Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Tonga. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don't forget to pack a copy to take with you.
Plan
Before you go
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
We are happy to announce that our Tonga base is scheduled to reopen on January 2022.
It is important that you refer to our main Covid-19 page for Tonga to see detailed guidelines and information sources before you go on vacation.
Address
Sunsail Tonga
Neiafu Waterfront
Vava’u
Kingdom of Tonga
Located some 1500 miles north east of New Zealand, and at about 19 degrees south of the equator Vava'u is the northern most island group in the Kingdom of Tonga.
Neiafu is the official port of entry for yachts coming to Vava'u. A string of islands and reefs along the eastern edge of the group shelters the area from strong winds and ocean swells.
Please note that this base is operated by one of our Franchise partners.
Base hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am - Noon
Season: This destination closes for the month of February.
All businesses are closed on Sunday and Christmas Day.
Due to current regulations, Tonga charters may not start or end on a Sunday. Also, in observance of King Tupou VI's birthday and the Crown Prince's birthday, the base will be closed on July 4th and 17th. If those dates fall on a Sunday, the holidays will be observed the following Monday. Regrettably, our base will be closed these two days and will not be open as a charter start or end day.
Time zone
Standard Time Zone in Tonga is UTC/GMT +13 hours.
Language
The official languages are Tongan and English.
Cost of living
Prices vary between areas and from restaurant to restaurant, however the following is a guide for your reference:
- A bottle of wine costs about T$10 to T$19 in a supermarket and from T$19 to T$44 in a restaurant.
- A bottle of beer costs about T$3 to T$6
- A cheap snack costs about T$3
- A three-course meal is likely to cost T$35 per head
What to bring
Passport and visas
Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
Visas are not necessary when visiting Tonga, as long as the visit is for less than 30 days and providing that you have a valid passport, onward sea or air ticket, and proof of adequate funds and relevant health certificates (Typhoid and immunization shots).
It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details. The Tonga Visitors Bureau website - www.tongaholiday.com has excellent information to assist you.
Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html for the latest information before you leave. Sunsail is not accountable for any requirement changes.
Customs + immigration
You will need to clear customs and immigration before leaving the airport. A landing card will be issued on the plane, along with a customs declaration form. You may enter Tonga for a period not exceeding 30 days, providing that you have a valid passport (expiration date must be no earlier than 6 months after your planned return), an onward sea or air ticket, proof of adequate funds and relevant health certificates, i.e. up-to-date typhoid and immunisation shots. Airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles, e.g. food, which may also be confiscated by customs.
Sailing licences
Although no sailing licenses are required for cruising in this area, we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on vacation with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. If you have not already done so then Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.
Luggage + packing list
We would highly recommend packing insect repellent, prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.
What's on board
Coolers
Coolers are available at the base on a first come, first serve basis at no additional charge. Please sign for these and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.
Mobile phones
Using a local Sim card will work almost throughout all of the sailing area. Some anchorages are too protected to receive the signal but you should find somewhere satisfactory. There are 2 cell phone providers Digicell and Tonfon.
WiFi connection – is available at the Mango restaurant in front of the base. It's good for the boat while docked or moored, but won’t work once you set sail. So you can only connect in Neiafu harbour. You will be able to get online in Tongatapu & Neiafu town.
Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.
Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-tonga/
Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 110v or 220v, you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter. Please note that inverters are only to be used for charging batteries on cell phones & laptops.
Go
How to get there
Airport
Vava'u, Lupepa’u Airport
International flights arrive into Fua’amotu Airport on Tongatapu (TBU). There are flights at least once a day (ex. Sunday) to Lupepa’u Airport (VAV) in Vava'u either direct or via the Ha’apai Islands on Chathams Pacific Airlines, but the planes are small and space is limited.
This commuter flight takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. You should check-in on the domestic flight, in the Domestic Terminal next to the International lounge.
Note: Due to airline scheduling, this may sometimes entail an overnight stop in the Tongan Capital, Nuku’alofa. The cost of a taxi from Nuku’alofa Airport into Nuku’alofa is T$10 to T$12.
Facilities at Fua’amotu airport include: inbound and outbound duty free, cafes, gift shops and currency exchange. Facilities at Vava’u airport are very limited.
No departure tax from Tonga. Departure tax costs 22NZD from Auckland.
Transfers
It is essential that you advise the base of your arrival & departure times and flight numbers.
Vava’u Airport transport to the base takes approximately 15 minutes (approx. 15 km) and costs $22 round trip per person.
Boarding time + checking out
On arrival
Boarding time at 2:00 pm or around flight schedules. Turnaround days are 7 days a week.
Out of hours
If you arrive out of office hours our base staff will meet you if they have been advised of your late arrival details. You will then settle on board and have a boat briefing that evening and a full chart briefing the following morning. You will be located on a mooring buoy in the harbor.
On departure
Disembarkation is at 10am.
Before departing your boat you will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip. This enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.
In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge you for boats left less than shipshape.
Chart briefThe chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards. The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.
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Sail
About the marina
Marina facilitiesBase Facilities include water, fuel and ice. Mango restaurant is located next to the base.
Dock facilities
The only place that clients can fuel the boat and refill their water tanks is at the base. At any stage throughout the cruising ground, clients will be no further than 20 miles from the base; therefore returning to the base to refill the fuel and water tanks will not be a problem.
The cost of fuel is $2.56 Pa'anga per liter.
Sailing licences
Experience level
Sailing experience: Level 2
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.
Get more information on Tonga's sailing conditions.
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.
Sailing grounds
Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 2pm-10am. The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.
For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.
This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover, anchoring, docking, etc.
The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.
The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.
The skipper must have his own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head sand size of the cabin. If you expect him to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.
For one-day check out skippers it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15-20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at the client’s discretion.
Sailing area restrictions
Cruising area for this base is limited to the Vava'u Group (which is a very large area!).
We ask that you stay away from the windward (east side) of the Group.
Night sailing
Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.
Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.
Sailing permits + taxes
Cruising permits are not required in Tonga.
Moorings fees + taxes
All moorings in the area belong either to restaurants, charter companies or similar and are usually for their clients. As a guest, you may often use them free of charge but please call the owner to ask for permission. You may be asked to pay a small fee. In most places of sailing area you will be at anchor.
Health + safety
Illness or injury
Tonga is generally risk-free of contagious disease.
At time of publication, an International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends certain vaccinations for visitors travelling to Tonga.
If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible at the base.
Swim Safe
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.
Children
- Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
- Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
- Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended.
- Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.
Be aware of your surroundings
- Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
- Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
- Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
- Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
- Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
Look out for others
- Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
- Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.
Do not overestimate your ability
- Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
- Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding - If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.
We have a very limited supply of children's life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.
Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck.
Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.
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Eat
Provisioning
Sunsail Provisioning
Provisioning services are available in this location. Visit our Food & Beverage page for more information, or you may order provisioning online after your charter is booked
Dining
RestaurantsThere are resorts on a few islands and plenty of restaurants around Neiafu Harbour and the islands. Clients may also come across Beach Feasts, Smorgasbords and markets and the local Tongans willing to sell their produce. Most restaurants have ship-to-shore VHF radio so passing yachts can order food or book a table.
Traditional Tongan food regularly consists largely of root vegetables and fruit, usually boiled with coconut cream. A feast is incomplete without Tonga’s delicacies such as roasted pork and seafood. A seafood specialty is ‘ota ika’ (raw fish marinated in lemon and coconut cream). Another favorite is ‘lu pulu’ – corned beef and coconut milk wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in a traditional underground oven (‘umu).
Mango Cafe, (In front of Sunsail Base)
Tel: +676 70664
Has a mango colored roof. A modern waterfront restaurant with a large deck over the water. Claims to have the best selection of wine in Vava’u.
Mermaids Bar and Restaurant, (At the Vava’u Yacht Club.),
Tel: +676 70 650
Fresh fish, lobster, and even bangers and mash. VHF 16/68 "Mermaids".
Tipping
Tongans do not expect tips, though no offence will be caused if special service is rewarded in this way.
Tongan Beach Resort
Neiafu, Vava'u Island
Phone/Fax: (676) 70 380
Email: [email protected]
Distance from the base: 15 min drive and center of town.
Features: Fans and some of the rooms are air-conditioned, fridge, coffee/tea maker.
Property features restaurant, bar, beach water sports.
American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Diners accepted.
Neiafu, Vava'u Island
Overlooking both harbors
Sunset Restaurant is located here.
Air conditioning or fans.
Private balconies.
Credit cards accepted.
Phone: +676 70209-70838 / Fax: +676 70209
E-mail: [email protected]
Currency
Tongan Pa’anga (T$) - divided into 100 Senti.
Foreign currencies are not readily accepted in Tonga.
Banks
Banks are available for changing money. There is a 24-hour ATM in Neiafu town and two ATM machines in Vava’u. One at the ANZ bank and the other one at Westpac Bank, both are outside and available 24/7.
Credit card information
Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard only) are accepted at a few restaurants in Neiafu town. Please note that as with all the establishments in Tonga, a five percent credit card surcharge applies. In general, the shops in Neiafu do not accept credit cards so it is best to have Tongan Pa’anga for use at restaurants, local villages and bars and for shopping in town and at the local markets.
Post office
A Post Office is located in Uturoa, 5 KM from the base.
Monday to Friday: from 7.30 am to 3.00 pm during the week and from 8.00 am to 10.00 am during weekends.
Shopping
There are a few small shops within walking distance from the base. There are no shops or stores on any of the outer islands.
There a large range of handicrafts available including traditional tapa cloth and tapa crafts, woven crafts from Pandanus leaves, Tongan jewelry, wood carvings and more, all made locally and reflecting the proud culture and heritage of the Kingdom.
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Play
Things to do
Car and jeep rental
You will need to visit the police ptation on Tu’i Road in Vava'u to arrange a Tongan driving license. They are open from 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Tues and 8.30am-12.30pm Wed-Fri.
Driving is on the left-hand side of the road at 40km/h in villages and in town and 60km/h between villages.
Pasifika Rental, Neiafu: 70 781 or 7512 628
Avis Rental, Neiafu: 70 873
Walking
There are several good walks from Neiafu, including up Mt. Talau (131m) which has excellent views over the harbour. Toafa Church on the west point of Vava'u has good views of the cliffs of Hunga Island and other islands.
Kart safaris
Imagine hopping behind the wheel and driving yourself, while following your guide through bush trails on a small jeep-like kart, through villages, plantations, out to lookout points and along ridgelines of Vava’u.
Kite Vava'u
Matt Mulligan
Tel: + (676) 59220 Email: [email protected]
Web: www.kitevavau.com
Kite Vava’u offers a solid range of kites and boards for rental or hire for students who reach the appropriate level of experience and also for riders who travel without their kit from overseas.
Kayaking Tours to remote islands are available between May and December You may run into turtles, porpoises, whales, flying foxes and many seabirds.
Friendly Islands Kayak Company
The Adventure Centre,
Toula, Vava'u
Tel: +676 70173
www.fikco.com
Water toys + sports
Diving
Visibility is excellent and the diving is great. Lots of dive sites, offering hard and soft corals, sea fan grottos, wall diving and magnificent caves. Equipment can be rented and diving tours arranged.
Padi Courses, Diving Trips, Whale Watching
Huib Kuilboer
Beluga Diving Limited
PO Box 70 Neiafu, Vava'u
Kingdom of Tonga
Located at Fangafoa Marina, Neiafu, Vava'u.
Tel: +(676) 70 327
www.belugadivingvavau.com
Beluga Dive Vavau has been owned and operated by the original owner for 15 years. Also, Dive Vava’u, and Dolphin Pacific Diving.
Whale watching
From June to November humpback whales calve and mate in the calm waters. It is not only the sight that is fascinating: the male whales sing. Whale songs vary according to location: each year the song at each location changes.
Tonga is one of only 3 locations in the world where it is legal to swim with whales or snorkel with whales. This amazing experience can be managed so it is safe for both humans and animals.
Snorkelling
There are some great beaches throughout Vava'u. Snorkeling and reef viewing opportunities abound
We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring your own.
Fishing
No Fishing permits are required
Vava’u offers Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish and Short-billed spearfish, as well as pelagic species such as Yellow Fin Tuna, Dog Tooth Tuna, Mahimahi, Wahoo and Giant Trevally. Clients wanting to fish, will need to bring their own gear with them.
The Ika Lahi Lodge – Game fishing Lodge with restaurant and bar on Ika Lahi is right on the foreshore inside Hunga Island Lagoon. The outer Hunga reef offers exciting land based fishing or snorkeling for those whom wish to try something a little more adventurous.
Surfing
Tonga enjoys world class surfing year-round with 2 very distinct seasons: the Summer North Swell (November to March) and the Winter South Swell Season (April to October).
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For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
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