Vava'u
Why Vava'u
in Tonga is specialThe Vava'u island group is among the world's finest locales in two distinct categories: Yachting and whale watching. And, you can do both at the same time (see photo)
Vava'u tips and insights
Yachting
It's superb because the tradewinds in Tonga are suitably strong. And sailors relish navigating between the many small tropical islands surrounding the main island Vava'u (which gave the island group its name).
Anchorage
The main harbor of Vava'u in Tonga offers remarkably safe anchorage. It is separated from the open sea by a maze of natural channels.
Whale watching
It is excellent because humpbacks migrate in large numbers from Antarctica to Vava'u in Polynesia to give birth and rear their offspring in the area's sheltered waters. Some boat tours let you swim with the whales.
Other water-based activities
They include:
- Snorkeling and diving
Vava'u has crystal-clear lagoons. Underwater visibility averages 25 to 30 meters or 80 to 100 feet. - Game fishing
Among the best in Polynesia. - Day cruises
You can take leisurely day cruises to explore uninhabited offshore islands that are delights to swimmers, sunbathers and beachcombers. - Sea-kayaking
Growing in popularity.
As collectors knows, Tonga issues striking postage stamps. One series is die cut into the shape of a banana.
The sale of these unique stamps creates bonus revenue for Vava'u. Reason: The stamps are seldom used for mailing purposes because a post office cancellation mark would decrease a stamp's value to stamp collectors.
When to come
Yachting and whale watching is very seasonal - from June to October. Visitor count is seasonal, too. From December to April the visitor count in Vava'u significantly dwindles because sea breezes die down and the whales have left.
Date line location
Vava'u nearly kisses the international date line, so it's among the first spots on earth to welcome each new day, year and millennium.
