VAVA'UVava'u is pure paradise. The longer a visitors stays, the more he will he spell-bound by the charms of this northern archipelago of 71 islands. Vava'u is rapidly becoming the tourist center of Tonga. The peak season is from May to November. The visitor will find excellent restaurants, plus a choice of hotels, resorts and guest houses -- mostly located in or around Neiafu township
Visitors can explore the archipelago aboard a yacht or launch, or take a scenic flight. With an abundance of white sand beaches protected by colorful coral reefs -- swimming and observing the diverse life on the reefs are superb.
If you are interested in conchology, the reefs supply a museum-like array of Pacific shells. Diving tours are professionally organized to nearby shipwrecks and caves. In the clear, crystalline, water visibility extends beyond 30 meters.
Fishing is a traditional way of life in Vava'u and visitors are able to participate in fishing trips, and honor and an unforgettable experience.
Tonga is renowned for its handicrafts, reputedly the finest in the Pacific, and on Vava'u the choice is fabulous.
How to get to Vava'u ? -- Royal Tongan Airlines flies daily, except Sundays from Tongatapu to Vava'u. RTA also flies once weekly between Vava'u and Nadi, Fiji. There is a ferry service from Nuku'alofa to Vava'u. The voyage takes about 24 hours.
Activities -- It's the sun, the scenery and lazy days with water-based recreation that Vava'u offers its visitors. The elevated and thickly forested islands provide for pleasant walking and magnificent views are second to none. The air is filled with the fragrance of rich vanilla pods -- so important to the Vava'u economy.
Game Fishing -- Take the opportunity and fish in some of the finest waters in the Pacific. All anglers can be winners when the Tonga International Games Fishing Association hosts the annual event during late September. Try your skills a landing a "Blue Marlin", the ultimate fighting marlin species, or enjoy landing or tagging your first bill-fish. Sport-fishing launches based at Vava'u include the "Kiwi Magic" which is available for sailing and sightseeing. Here the fisherman can find Mahimahi, Sailfish and Yellow-tail Tuna.
Yacht Charters -- The picturesque Port-of-Refuge harbor with its land-locked harbor and winding waterways is a popular cruising area for yachts and is a good base for charter yacht holidays. Here you will find a number of sailing yachts operated by crew who know the area well. Sailing holidays can be tailor-made. Go out with Jacaranda Sails or Sailing Safaris on unforgettable sailing & island adventures. Day and overnight charters are available. For a sunset cruise, snorkeling or beach combing trips try the trimaran Orian , or takes several days and explore the archipelago.
Two Yacht Charter companies have 19 locally-based yachts available for charter. Ask for fully provisioned services, with a skipper, a cook and a guide, or do self-provisioning with a bare boat charter. Sail to undisturbed island villages and anchor in sheltered tropical lagoons a the magical holiday of a life time.
Kayaking -- Skirt palm fringed island and coral reefs. Explore marine caves and comb white sand beaches. Sea-kayaking is an adventure you can safely try in Vava'u. Friendly Islands Kayaking, Vava'u, has experienced guides taking kayaking tours for eight day s trips to places only very recently discovered by visitors. Meet the island villagers on Tauna. It's like going back in time. Here the inhabitants are doing what they have done for centuries -- living off the sea and land.
Feasts -- Join the happy crowd and tuck into a roost suckling pig, octopus, fish, clams, lobster, crayfish and taro backed in the traditional underground 'umu. Saturdays are the best days for feasts, due to the high demand several feasts are also held on week nights on some of the island beaches. Sit on mats on the floor, tuck in and enjoy traditional dancing and guitar music. Lisa Beach, Ano Beach and Ocean Breeze offer some fine feasts.
Whale Watching -- Humpback whales arrive in Tongan waters from about June through to November. The whales come here to calf and to mate. Only the male whales sing. Special speakers for whale-watching are plugged into a hydrophone installed on board the Phoenix catamaran based at Neiafu. Teta Tours, Nuku'alofa, the Bounty Bar, Neiafu take bookings amongst multi-hued coral reefs filled with marine life. For whale watching. Dolphin Pacific Diving, Vava'u too offered whale watching programs.
Scuba Diving -- Scuba diving opens up an adventure wonderland for both the experienced and newly initiated. Diving instruction, tours and equipment are available from several PADI qualified operators in Vava'u. Peter Goldstein of Vava'u Water Sports has been offering diving since 1982. Dolphin Pacific Diving at the Tongan Beach Resort, can provide tuition and help with underwater photography on their spectacular underwater excursions.
Handicrafts - Vava'u is known for the high quality of its kato tu'aniu or basket production. Exquisite baskets are woven from coconut ribs and pandanus leaves. Small lid boxes come if difference shapes and sizes. All of them make very attractive gifts. Perhaps select a handsome laundry basket -- items can be shipped directly to your home address. A large selection of handicrafts are found on sale at Langa Fonua, the woman's handicraft center in Neiafu. The Friendly Island Marketing Co-operative and Double Dolphin offer the visitor an interesting range of goods.
The visitor to Vava'u will find here some of Tonga's best jewelry makers. The intricate pendant of bone carver Leonati Fakatawa is a treasure worth tasking home. Check out Fa Sea Jewelry on the main road for sharks teeth, pig tusks and carving reminiscent of ancient times.
History -- The first European visitor came to Vava'u 214 years ago. It was the Spanish commander Francisco Mourelle on board of the La Princesa came across Vava'u when sailing from the Philippines to Mexico. The Spanish navigator Malaspino followed 12 years later. The archipelago has settled over 2000 years. Polynesian oral tradition relates to interesting regional history.