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.

Boats are cleared (free) between 0830 and 1630 Monday to Friday. They are closed for lunch, usually 1230-1330. 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.

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

Customs, Tel: 70053 or 70928, VHF Ch. 16

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

Health, Tel: 70053

Quarantine, Tel: 70053

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

The local radio net, VHF Ch. 26, 0830, Mon-Sat, will help provide useful information, run by various local marine operators.

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.

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)
- Sailing Safaris (off Mermaid Bar), Tel: +676 70650, VHF Ch. 16 (various buoys, mostly white, between the town wharf and Sailing Safaris)
- 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 (boxes at Ana's 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.

Aquarium Cafe
P.O. Box 110, Neiafu, Vavau Island Group, Tonga
Tel:+676 70493, VHF Channel 16
Aquarium.Cafe@yahoo.com
Licenced internet cafe with WiFi internet for boats. 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, VHF Channel 16
greg.just@gmail.com
Licenced internet cafe with WiFi for boats. Also moorings for rent.

Footloose Charter
Tel:+676 70646, VHF Channel 68
Mooring rentals, bareboat and skippered yacht charters.

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

Sailing Safaris Marine Center
Next to The Mermaid
Tel:+676 70650, VHF Channel 16/68
sailingsafaris@kalianet.to
Fuel, water, moorings, laundry, haul-out & repairs.

Yacht Clubs

Vava'u Yacht Club is located at the Mermaid Bar & Restaurant.

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