Neiafu (Vava'u) : Profile

Clearance

On entering the harbour, if this is a first entry into Tonga, yachts should call Vava'u Radio on VHF 26 and go alongside the main Customs' wharf at the northern end of Neiafu Harbour. The Customs and Port Captain's offices are situated here. Customs may wish to board the boat, be sure to have lots of refreshments available and be prepared for it to take time.

Care should be taken as the wharf is 4 feet above deck level, but if conditions are such that you consider it might cause damage to the yacht, then the officials are happy for you moor elsewhere and then to attend in person.

Boats are cleared (free) between 08:30 and 16:30 Monday to Friday. They are closed for lunch, usually 12:30-13:30. Lunchtime, after-hours, and Saturday check-ins are available by special arrangement and for a fee. If arriving after hours or at weekends and you prefer to wait until normal office opening times, boats are allowed to stay at anchor, flying the Q flag, but may not go ashore until clearance is completed.

Port fees for the Kingdom of Tonga (Port of refuge, Neiafu, Vava'u) 2010.

CUSTOMS
During working hours, free
Overtime $20 per hour
Tel: +676 70053 or +676 70928, VHF Ch. 16

QUARANTINE
Clearance fee per boat $27.50
Rubbish 0,40 per kg
Overtime $4 per hour
Tel: +676 70053

IMMIGRATION
A free 30 day Visa is granted upon entry and a second visa for 6 months can be purchased for $46 per month.
Tel: +676 71142. If phone not working, please visit Immigration Office personally.

HEALTH
T$100
Tel: +676 70053

On payment of these fees, a yacht will receive inward clearance for the rest of the islands, which must be shown when visiting elsewhere.

For outward clearance, a visit must be made to the Immigration office near the police station. There is a departure fee of $40(Tongan).

Clearance Assistance

Sailing Safaris can assist with arranging out of hours clearance. Call on VHF Ch. 16 or sailingsafaris@kalianetvav.to.

The local radio net, VHF Ch. 26, 08:30, Mon-Sat, will help provide useful information, run by various local marine operators.

Last updated March 2011.

Docking

When entering the Harbour call Marine and Ports (Harbourmaster/Customs) on VHF Ch. 26.

Moorings
Yachts can hire moorings on both sides of Neiafu Harbour. Remember that all the moorings belong to someone, so request permission before picking one up and enquire about strength for your size of boat. Many are not properly marked. Don't try to just pick up a mooring without clearing in, the officials watch carefully.

Moorings rent for approx TOP$15 per night. Weekly or monthly rates can be arranged with mooring companies:
- Aquarium Cafe (waterfront), Tel: +676 70493, VHF Ch. 16
- Beluga Diving, Tel: +676 70327, VHF Ch. 09 (pink or blue-green numbered buoys)
- Footloose Charters, VHF Ch. 68 (white buoys with poles in the inner harbour)
- The Moorings, Tel: +676 70116, VHF Ch. 72 (orange buoys with poles located between Sailing Safaris and Footloose Charters)

Four operators also rent Cyclone Moorings for the Cyclone season and monthly rates vary by operator. Ben of US yacht Waking Dream, is putting down hurricane moorings which are up to insurance standards. Neiafu Harbour is very well protected & many insurance carriers will write riders.

In the outer anchorages, the moorings in Hunga (anchorage #13) belong to Ika Lahi (CH 71); in Tapana (anchorage #11) belong to The Ark/Tapana (CH 10) and in Mounu (anchorage #41) belong to Mounu (CH 77).

The following anchorages (#6, #7, #8, #19, #32 and Maninita) have moorings put down to protect the coral and are free to pick up but donations are expected to help maintenance & placement of future moorings (Receipts given at Tonga Visitors Bureau, cafe Tropicana, Aquarium, Crows Nest, Moorings and Mermaid).

Anchoring
If you choose to anchor instead, please do so far enough away from any moorings. On the western-side there are some good anchor spots toward the north. On the eastern-side there is plenty of room more to the south. Anchorage space can be a problem close to town because of deep water, except where most moorings are located.

Last updated December 2011.

Aquarium Cafe
P.O. Box 110, Neiafu, Vavau Island Group, Tonga
Tel:+676 70493, VHF Channel 16
Aquarium.Cafe@yahoo.com
Cruiser-friendly licenced internet cafe with WiFi internet for boats, run by Mike and Lori Smith. Also have for rent, 11 moorings, insurance rated cyclone strength. Monthly rental in cyclone season, otherwise nightly/weekly/monthly. Rent includes 1 hour WiFi usage. Moorings are cream and marked 'Ben Ch 16' in blue. If called in advance, will meet the yacht on approach and direct to suitable mooring.

Beluga Diving
next to Sunsail
Tel:+676 70 327, VHF Channel 16
Also rents moorings.

Cafe Tropicana
Private Bag 34, , Neiafu, Vavau, Tonga
Tel:+676 71322 - Mob +676 7512870, VHF Channel 16
tropicana@vavau,to
Licenced internet cafe with WiFi for boats and DVD creation. Also moorings for rent. Plus great bread! Island Cruising Association Port Captins.

Moorings
Tel:+676 70016, VHF Channel 72
Yacht charter base, repair facilities and some moorings. Bareboat and skippered yacht charters.