Situated midway in the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti and Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga is comprised of 171 islands in four distinct groups: Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Vava'u, and Niuas.
Due to current regulations Tonga charters may not start or end on a Sunday.
A Tonga sailing itinerary covers a cruising ground from Vava′u, the largest island of the Vava′u group, south for about 15 nautical miles and 15 nautical miles east to west (see Tonga maps). Within this area are numerous uninhabited wooded islands ringed with white-sand beaches and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. Passages between some of the best anchorages in the South Pacific are typically short, with stops along the way to explore the islands, snorkel on the reefs, or simply anchor for a relaxing lunch in an unspoiled setting reminiscent of what the Pacific must have been like for Captain James Cook when he sailed Tongan waters in the mid-1700s.
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Taunga Island to Kapa Island – 8 nm. Continuing west to Nuapapu Island, just north of Vaka′eitu Island, you’ll find several good anchorages for a day stop. An interesting feature on the northwest shore of Nuapapu is the submerged Mariner’s Cave, an underwater curiosity where the snorkeling is intriguing. Sailing a short distance east puts you back at Kapa Island and the overnight anchorage at Port Maurelle.
Kapa Island to Nuku Island – 1 nm. Staying close to Kapa Island allows you to spend the day snorkeling off the north end of nearby Ava Island. At the northwest end of Kapa Island is a place called Swallows Cave. It’s an extraordinary blue grotto you can ride into with the dinghy. The second anchorage at Kapa Island is off Nuku Island, scenic and well protected.
Nuku Island to Hunga Island – 9 nm. Sail south of Ava and Oto islands, then head north and west to the westernmost of the islands of Vava′u, Hunga Island. The passage is filled with breathtaking beauty as you navigate among the islands, and skirt the west shore of Hunga. A pair of cliffs flanks the narrow entrance to Hunga Lagoon, one of the best anchorages in the entire island group. Inside are excellent beaches, a restaurant, and a village. Navigating Hunga Lagoon can be tricky. Enter or leave only one hour before or after high tide, in calm seas, and with good sunlight.
Hunga Island to Vaka′eitu Island – 7 nm. Sailing south brings you past Fofoa Island and the extensive reef linking it to Foelifuka and Foeata islands. Stop at the day anchorage off the north side of Foeata to do some snorkeling or to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Blue Lagoon Restaurant. From there it’s just a few miles to the beautiful island of Vaka′eitu, with its picturesque anchorage.
Vaka′eitu Island to Fonua′one′one – 17 nm. Use Vaka′eitu Island as a base for a day trip to explore some of the small islands to the south. Return to the anchorage for a restful evening. An excellent route for the day in winter northeasterly winds takes you on a run southwest past Ovaka Island, then on a beam reach southeast most of the way to a group of five uninhabited islands with day anchorages and fabulous snorkeling. From west to east they are Fangasito (Luaa Fuleheu), Fonua′one′one, Lua Ui Vaha, Luahiapu, and Fua′amotu. By far the easiest anchorage is off Fonua′one′one. When you’re ready to head back, sail north past Euakafa Island, and bear off for a fun beam reach to Vaka′eitu. You will have circumnavigated Ovaka and Euakafa islands and the extensive reef that connects them!
Vaka′eitu Island to Tapana Island – 8 nm. If you chose the circle route on the previous day’s passage, you sailed past Euakafa Island on the way back to Vaka′eitu. Situated due east of Ovaka Island and its extensive reef, Euakafa is another excellent day stop for exploring ashore and for snorkeling. The high plateau rises about 300 feet from the beach. You could spend an entire day enjoying the sights and the reef. From there your course takes you northward to one of three picturesque anchorages off Tapana Island and Pangiamotu. Pangiamotu’s beautiful Hinakaue′a Beach, a favorite spot for traditional Tongan feasts, is nearby. There is also a restaurant and an art gallery.
Tapana Island to Kenutu Island – 20 nm. This passage looks like a thin V on the chart. It takes you south to the far end of the Vava′u group to Maninita Island, one of the prettiest you’ll find. Small and heavily wooded with majestic puko trees, the islet is fringed with a spectacular white-sand beach. The surrounding reef teems with sea life and is superb for snorkeling. From Maninita, you sail north to just as remote Kenutu Island at the very eastern edge of the Vava′u group.
Kenutu Island to Olo′ua Island – 5 nm. From Kenutu Island you head west through the reef pass, then north to scenic Olo′ua Island. Nearby are Mafana and Ofu. All three offer superb snorkeling and protected anchorages in the prevailing easterly winds.
Olo′ua Island to Taunga Island – 5 nm. From Olo′ua Island you head south and west through the reef passes to scenic Taunga Island, where you’ll find beautiful beaches, hiking paths, and excellent snorkeling near the anchorage on the west side adjacent to the islets of Ngau and Pau. Scuba diving is popular as well.
Taunga Island to Kapa Island – 8 nm. Continuing west to Nuapapu Island, just north of Vaka′eitu Island, you’ll find several good anchorages for a day stop. An interesting feature on the northwest shore of Nuapapu is the submerged Mariner’s Cave, an underwater curiosity where the snorkeling is intriguing. Sailing a short distance east puts you back at Kapa Island and the overnight anchorage at Port Maurelle.
Final Morning
Kapa Island to Neiafu – 6 nm. Although you won’t want to sail back to reality (you can always come visit Tonga again!), the final leg of your charter will be an easy passage north back to the Moorings base. Please check in by noon.
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