Transfer Option:

Note that the following itinerary is a sample only and is subject to alterations and delays owing to weather, sea conditions or logistical considerations.
B = BREAKFAST L = LUNCH D = DINNER

Day 1: Arrival / Orientation.
Upon arrival at Lupepau’u Airport in Vava’u you will be transferred to your motel/resort. Please ensure that you send us your full flight itinerary so we may arrange transport appropriately. Your guides will phone you at your motel/resort this morning to welcome you and discuss the schedule of events for the next few days. Your guides present a 45-minute orientation talk commencing 1:30 p.m. at The Adventure Centre in Toula Village, a two-minute taxi ride from your motel/resort. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk. This is your last opportunity to visit the bank and purchase items for the trip. Meals and beverages on own... Twin View Motel or Harbour View Resort (subject to availability)
Day 2: Whale Watching / Snorkelling.
Aboard our comfortable 8.5 metre rigid inflatable boat, MV Tropic Bird, our team of whale enthusiasts and educators discuss humpback whale migration, mating, surface activity and song. From July through October we observe the impressive acrobatic displays of these magnificent picnicking and sightseeing in the beautiful Vava’u Islands. L…
Excursion Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Twin View Motel or Harbour View
Resort (subject to availability)
Day 3: Diving or Sailing.
Join our preferred water sport operators, Dive Vava’u and Orion Yacht Charters, for an active morning of scuba diving (two tanks) or a more restful day sailing aboard the trimaran, Orion. Vava'u is a natural playground for diving and sailing, and reputedly one of the best destinations in the South Pacific for both activities. L…
Excursion Time: Diving 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Sailing 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.;
Twin View Motel or Harbour View Resort (subject to availability)
Day 4: Day 1 of Kayaking.
A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at The Adventure Centre, Toula Village, before departing for the first of four days of kayaking. Our journey begins at the entrance to the Port of Refuge, reputedly the most protected and beautiful harbour in the Pacific. We paddle into renowned Swallows Cave, snorkel and picnic at Kapa Island, and finish off the day by skirting several islands on the western side of the island group. Tonight’s camp on uninhabited Ovalau Island is a sandy beach facing the setting sun with possibly the best view in the Vava’u Group.  L, D …
Ovalau Island; Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Day 5: Day 2 of Kayaking.
On today’s paddle to ‘Euakafa Island our Tongan guide leads us through shallow, reef-strewn turquoise waters. This afternoon is free for snorkelling the exquisite reefs and beach combing the expansive beaches of uninhabited ‘Euakafa Island. While paddling we may be fortunate enough to sight turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales, the latter of which migrate annually to Tonga’s warm sheltered waters (June-November) to breed and calve. B, L, D …
‘Euakafa Island; Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Day 6: Day 3 of Kayaking.
In the cool hours of the morning, a guided walk to ‘Euakafa’s distinctive tabletop summit takes us to the site of a legendary royal tomb within the fortress of a Tu’i Tonga king. This afternoon, we paddle to nearby ‘Eueiki Island for some wall snorkelling and exploring an immense cave with Tarzan-like vines cascading down through a hole in the cave ceiling. A short paddle across the channel, and we reach the beautiful isthmus of Taunga Island. Exploring the intertidal zone of Taunga, Ngau and Pau Islands, connected to one another at low tide by a sand bar, is a pleasant diversion. This evening, the villagers host an authentic Tongan feast consisting of roast suckling pork complemented by fresh root vegetables, octopus, reef fish, vegetarian dishes, and tropical fruits such as papaya in coconut milk, all steamed in an underground oven or ’umu. This gastronomic delight is followed by a traditional Tongan song and dance performance. B, L, D…
Taunga Island; Paddling Time: 1-2 hours
Day 7: Day 4 of Kayaking.
On this final day of paddling, the journey westward takes us back to the Port of Refuge where we started our journey four days ago. Skirting Mala Island, once the home of a cannibal demi-god who liked nothing better than to catch and eat paddlers passing in outrigger canoes, we cross the channel to Otea Village. From the beach we can snorkel to the entrancing Japanese Gardens before returning to The Adventure Centre. From here, we transfer by taxi to the motel/resort and hot showers! This evening, we dine at a fine restaurant in Neiafu. B, L, D…
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours; Twin View Motel or Harbour View Resort (subject to availability)
Day 8: Mountain Biking.
The best way to see Vava’u Island is from a bicycle seat. Following a brief orientation at The Adventure Centre you and your guide(s) will set off for a full day of exploring historic sites, legendary caves, plantations, look-outs and beaches on high quality mountain bikes with front suspension forks. This evening your guides join you for dinner at a fine restaurant in Neiafu. L, D…
Excursion Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Twin View Motel or Harbour View Resort (subject to availability)
Day 9: Departure.
The trip concludes today with transfers to Lupepau'u Airport and a warm farewell from your guides. Meals and beverages on own

FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE
A moderate level of physical fitness and a sense of adventure are important for all Adventure Week activities. Those who engage in regular exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming tend to derive more enjoyment from their adventure. Physical conditioning exercises and camping experience are recommended.
Cyclists must be familiar with using multiple gears and hand brakes. Divers must present a current dive certificate. If your dive certificate has lapsed or if you wish to learn to dive, ask us about refresher or Discover Scuba courses. It may be possible to participate in such courses prior to commencement of the Adventure Week.
Whilst boating experience is not required for the whale watching day trip (June to November), participants need to feel comfortable in swells and open water. MV Tropic Bird’s crew is formally trained in boat safety and handling to ensure a safe, comfortable whale watching experience for all. Similarly, sailing experience is not necessary and Orion’s captain and crew are keen to show you the ropes if you’re interested - or you may wish to simply relax and enjoy the scenery!
Little or no previous experience is required for our sea kayak tours. A typical day entails two to three hours of paddling interspersed with rest stops. Whilst the guides endeavour to balance the group by pairing slower members with stronger, more experienced paddlers, the slower members will always dictate the pace. Base camps offer the luxury of paddling empty kayaks or a lay day for exploring and relaxing. Paddling into a trade wind of 13-18 knots requires extra effort and can make the distance we travel feel longer.

KAYAK GUIDES
Professional guides lead all of our trips. They are responsible for making safety decisions, coordinating logistics and activities, preparing meals as well as interpreting the natural and cultural features of Vava’u. All guides lend invaluable local knowledge and cultural flavour to the experience and also offer outdoor safety, first aid and risk management expertise.

ITINERARY CHANGES AND/OR DELAYS
It is possible that route or itinerary changes and/or delays may become necessary for reasons of safety or enhancing the quality of the trip. These changes and/or delays could be due to inclement weather, acts of God, delayed transport, political or cultural considerations, government restrictions, participants’ limitations, or any other cause. If our return from the kayak needs in the outer islands. However, any additional expenses incurred by a trip participant such as meals, accommodation, prepaid airline tickets, fees for visas, etc. in connection with changes and/or delays to a route or itinerary shall be borne by the trip participant. If possible, ensure some degree of flexibility in your travel plans. A sense of adventure and tolerance for the
unexpected are essential attributes when visiting developing nations such as Tonga where  “Tonga Time” is synonymous with delays and waiting.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographic opportunities abound in Tonga! Tongan people are very photogenic and enjoy having their photo taken (except when they are eating). Asking their permission first is a polite gesture. Fujichrome Velvia professional film does justice to the tropical blues and greens of the water and foliage. We recommend that all film be processed in your home country for best results. A zoom lens is handy especially for photographing whales. However, bear in mind that the humidity and salt water can damage camera lenses and electronics. For this reason, some prefer to leave their expensive camera at home and bring an inexpensive disposable or waterproof camera instead. If you do decide to bring an expensive camera, store it in a dry bag
or waterproof case with silicon packs and insure it! Bring plenty of spare film and batteries.

The climate of Tonga is very pleasant, being slightly cooler and less humid than most tropical areas. From May through until December (our season) temperatures range from approximately 22° to 32°C (72° to 90°F); the mean humidity hovers around 74%; and, the trade winds blow an average of 13-18 knots - often perfect weather for paddling and adventuring.

As we are self-sufficient (i.e. we carry all food and equipment with us in the kayaks) it is important to keep gear to a minimum. Owing to the shape of a kayak, space inside the watertight hatches is limited so please try to restrict your gear to a minimum: One nylon stuff sack for clothing (approximate dimensions 8” x 8” x 17” or approx. 22ccm x 22cm x 42.5cm); one nylon stuff sack for miscellaneous items such as sheet, toilet paper, book etc. (same dimensions or smaller); blanket/sleeping bag; tent; sleeping pad; snorkelling gear; and one small cockpit dry bag for accessible items (eg wallet, documents, sun screen etc). Camera and optical equipment should be waterproofed and insured. Large dry bags, duffel bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated in the hatches. Small nylon stuff sacks lined with one or two heavy duty rubbish bags each, hold a large amount of gear, keep it dry and fit more easily into the nooks and crannies of your boat. The nylon provides puncture resistance for the waterproof plastic, but bring along a few extra rubbish bags just in case.
Tents, groundsheets, mattresses and snorkelling gear are included. However, we
recommend bringing your own snorkelling gear to ensure a good fit.
Lightweight cotton or quick-dry clothing is recommended for Tonga’s warm tropical climate. Long-sleeved shirts with a collar offer good sun protection. Lava lavas (2 metre wrap-around cloth) may be purchased in Tonga. It is a good idea to bring along two lava lavas, one for wearing over shorts or a swimsuit when entering villages and a clean one for other occasions. Biodegradable salt-water shampoo is available for purchase from Friendly Islands Kayak Company for $5.00/ 100ml bottle. Sleeping bags, blankets or sheets are not available. If you have any questions about clothing or equipment, consult your local canoe or outdoor equipment retailer or contact us. Any excess baggage can be left at our base in safekeeping.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST
 Passport, travellers’ checks, small notes
 Basic first aid kit
 Toiletries, toilet paper (preferably unbleached)
 Biodegradable salt water shampoo/soap
 Sun screen (SP15+), lip screen, insect repellent
 Sun hat (stiff brimmed) with chin strap
 Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with neck strap
 Pack towel (viscose or polyester / polyamide)
 Drink bottle (1-2 litres)
 Cotton-lycra swimsuit, sports bra & briefs
 Lightweight rain jacket with hood
 Lightweight fleece jacket (ie Polartec 100)
 Cotton T-shirts (long & short sleeved)
 Quick dry shorts & pants
 Calf-length skirt/dress
 Lava lava (can be purchased in Tonga)
 Cotton socks & underwear (for duration of trip)
 Cotton bandanna, hankie (for cleaning glasses)
 Sturdy sandals (many prefer Velcro)
 Cotton sheet(s)
 Nylon stuff sacks (for clothes & small items)
 Snorkelling gear (prescription lenses for mask) and mesh carry bag
 Heavy-duty rubbish bags (for lining stuff sacks)
 Waist pack
 Ziploc bags (medium & large)
 Flashlight/headlamp, spare batteries, lighter
 Clothes line & pegs 

CAMP ORGANIZATION
On the first camping day (Day 4) the guides orient participants to the camp kitchen and protocol for erecting and breaking camp. The more assistance with camp duties rendered, the quicker meals are served and the earlier the group gets out on the water each day. We typically aim to be on the water by 9:00 a.m. in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours for paddling. We usually aim to reach our camp by lunchtime. On arrival at camp the guides require help erecting the overhead tarpaulin; hanging up life vests and spray skirts; unloading the kayaks; and hauling seawater for washing dishes and vegetables. Once these duties are completed, everyone is free to pitch their tents. Assistance with meal preparation and dish washing is not expected but always appreciated. Packing bags and tents prior to breakfast makes the job of breaking camp more efficient.

MEALS ON TOUR
We re-provision with fresh tropical produce and water at outer island villages. The water is untreated rainwater collected from rooves and stored in cement holding tanks. We have never encountered a problem on tour with fresh water-borne diseases or infections. Lunch is provided on Day 2 (whale watching) and Day 3 (sailing or diving). Lunch and dinner are provided on Day 8 (cycling). Snacks and three meals per day are provided on the kayaking portion of the tour beginning with lunch on Day 4 and ending with lunch on Day 7. Our fine food has an international theme so you are likely to find Thai, Indonesian, Italian, Mexican and Polynesian cuisine on the menu. The meals are predominantly vegetarian supplemented with fresh fish. We try to make extensive use of the delicious tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh seafood caught by our Tongan guides. We also try our best to please every palate. Please let us know well in advance of the tour of any food and drink allergies and/or dislikes. At one of these villages we partake in an authentic ’umu feast (feast baked in an underground oven) and share with the villagers their traditional song, dance, and customs. A multitude of chicken, roast pig, seafood and vegetarian dishes are served, but no one is offended if it isn’t all eaten. We might be fortunate enough to participate in an impromptu kava ceremony, also permeated with Tongan culture, should the occasion present itself.

FOOD AND WATER
There are a wide selection of eateries in Nuku’alofa and Vava’u, some of which are excellent. In Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu), we can recommend Fakalato Restaurant, Friends Café, Little Italy Pizzeria, Seaview Restaurant, Black Pearl, Taste of India, and The Waterfront Café. In Neiafu (Vava’u), the Sovereign Residence, Mango, Aquarium, Dancing Rooster, Mermaid, Sails, Ciao, and the Tongan Beach Resort. The tap water in Tonga is treated well water with a high mineral content, giving it a metallic taste. While the tap water is potable, for people unaccustomed to the local water, it is advisable to drink rainwater or bottled water. Both are readily available on request at shops, restaurants and hotels. There are no waterfalls, rivers or lakes in Tonga and so, whilst on tour, we bathe and wash laundry in the sea using biodegradable saltwater shampoo or soap. Provided there is not a drought we fill solar shower bags with rainwater from cement tanks in the villages.

ACCOMMODATION
There are two potential accommodation options available for this tour (subject to availability): the Twin View Motel and the Harbour View Resort. The Twin View Motel is located 10 minutes’ by foot from Neiafu, overlooks the two harbours Neiafu Tahi and Port of Refuge and offers spacious, clean and airy self-contained units with en suite bathrooms facilities. The Harbour View Resort is located approximately 5 minutes by taxi from the centre of Neiafu, is situated within wonderful gardens and offers self-contained, clean and spacious rooms with en
suite bathroom facilities. For each of the two accommodation options, rooms are based on double occupancy with private rooms available subject to an additional single supplement fee. If you plan to extend your stay in Tonga please advise us of your accommodation requirements in advance and we will be happy to book on your behalf. There is no charge for this service.