Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Whale Watching in the Vava’u Islands

The Island Kingdom of Tonga

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This journey of discovery brings us to the traditional world of Tonga’s enchanting Vava’u Islands, a tranquil off-the-beaten-path cluster of glorious tropical isles that offers heavenly sea kayaking, snorkeling in crystalline waters, and spectacular whale watching. As we island hop in our kayaks, we enjoy fabulous explorations ashore, including ventures to hidden sea caves and local villages where we are warmly welcomed with time-honored Tongan hospitality. Along the way we learn about the natural and cultural history of this South Seas paradise and the legendary Polynesian navigators who plied the waters of the greatest ocean on earth. We cap our adventure with a day of magical encounters with the humpback whales who migrate here each year.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Vava’u / Mala

We gather in Vava’u, a paradise of lush tropical landscapes, miles of white sand beaches, reef-filled lagoons, and groves of hibiscus and frangipani. After a sea kayaking practice session, we paddle through the sheltered waters of the Port of Refuge to tiny Mala Island, where we explore its spectacular underwater reefs. After dinner we head to the beach to stargaze and learn how early Polynesians used the stars to navigate.

Days 3-4
Euaiki / Snorkeling

After kayaking to Euaiki, an idyllic island of sugary beaches, turquoise lagoons, and colorful coral gardens, we snorkel over a deep wall and, tide permitting, explore an immense sea cave. Euaiki is home of the Tongan Seafaring Center where we can see the designs of the early voyaging canoes and learn more of their heroic journeys.

Days 5-6
Taunga / Maninita

Captain Cook called these “the Friendly Islands,” and we experience the warm hospitality that has continued through the ages. We paddle to Taunga Island, where the villagers host us for an authentic Tongan feast of roast suckling pork, reef fish, and vegetables, all steamed in a traditional underground oven called an ‘umu. Our festive lunch is followed by traditional Tongan singing and dancing. The next day we board a small vessel and cruise to Maninita Island, encircled by perfect powdery beaches and coral reefs that offer some of the best snorkeling in the Vava’u Islands. We search for birds in the luxuriant rainforest of the interior before returning to our beach resort on Euaiki Island.

Days 7-9
Ovalau / Foeata / Hunga Lagoon

At the uninhabited island of Ovalau, we relax on its picture-perfect beach, then paddle to remote Foeata Island on the western side of the Vava’u Islands. We have a day to explore and savor the secluded setting of this idyllic atoll, with nature walks, snorkeling, and refreshing dips in the lagoon, and also explore Hunga Island, where the way of life is little changed in 50 years.

Days 10-11
Whale Watching

Vava’u is the best place in the South Pacific to watch for humpback whales, who migrate annually to Tonga’s warm, tropical waters to breed and calve. Our day of whale watching aboard a small boat is interspersed with snorkeling excursions at exquisite reefs. We return to the main island of Vava’u and depart on Day 11.

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Tour Costs $5195 (9-10 members) $5595 (7-8 members) $5795 (6 members) Single supplement: $995 Internal airfare: $325 (subject to change) Prices are for 2009 dates **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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