Nuku'alofa (Tongatapu) : Profile

Clearance

Nuku'alofa Port Authority listen on VHF Ch. 14 (sometimes). Alternatively, Nuku'alofa Radio listens to Ch 16 & 12, also 2182kHz. Authorities must be contacted for clearance instructions.

There is a new Yacht Clearance Berth (combined with the fuel & water dock) in the small boat harbour at Faua. This is directly in front of the entrance at position: 21.04.971S, 175.12.649W.

Authorities will come to the yacht to complete clearance.

Boats are only cleared between 0830 and 1630 Monday to Friday and are normally boarded by immigration and agriculture officials. Fresh fruit, vegetables, some herbs and non-commercially packed eggs will be confiscated and destroyed.

Yachts are not cleared in or out at weekends, or during lunch 12:30-13:30 (except by prior arrangement). If arriving outside normal hours, one should anchor with the Q flag flying at the Pangimotu anchorage and wait. Officials do not like small dinghies.

No one should leave the vessel until properly cleared.

Certain areas in the approaches to Nuku'alofa are prohibited for anchoring and these are marked on the chart.

Last updated May 2011.

Docking

Yachts can berth at Faua, the small boat harbour, or anchor at the designated yacht anchorage at Pangaimotu Island.

Faua harbour, just west of the Queen Salote wharf, is close to Nuku'alofa town. The entrance is 8.5 ft (2.6 m) at low tide and dredged to a depth of 9-13 ft (3-4 m) inside. Yachts should moor Mediterranean-style on the north side of the harbour, with long stern lines - a dinghy is still needed to get ashore. The area around the Fisheries market on the south side must be kept clear for local boat use.

Nuku'alofa Harbour is reportedly not very clean. Pangaimoto Island is much nicer and cleaner, the small resort is very welcoming to cruisers.

Last updated May 2011.