Vava'u
The Vava'u Islands
Situated approximately 240 kilometres north of Tongatapu, the Vava'u Island Group is a smattering of 50-odd islands, in an area 23 by 25 kilometres, protected by a semi-circular reef. The islands are separated by reefs or open water, but are not great paddling 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 snorkelling amidst colourful 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. We spend our evenings on deserted beaches beneath waving palms and the Southern Cross bathed by warm South Pacific breezes.
Flora and Fauna
Vava'u's hilly terrain is blanketed by lush tropical vegetation. Among its diverse lofty trees are the fragrant pandanus or screw pine, the elegant casuarina, and the esteemed mulberry tree, the bark of which is used by the natives to make fine quality tapa cloth.
The islands also abound in fruit and nut trees such as the broad-leaved banana, the breadfruit tree, the telie or tropical almond, and the graceful coconut whose plume-like heads provide welcome shade.
Kayakers may encounter sea-turtles, porpoises, humpback whales, flying foxes and numerous seabirds such as the white-tailed tropic bird, lesser frigate, brown boobie, and a variety of terns to name a few.
Vava'u is renowned for its unique shells and underwater world where dazzlingly beautiful coral gardens and reef fish offer snorkellers endless hours of delight. The waters teem with myriad fish, such as the tiny iridescent blue damsel and the gaily coloured clown and parrot fish, that dart amongst multi-hued coral pinnacles.
