for Nuapapa and Mariners Cave, then on to Swallows Cave on Kapa.

Final Morning      Kapa Island to Neiafu
Return to Port of Refuge Harbour to check in with Moorings before noon.

spacer


spacer

spacer

 
 

The Moorings Tonga - South Pacific Sailing Holidays & Charters