Explore Tonga on this kayaking adventure while experiencing traditional village lifestyle, on the tropical Vava’u Island Group in the South Pacific. Experience five memorable days of stunning kayaking and snorkelling in azure blue coral rich waters, visit remote island villages and enjoy camping in picturesque, tropical Tonga. On this adventure, we have time to paddle to Vaka’eitu and Nuapapu Islands on the western fringe of the Vava’u Island Group before exploring the more central islands. This relaxing kayaking adventure is complete with the pristine coral reefs, palm trees and sandy beaches of the South Pacific.
Day 01 : Join Vava’u, Tonga, overnight apartment or guesthouse
Meet assist at Lupepau’u Airport in Vava’u to escort you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Kayaking to Vaka’eitu Island (Base Camp)
Transport is provided to Kayak Base for a safety briefing commences 9:00am at before departing for 5 nights of camping in the Vava’u Archipelago. Our journey begins in the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful harbour in the Pacific. We paddle into renowned Swallows Cave, snorkel and picnic at Kapa Island and finish off the day by skirting several islands on the western side of the island group. Tonight’s camp is on uninhabited Vaka’eitu Island facing Nuapapu Island.
Day 03 : Kayaking in the Vava’u Archipelago
Following a leisurely hot breakfast, we paddle across the lagoon to the village of Matamaka on nearby Nuapapu Island. Back at camp we snorkel amidst stag horn coral gardens teeming with reef fish. A short hike before dinner to the island’s summit may be rewarded by a view of the setting sun and possibly humpback whales (July-October) in Pulepulekai channel.
Day 04 : To Euakafa Island and Taunga Island
After breaking camp, we paddle northeast via Sisia Island towards the distinctive tabletop island of ‘Euakafa. En route we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins or humpback whales. The latter migrate annually to Tonga’s warm sheltered waters (July-October) to breed and calve. Following a picnic and snorkeling at an offshore reef we paddle on to inhabited Taunga Island. This evening, the villagers host an authentic Tongan feast consisting of fresh root vegetables, octopus, fish, vegetarian dishes, and tropical fruits such as papaya in coconut milk, all steamed in an underground oven or ‘umu. Following this sumptuous feast, tasting kava, Tonga’s traditional ceremonial drink, and stories around the kava bowl provide an insight into the local culture.
Day 05 : Rest Day
Today, Sunday, is by Tongan law a day of rest and worship. Those who choose to attend the morning church service in Taunga village will be impressed by the splendour of the Tongan people’s elaborate attire and harmonized singing. Tour operators are not permitted to offer guided physical activities anywhere within the Kingdom on a Sunday. However, as with guests staying at resorts, you may use the kayaks as transport to access recreational areas such as beaches and bays. Exploring on foot the inter-tidal zone of Taunga, Ngau and Pau Islands, interconnected by a sand bar at low tide, is a must. Bathing in the warm sea, reading, eating and socialising are also pleasant diversions on this enforced rest day. Overnight: Taunga Island camp
Day 06 : Explore the Vava’u Archipelago
This morning we break camp and paddle across a wide deep channel to nearby Eueiki Island. Here we picnic, snorkel and, at low tide, explore an immense cave with Tarzan-like vines cascading down through a hole in the cave ceiling. Thirsty paddlers may order cold drinks at Treasure Island Eco-Resort, named after the television survivor reality show filmed on location a few years ago. Back in our kayaks we paddle across a channel to neighbouring uninhabited ‘Euakafa Island, tonight’s campsite. The afternoon is free for snorkeling, beachcombing and gathering dry coconut husks and fronds for this evening’s bonfire. Bring along marshmallows and chocolate for a sweet treat!
Day 07 : To the Port of Refuge, overnight apartment/guesthouse
In the cool hours of the morning, our local guide leads us through lush bush up the mount, explaining traditional Polynesian culinary and medicinal applications of diverse plants along the way. Reaching the site of a royal tomb within the fortress of a Tu’i Tonga king, our guide narrates the legend of how the queen met her fate. On our paddle westward back to the Port of Refuge we stop for a picnic lunch and snorkel at Mala Island. Once the home 8 of a cannibal demi-god who ate passing outrigger canoeists, Mala is now home to a friendly tourist resort! Confident swimmers can snorkel across a channel to the entrancing Japanese Gardens. Back at Kayak Base, transfer by car to your accommodation. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : In Vava’u, transfer to airport, trip concludes
The trip concludes today with a transfer to Lupepau’u Airport.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel / Camp |
| Vava’u Tonga | 01 | Reef Resort Vava U |
| Vaka’eitu Island | 01 | Camp |
| Matamaka | 01 | Camp |
| Taunga Island | 03 | Camp |
| Vava’u Tonga | 01 | Reef Resort Vava U |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 07 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Monuments entrance fees
– Local English-speaking guide
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.