Vava'u 5-Day Special

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: Vaka'eitu Island (Base Camp).

Paddling Time: 3-4 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 5 days kayaking and 4 nights of 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 over the edge of the kayak and marvel at the schools of tiny zebra fish and iridescent neon fish. Paddling southeast across a large bay, we reach our lunch stop at Mui Houma point on inhabited Kapa Island where snorkellers can enjoy vibrant coral and fish life in the channel. We finish off the day skirting several small islands on the western side of the island group eventually reaching a large lagoon. Tonight's camp is on Vaka'eitu Island facing Nuapapu Island.

Day 2: Kayaking

Meals: B, L, D.

Destination: Nuapapu & Vaka'eitu Islands (Base Camp).

Paddling Time: 1-2 hours.

Following a leisurely hot breakfast, we paddle across the lagoon to the village of Matamaka on nearby Nuapapu Island for a glimpse of village life in Tonga's outer islands. Perhaps visit the primary school and watch the women weaving mats in the village hall. 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 3: Kayaking

Meals: B, L, D.

Destination: 'Euakafa Island.

Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.

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. This afternoon is free for snorkeling exquisite reefs and an optional hike through lush bush up the mount. Our local guide explains 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.

Day 4: Kayaking

Meals: B, L, D.

Destination: Taunga Island.

Paddling Time: 1-2 hours.

After breaking camp we paddle across a wide deep channel to nearby Eueiki Island where we snorkel a coral wall, 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. We finish our day of activities with a short paddle across a channel to our campsite on Taunga Island. Pitch your tent facing the setting sun or on the other side of the peninsula to catch the sun rise tomorrow morning.

Day 5: Kayaking

Meals: B, L (D on own).

Destination: Kayak Base.

Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.

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 Kayak Base.