Kingdom Of Tonga Discovery Cruise

From £4695 per person

Deposit 25%. Balance due 12wks before embarkation

Discover Paradise in Tonga - an exclusive 13-day sailing expedition through the Kingdom of Tonga. Experience pristine beauty, island life, and unforgettable adventures.

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Suited to

Singles, Couples, Groups

Difficulty

Intermediate. Some sailing experience required

Nights onboard

Vessel type

Steel-hulled, 30-ton, ketch-rigged sailing vessel

Vessel length

72 foot

Skipper

Yes

Berth Style

Single Bunk

Sail from Nuku'alofa to Tonga's stunning Ha'Apai and Vava'u islands and discover diverse landscapes, vibrant reefs, and local hospitality on this 12-night sailing adventure. Enjoy whale swims, cave explorations, and serene moments in beautiful bays.

12 Nights: 01 - 13 June 2024

Price: AUD$ 8,750 / £4,695 per person

*Trips are priced in the operator’s local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.

Join us in the Kingdom of Tonga. Our goal is to circumnavigate the Ha’Apai and Vava’u Island Groups over the course of 12 days, stopping daily at selected bays, attractions and islands en-route. We will begin this journey with a relaxed evening on Pangaimotu Island, where we will enjoy a crew welcome, dinner, briefing, and familiarization, before sailing north to the Ha'Apai Island Group.

Along the way we will get a taste of Tonga's diverse landscapes, which are made up of vibrantly blue waters, lush jungle shores and volcanic and coral islands. We will even get a chance to see the highest mountain in the archipelago, Mount Kao, which has a perfect conical shape and seems to rise straight out of the ocean.

On this voyage, we will stop at a few unique locations including Kelefesia and Nomuka Islands. They boast huge cliffs with quiet anchorages of 4 to 5 boats where you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands and the sound of the waves crashing on the outer reefs.

The Uoleva Yacht Club on the remote Uoleva Island (where there are no roads and no shops) is a popular spot for yachting enthusiasts to get together and enjoy fresh local seafood and chat about their sailing adventures. We will stop there to take part in their daily happy hours, pre-arranged BBQs, potluck dinners, and connect to their wifi in case you want to touch base with your loved ones back home.

This journey promises a blend of relaxation and adventure, catering to various interests. Exposure to the culture of the region, awe-inspiring landscapes, water sports, and tranquil moments, all woven together in a comprehensive exploration across Tonga's captivating archipelago.

Why You’ll Love This Trip

Tonga offers diverse landscapes, from volcanic to coral islands, all just waiting to be explored on this island-hopping adventure.
Ever dreamt of whale swimming? This could be your chance. Tonga is one of the few places in the world where it is legal and regulated to swim with humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Get to know the welcoming culture and warm hospitality of the Tongan people who are perhaps most renowned for their girth, their musical talent and their inimitable sense of hospitality.
The Port Maurelle on Kapa Island offers a beautiful sheltered anchorage where you can unwind in the sunshine, in this little piece of paradise.
Explore the Port of Refuge in Neiafu with its hub of waterfront restaurants, cafes, and shops. The island is a perfect place to connect with snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and whale watching operators.
Snorkel or dive your way 3 meters down into the breathtaking Mariners Cave on Nuapupu Island. The only light in this cave is the blue glow from the underwater opening.

Who The Trip Is For

For this trip, some prior sailing experience is recommended, as you'll need to actively participate as a crew member in sailing activities throughout the journey. Nevertheless, you'll have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills further as you go!
Suited for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all experience levels and ages.
If you enjoy swimming and other water-based activities, you will be in heaven. Tonga is a paradise of crystal clear waters, beautiful coral reefs and sea life.

Itinerary

You can fly directly into Fuaʻamotu International Airport, Tonga on or before the 1st of June 2024. A short boat ride will take you to the tranquil Island of Pangaimotu where we will be anchored for our first night and you will join us for a crew dinner onboard.

When you arrive we’ll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment. Our crew will officially assemble from the 2nd of June onwards at Pangaimotu and we will aim to depart (subject to weather) around midday and sail north toward to the Ha’Apai Island Group. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to 1st of June, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.

The goal is to circumnavigate the Ha’Apai and Vava’u Island Groups over the following 11 days, stopping daily at selected bays, attractions and islands en-route. We will aim to sail back into Pangaimotu on the 12th of June and you can stay onboard on before departing out of Fuaʻamotu International Airport, Tonga on the 13th of June.

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Tonga and various stopover ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing, and wet weather gear. You will need to complete either a 5-hour online or 2-day classroom-based Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent prior to departure.

It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore on either side of the trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.

The following morning, we will sail north toward to the Ha’Apai Island Group. Haʻapai comprises 51 islands that lie directly west of the Tonga Trench. They constitute a chain of both volcanic and coral islands, including Kao, the highest point in the kingdom, which stands 1,046 metres (3,432 ft) high. Seventeen of the islands are inhabited, including the main islands of Lifuka and Foa.

There are several options for anchorages in Ha’Apai on our journey to North Vava’u:

Kelefesia: arguably the jewel in the crown of the archipelago. Kelefesia is the southernmost Island in the Ha’Apai group.
Nomuka: Nomuka is 7 square kilometres in area. It has a large brackish lake (Ano Lahi) in the middle, and three smaller lakes; Ano Ha’amea, Ano Fungalei and Molou.

Uoleva Yacht Club: Located in the middle of Uoleva Bay, it’s a welcoming place for yachties and offers cruiser information for Ha’api/Tongatapu. Activities include whale swimming, scuba diving, vegetables from the garden for sale, a beach bar with daily happy hour, coffee/cakes, pre-arranged BBQs, potluck dinners and WiFi.
Port of Refuge: Arriving in the Port of Refuge, which is a 5nm long, deep water harbour on the South coast of Vava’u, we will head ashore to explore the second largest town in Tonga; Neiafu.

Mariners Cave, Nuapupu Island: For those who are adventurous, stronger swimmers, this is a cave whose entrance involves a 3m deep underwater swim. Once inside, the cave opens into a spectacular vista.
Port Maurelle, Kapa island: A beautiful sheltered anchorage.

Fuaʻamotu International Airport, Tonga

1st June 2024 to 13th June 2024