Vava'u 3-Day Sampler

Note that the following sample itinerary is subject to alterations and delays owing to weather, sea conditions and/or logistical considerations.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: Kayaking

Meals: L, D (B on own).

Destination: Kapa Island.

Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.

An orientation and safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at Friendly Islands Kayak's base 2.2 kms east of Neiafu township before departing for the first of 3 days kayaking and 2 nights camping. Our journey begins at the entrance to the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful harbour in the Pacific. Inside renowned Swallows Cave, don your mask and snorkel, slip off your kayak and marvel at the schools of tiny zebra fish and iridescent neon fish.

Continuing our journey southeast across a large bay past Port Maurelle, we reach tonight's camp site at Mui Houma point on inhabited Kapa Island, Snorkellers can enjoy vibrant coral and fish life outside our camp while confident swimmers can swim across the narrow channel to uninhabited picture postcard Nuku Island.

Day 2: Kayaking

Meals: B, L, D.

Destination: 'Euakafa Island.

Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.

After breaking camp, we follow our Tongan navigator through reef-strewn turquoise waters and across a wide deep channel towards the distinctive tabletop island of inhabited '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. This afternoon is free for snorkeling exquisite reefs and combing expansive beaches.

Day 3: Kayaking

Meals: B, L (D on own).

Destination: Kayak Base.

Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.

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 we hear the legend of how the queen met her fate. On this final day of paddling, our journey back to the Port of Refuge is broken with a picnic lunch and snorkel at Mala Island. Once the home of a cannibal demi-god who ate passing outrigger canoeists, Mala is now home to a friendly tourist resort! From the beach or kayaks we snorkel at the entrancing Japanese Gardens before returning to the Kayak Base.