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

Discover pristine beaches, hidden anchorages, and rich Polynesian culture on an adventure through the unspoiled paradise of Tonga.

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.

Journey in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, located on the main island of Tongatapu. Your adventure begins with a relaxing first night on the tranquil Island of Pangaimotu. Enjoy a crew welcome, dinner, briefing, and familiarization, as you prepare for the unforgettable experiences that await. As you sail north towards the Ha'Apai Island Group, you'll explore the enchanting and varied landscapes of Tonga. This unique archipelago boasts a combination of volcanic and coral islands, with Mount Kao standing tall as the highest point in the kingdom.

Your voyage includes stops at several remarkable locations, each offering its own distinct charm. From the stunning beauty of Kelefesia to the enchanting Nomuka, these islands will leave you in awe. At Uoleva Yacht Club, you'll find a welcoming haven for yachties, complete with opportunities for whale swimming, scuba diving, and delicious beachfront experiences. Enjoy daily happy hours, coffee and cakes, pre-arranged BBQs, potluck dinners, and WiFi at this unique location. Your journey also leads to the Port of Refuge on the South coast of Vava'u, where you'll have the chance to explore the second-largest town in Tonga, Neiafu.

Adventurous souls will have the opportunity to explore the unique Mariners Cave on Nuapupu Island, which involves an underwater swim to access the cave. Once inside, you'll be greeted by a spectacular vista. The Port Maurelle on Kapa Island offers a beautiful sheltered anchorage where you can unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.

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