The Kingdom of Tonga Kayaking Adventure
Kayaking and Relaxing in the South Pacific
Join Whitney & Smith Legendary Expeditions in 2006 for an exciting sea kayaking trip in the Vava'u group in the Kingdom of Tonga. Inhabited since 500 BC, these coral islands are rich in cultural history, offer fantastic diving and are the breeding grounds to the humpback whale. The 50-odd islands of the Vava'u group lie just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and west of the international dateline. The hilly terrain is lush with tropical vegetation which provides shade, tropical fruit and fragrant flowers.
"The trip was spectacular, and we certainly would recommend with out hesitation any trip led by Steve or Jane. They evidenced the knowledge, practical experience and judgment necessary to make such a trip enjoyable and safe. They worked incredibly long days, answered innumerable questions, and always checked on the details."
- David Bloom - Washington D.C.
The waters of Vava’u teem with life. For millennia, reefs built on ancient volcanoes displaying spectacular corrals shelter and provide a colorful backdrop for the multitudes of iridescent fish. Sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales frequent this warm waters. Exotic tropical birds including the fruit bat, the Flying Fox, soar above. A local Tongan guide accompanies us on the tour, opening many doors for us in various outlying villages including impromptu invitations to an 'umu feast and kava ceremonies.
On our Tonga sea kayaking expedition, we strive for a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure, finding the perfect match between paddling, snorkeling amidst colorful coral reefs and inside legendary marine caves to exploring lush tropical bush and observing the traditional village lifestyle.
Highlights of this trip include a visit to an underground cave where a pool of fresh clear water provides a refreshing swim in the midday heat; paddling past scores of flying fox hanging in the jungle forest overhead; fetching your own coconut on a hike; snorkeling the warm, crystal blue waters or hanging a hammock between a couple of palm trees and let the cares of the world drift away in the warm breezes of the south pacific.
We'll begin our tour with a day of orientation to learn about the Tongan language and customs. Day 2 offers a day sail to the outer islands . We will learn more about the geology, marine life, birds and marine mammals while out on the eight day sea kayaking expedition. The pace of life in Vava'u is slow and relaxed-much like it was a century ago. We spend our evenings on deserted white sand beaches beneath waving palms and the Southern Cross bathed by warm south pacific breezes.
Highlights
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Visit one of the oldest and most traditional south pacific island groups while sea kayaking the lush and colourful Vava'u Island group
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A natural history based day’s sail on to the outer islands.
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Paddle with a local Tongan guide who will share his local knowledge to make our trip a learning experience
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Exotic sea birds, massive turtles, humpback whales and their calves, black tipped reef sharks, and friendly manta rays
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Snorkel along the reefs which host many colourful species of tropical fish and corals
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Visit traditional villages on the outer islands and enjoy a traditional polynesian feast.
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Relax in a hammock under the shade of the coconut fronds
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A fun dinner at a local Spanish restaurant on Tapana Island
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A star studded night sky in one of the darkest places on the planet which makes for excellent stargazing.
Trip Details
- 11 Day trip which starts and finishes in Neiafu, Vava'u Island group in Tonga
- Trip includes three nights accommodation at the Tongan Beach Resort, a full day sail, eight days sea kayaking, a traditional polynesian feast, dinner at La Paella restaurant on Tapana Island, all group equipment and meals while camping
- Two fully qualified expedition guides
Itinerary-in-Brief
More information about this trip is available in our in-depth Trip Information Package. Please contact our office to receive these detailed materials.
Day 1: The group flies north from Tongatapu. Upon arrival in Neiafu, Vava’u, the group will be transferred to a local hotel Overnight at local hotel.
Day 2: We will set out for a day sail to the outer islands. Overnight in a local hotel. We will have a trip orientation in the evening. Overnight at local hotel.
Days 3-9: The group will pack and set out on the kayak trip. Weather permitting, we will kayak from our put in site into the outer islands. Our direction of travel each day will be governed by such factors as wind, tides and weather. We hope to encounter Humpback whales while out amongst the islands, and we plan to spend time with the Tongan people and their families. We’ll paddle amongst a myriad of picturesque islands, dive from of our kayaks for a refreshing snorkel or pull ashore to explore inland. Your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlike, and geographical features of Tonga. (B/L/D included)
Day 10: We will return to Neiafu. Overnight at local 0hotel. ( B/L /D and hotel included)
Day 11: We will fly to Tongatapu to overnight before catching international flights October 31 homeward.
Inclusive Services
- the services of two fully qualified expedition guides
- all group equipment including kayaks, paddles, tents; PFD’s
- all hotel accomodation on Days 1, 2 and 10
- all meals listed in the itinerary from Day 3-9 while camping
- Traditional Polynesien feast
- Dinner at La Paella resturant on Tapana Island
- a natural history based day’s sail on to the outter islands
Non-Inclusive Services
- transportation between Vava’u and your home
- hotel accommodation in Nuku’alofa, Tongapu
- personal belongings and gear as per ‘Clothing and Equipment List’
- any expenses incurred because of delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft, including accommodation and/or meals needed in Va Va’u.
- gratuities
