Friendly Islands Kayak Company

Multi-day Tours

Vava'u 6-Day Classicback
"I can't imagine a more perfect way to explore Tonga! ... The whales the tropical fish, the sunsets, the full moon, the turquoise water, paradise! Do we really have to go home?" - Tania, New Zealand

Package Components

  • Return airport transfers between Lupepau'u Airport (Vava'u) and your accommodation. A transfer surcharge applies to Tongan Beach Resort or Mystic Sands upgrades.
  • 2 nights' accommodation (based on double occupancy): 1 night before and 1 night after the kayak tour at the Hilltop Hotel, Port Wine Guest House or Harbour View Resort subject to availability. Optional upgrade to Mystic Sands or Tongan Beach Resort subject to availability.
  • A 45-minute orientation talk.
  • Quality double and single fibreglass sea kayaks and accessories.
  • Guided 4-day kayak tour of the islands (guide:guest ratio = 1:6).
  • Snacks and 3 meals a day on the kayaking portion of the tour.
  • Camping equipment including tents and mattresses.
  • A traditional 'umu feast with Polynesian singing and dancing in an island village.
  • A farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Itinerary Overview

Note that the following itinerary is subject to alterations and delays owing to weather, sea conditions and/or logistical considerations. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner


Day 1: Arrival/Orientation

Meals: On own.

Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel, Port Wine Guest House or Harbour View Resort (subject to availability).

A driver is waiting at Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u 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 4:00 p.m. at The Adventure Centre in Toula Village. It is important that all participants attend this informative talk.

Day 2: Day 1 of Kayaking

Meals: L, D.

Destination: 'Euakafa Island (Base Camp).

Paddling Time: 3-4 hours.

A safety briefing commences 9:00 a.m. at The Adventure Centre before departing for the first of 4 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. Tonight's camp on uninhabited 'Euakafa Island has possibly the most stunning view in the Vava'u Group, and is well positioned to whale watch from land.

Day 3: Day 2 of Kayaking

Meals: B, L, D.

Destination: 'Euakafa Island (Base Camp).

Paddling Time: 1-2 hours.

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. 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 (July-October) to breed and calve.

Day 4: Day 3 of Kayaking

Meals: B, L, D.

Destination: Taunga Island (Base Camp).

Paddling Time: 1-2 hours.

A short paddle across the channel, and we reach the isthmus of Taunga Island. Snorkelling and exploring the inter-tidal zone of Taunga, Ngau and Pau Islands, connected to one another at low tide by a sand bar, are pleasant afternoon diversions. 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 Polynesian song and dance performance.

Day 5: Day 4 of Kayaking

Meals: B, L, D.

Destination: The Adventure Centre.

Accommodation: Hilltop Hotel, Port Wine Guest House or Harbour View Resort (subject to availability).

Paddling Time: 2-3 hours.

On this final day of paddling, the journey westward takes us back to the Port of Refuge via Mala Island. Once the home of a cannibal demi-god who ate passing outrigger canoeists, Mala is now home to a friendly tourist resort! From the beach we can snorkel to the entrancing Japanese Gardens before returning to The Adventure Centre. From here, we transfer by taxi to your accommodation property and hot showers! This evening, we dine at a fine restaurant in Neiafu.

Day 6: Departure

Meals: On own.

The trip concludes today with transfers to Lupepau'u Airport and a warm farewell from your guides.


* Tour Cost: FIKCO reserves the right to amend tour cost to reflect significant increases in exchange rates, airport transfers, meal charges and/or any other ground costs beyond our control. However, once we receive a tour deposit, the tour cost will not alter.

** Single Supplement: The single supplement fee shown applies to single participants if they prefer a private room or if we are unable to pair them with another participant.