Vava’u Island is an island chain in Pacific Ocean inTonga comprising one large island and near about 40 smaller ones. It is a spectacular tropical island paradise and is a great place for indulging in several water sport activities. Some of the islands of Vava’u chain are ringed by white sandy beaches while some others are covered by tropical forests and feature sea-level caves and limestone cliffs. The waters surrounding this remote island are crystal clear and have great visibility. Most of the islands are devoid of any human population and hence the ambience is less spoilt. A few of the islands have villages while others have some of the unique resorts. Vava’u features abundant sea life species, including topical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, giant clams, spinner dolphins and also the Humpback Whales are spotted in the island region from July to October. Vavaʻu rises about 204 meters above the sea level. The capital of Vava’u is Neiafu, the second largest city of Tonga and is situated at the beautiful Port of Refuge (Puatalefusi or Lolo-ʻa-Halaevalu).

The port has been named so by Don Francisco Antonio Mourelle, the first European to have arrived at Vavaʻu, way back in February 1781.

In 2006, eruptions of the submarine volcano Home Reef caused the island to rise above sea level, hence forming a new island to the southwest of the archipelago.

Best time to visit:

Best time to visit Tonga is between May and October, known as the winter sailing season. It’s also the time for spotting the Humpback whales.

Tonga:

Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago (of about 169 islands) located in South Pacific Ocean. Tonga stretches over a distance of about 800 kilometres in north-south direction and has an area of 748 square kilometres. Capital is Nukuʻalofa.

Activities/attractions at Vava’u Island:

• Sailing:
  Vava’u is a perfect place for the yachties. A large number of chartered yachts pay visit to Vava’u harbour, a great cruising destination. All moorings at the harbour are privately owned. One must maintain a speed limit of 5 knots inside the outer marker in the harbour. Cyber Sailing, Orion Cruises, Melinda Sea Adventures, Sailing Safaris, Tradewind Island Sailing, The Moorings are some of the sailing service providers here.
• Diving
• Fishing
• Whale watching
• Bird Watching
• Kayaking
• Kitesurfing or kiteboarding
• Visiting Swallows Caves and Mariners caves
• Kava Parties
• Night life
• Friday nights are celebrated as Christmas time in Vava’u, according to the locals. A friendly bunch assembles at Mermaid Bar & Restaurant at around five to watch the yacht race. Several other bars are also known for their bands & night life like, Tonga Bobs, Bounty bar, Vai ko Lelea and others.

Accommodation:

Resorts:
Blue Lagoon Resort, The Tongan Beach Resort, Tapana Island Resort, Mounu Island Resort, Reef Resort and others

Hotels:
Hilltop Hotel, The Balcony Lodge, Puataukanave International Hotel and others

Motels:
Waterfront House, Vava’u Harbour Resort, Mystic Sands and others

Guesthouses:
Port Wine Guest House,Lucky’s Beach Houses and others