When entering the Harbour call Marine and Ports (Harbourmaster/Customs) on VHF Channel 26. They will not answer but VVMRA will respond and provide information
Neiafu harbour is very well protected and experiences fewer cyclones than Fiji and there are a few operators who rent cyclone moorings for that season which conform to insurance standards. Some will also provide an excellent, reliable caretaker service.
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 can be rented from Beluga Diving (VHF Channel 09) for approx TOP$15 per night. Weekly or monthly rates can be arranged. All moorings are marked. Arrange a mooring prior to picking it up. Sunsail Charters also own some moorings, but mostly for their Fleet of charter yachts, so be sure to check first before picking one of theirs up.
Most of the moorings' management offer boat caretaker services and some are cyclone proof moorings.
If you can't contact Beluga Diving by radio, recent cruisers say it is possible to pick up a buoy and then dinghy to their office - the name is painted in big letters on the roof.
The mooring balls closer to shore are for smaller/lighter boats.
Anchoring is possible, but it is deep - 30/40 metres - so it is better to get a mooring ball if you can.
If you choose to anchor instead, it is important that you 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.
Several mabe pearl farms are located in the harbor and harbor entrance. Do not anchor close to these or snorkel around them as there is a serious risk of entanglement.
Cruisers have sent in a warning report about a local call Alofi. Read report here.
The owners of the Cafe Tropicana are Port Officers for the OCC, NZ ICA (Island Cruising Association), CA, PCA and the SSCA. There is a TransOcean Cruising Club Port Captain – Elki and Verner - based in Hunga on VHF 26.
The eastern barrier reef islands of the Vava’u group are stunning. To reach them, it is necessary to navigate a narrow channel through coral, so few boats head that way.
See the following cruiser reports for more information on places to anchor as well as those that have moorings available.
Last updated: August 2025
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