Tonga Islands Kayaking - resort based South Pacific Tonga Resort based Kayaking Adventure Our all-inclusive 10-day tour is ideal for honeymooners, families and those who appreciate a hot shower, fine dining and a comfortable bed after an active day in the outdoors. Each of the three carefully selected resorts boasts unique features; harbour views and proximity to Neiafu township; idyllic “Treasure Island”; and luxurious Reef Resort overlooking the Japanese Coral Gardens. Experience the Vava’u Islands, Tonga’s jewel in the King’s crown. Kayak, snorkel and whale watch - all without sand between the sheets! Situated approximately 150 miles north of Tongatapu, the Vava’u Island Group is a smattering of 50-odd islands covering an area 23 by 25 kilometer most of which protected by a semi-circular reef. Although the islands are separated by reefs or open water, they are not great distances apart. In his book, The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific, author Paul Theroux describes sea kayaking in Vava’u thus: “It was a perfect area for paddling a kayak - perhaps the best in the Pacific. There was a surfy side and a safe side to each island - the lee shores usually had the beaches - all were secluded, all were lovely.” On our Tonga sea kayaking expeditions we strive for a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure. We generally paddle in the mornings leaving the afternoons free for snorkeling amidst colorful coral and inside legendary marine caves; exploring lush tropical bush; and, observing the traditional village lifestyle. The pace of life in Vava’u is slow and relaxed - much like it was a century ago. The 7-day Ha'apai Resort package is a great choice for non-campers and families as well that do not have 10 days to spend. Paddle the lee side of the Lifuka Archipelago to Serenity, an Eco-resort situated on picturesque Uoleva Island, renowned for its expansive white sandy beaches. Island walks, whale watching, snorkeling and a day paddle to offshore Luangahu Island feature in this resort based package. Kayaking Trip Trip with multi activities Meeting: Lupepau’u Airport Airport: Tonga’s international airport Transfer: Lupepau’u Airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 16 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Options:

Day 1: Arrival
Meals: On own.
Accommodation: Matafonua Lodge (or The Resort at Billy's Place subject to availability).
A driver is waiting at Salote Pilolevu Airport in Ha'apai to escort you to your accommodation. Please ensure that you send us your full flight itinerary so we may arrange transport. Your guides present a 45-minute orientation talk commencing 4:00pm at your accommodation property. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk.

Day 2: Start Kayaking
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Uoleva Island.
Accommodation: Serenity Beaches Resort (or Diana's Beach Resort subject to availability).
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.
Transport departs early this morning (exact time is tide-dependent) from your accommodation to our launching site near Pangai. Here, the guides give a safety briefing before we depart for the first of 4 days of kayaking. Today we paddle along the leeward shores of Lifuka and Uoleva Islands skirting pristine reefs and beaches. Tonight's accommodation is at Serenity Beaches Resort, a small island hideaway situated on a narrow piece of land between the windward east facing beach and the crescent white sand beach on the leeward side of Uoleva Island. An eco-resort, Serenity features fresh rain water, solar and wind generated electricity, natural foods and private showers open to the stars. Close by, at the southern tip of Uoleva Island, is a magnificent coral ledge smothered in soft corals - a snorkeller's dream.

Day 3: Kayaking
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Luangahu Island.
Accommodation: Serenity Beaches Resort (or Diana's Beach Resort subject to availability).
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.
Weather permitting, we paddle offshore to Luangahu, a tiny uninhabited island visited only by local fishermen and nesting sea snakes! Whilst paddling, we may be fortunate to sight turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales, the latter of which migrate annually (July through October) to Tonga's warm sheltered waters to breed and calve. After a picnic lunch, we circumnavigate the island on foot observing makeshift fishermen's shelters and octopus drying trees. Those with sharp eyes may find remnants of whalebone in the sand dunes from Tong's whaling days. After a refreshing swim and snorkel, we paddle back to our resort in time for happy hour in the Bounty Bar.

Day 4: Whale Watching / Snorkelling
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Lifuka Archipelago.
Accommodation: Serenity Beaches Resort (or Diana's Beach Resort subject to availability).
Excursion Time: 5-6 hours.
At 10:00 this morning our whale watch operator picks us up at our resort. Their team of whale educators discuss humpback whale migration, mating, surface activity and song. From July through October we can observe the impressive acrobatic displays of these magnificent mammals who migrate from Antarctica annually to breed, give birth and nurse their new-born calves in Tonga's sheltered, warm waters. Outside the whale watch season, we enjoy a day of snorkelling, picnicking and sightseeing in the beautiful Lifuka Archipelago.

Day 5: Kayaking
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Uoleva Island (southern tip).
Accommodation: Serenity Beaches Resort (or Diana's Beach Resort subject to availability).
Paddling Time: 1-1.5 hours.
Take advantage of today’s more relaxed pace to explore Uoleva island or work up an appetite paddling, fishing, snorkelling and/or beachcombing for this evening's resort meal. In the cool hours of the morning we stretch our legs with a walk through low-lying bush to the windward side of Uoleva Island. Following lunch back at the resort, a short paddle to the southern tip of Uoleva takes us to a reef drop-off at the edge of Auhangamea channel. Confident swimmers may follow the guides on a drift snorkel along a spectacular coral wall. There are also lovely pockets of coral and reef fish closer to shore.

Day 6: Kayaking
Meals: B, L, D.
Destination: Lifuka Island.
Accommodation: Matafonua Lodge (or The Resort at Billy's Place subject to availability).
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.
On our final day of paddling, we paddle north along the leeward shores of Uoleva and Lifuka Islands back to Pangai township where we started our journey five days ago. From the kayaks we observe traditional village life in including fish nets and traps, pandanus soaking in the sea to soften and bleach it in preparation for weaving mats, and colourful commuter boats piled high with baskets of market produce and cheerful locals returning to their villages. From here, we transfer by taxi back to your accommodation and a sumptuous farewell dinner!

Day 7: Departure
Meals: B.
The trip concludes today with transfers to Salote Pilolevu Airport and a warm farewell from your guides.



TRAVEL INSURANCE Personal travel insurance is not included in the trip cost and is a pre-requisite for trip participation. We recommend you purchase a policy that includes airfare, trip cancellation (in particular cancellation owing to severe weather), and medical coverage.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

Women are advised to dress conservatively (i.e. high necklines, covered shoulders, loose skirts, dresses or pants) in the villages. Lowcut tops, sheer and/or tight clothing should be avoided. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach; covering up with a lava-lava (wrap-around cloth) is a polite gesture to approaching villagers. Men should wear long shorts in the daytime; long pants or a lava-lava at night-time. Men are also required by law to wear a shirt in public except when on the beach. Footwear is removed before entering a Tongan fale (home).

List of things to bring:

--  Passport,
 --  Travellers’ cheques, small notes (pa’anga)
 --  Basic first aid kit
 --  Toiletries
 --  Toilet paper (preferably unbleached)
 --  Sun screen (SPF30+)
 --  Lip screen (SPF30+)
 --  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 (i.e. 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)
 --  Heavy-duty rubbish bags (for lining stuff sacks)
 --  Waist pack
 --  Ziploc bags (medium & large)
 --  Flashlight/headlamp, spare batteries, lighter
 
 Optional Items
 --  Binoculars
 --  Hand sanitizer, handy wipes
 --  Talcum powder and/or Vaseline (for preventing chafing)
 --  Camera, film, spare batteries
 --  Favourite snacks, drink crystals
 --  Fishing lures & hand line
 --  Pocket knife, sewing/repair kit
 --  Reading & writing materials
 --  Small brush (for sandy feet)
 --  Summer weight sleeping bag/quilt /blanket (June-Sept)
 --  Half wetsuit 3mm (June-Sept)
 --  Cycling gloves (without fingers)
 --  Lightweight quick dry top (e.g. polypropylene)
 --  Reef shoes or old running shoes
      (for intertidal walks)

SECURITY
Theft is not common in Tonga. However, in a culture where “what’s mine is yours” and items are “borrowed” indefinitely, unattended personal belongings and valuables are at risk. We recommend you bring your passport and airline tickets in a dry bag on the kayak trip so that, in the unlikely event of evacuation, your guides can readily access these documents.

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 your camera. Bring plenty of spare film and batteries.

GEAR AND CLOTHING
Owing to the shape of a kayak, space inside the watertight hatches is limited so please try to restrict your gear to a minimum. Large dry bags, duffel bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated in the hatches. Please bring no more than two large (20L) dry bags: one for clothing, the other for miscellaneous items; plus one small (10L) dry bag for items you need to access in the cockpit (e.g. wallet, documents, sun screen etc). A mesh bag containing your snorkelling gear is additional to the above items. Nylon stuff sacks lined with heavy-duty rubbish bags are a more affordable option if you do not already have dry bags. However, a dry bag for the cockpit is essential. Camera and optical equipment should be waterproofed and insured.

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10-day Reort Package
Accommodations are arranged at 3 different island resorts - no camping.
Transfers between the resorts and the activities are included.

7-day Resort Package
Accommodations are arranged at 2 different island resorts - no camping.
Transfers between the resorts and the activities are included.
Day 1 to 5:  Serenity Beach Resort (or Diana’s Resort subject to availability). All meals are included
Day 6:  Matafonua Lodge (or The Resort at Billy’s Place subject to availability). Breakfast and farewell dinner are included.

FOOD AND WATER

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:		Whilst no experience is required for our sea kayak tours, a moderate level of physical fitness and a sense of adventure are important.
Level:		(2 to 2 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 16 riders

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.