If on passage to Tonga, be aware that Vava’u has 3 FADS (Fish Aggregating Devices). These are in the middle of nowhere, non-reflective and are a long string of buoy floats. Beware especially at night. These are very expensive and privately funded.

Published 10 years ago, updated 5 years ago

Northern FAD

18° 33.910’S 174° 03.900’W – Swing 500m

Middle FAD – Replacement location due to the sinking of the last one

18° 35.650’S 174° 08.650’W – Swing 500m

Southern FAD

18° 41.50’S 174° 12.100’W – Swing 400m

Fonua zass markers – shallow reef pass to the eastern side, dangerous in bad light

Western Buoy

18° 43.776’S 173° 58.944’W

Eastern Buoy

18° 43.787’S 173° 58 732W

Harbour markers – start of 5 knot no wake zone for inner harbour

Harbour markers – Inner port

18° 39′ 34″S 174° 00’50″W

Harbour markers – Outer starboard

18° 39.111’S 173° 59.870’W

Harbour markers – Inner starboard

18° 39.099’S 173° 59.535’W

Our thanks to Greg Just for this information, creator of the online Tonga cruising guide.

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