Neiafu (Vava’u) - Docking
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.
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 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:
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.
Other Islands:
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.
Cruiser Reports:
See the following cruiser reports for more information on places to anchor as well as those that have moorings available.
- Local Customs, Laws and Cruising Options – SV Jamala July 2023
- SV Dazzler have a useful Guide to Vava’u and its islands from 2020 on their blog.
Last updated: August 2023
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Related to following destinations: Neiafu (Vava'u), Tonga
Port Navigation
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Cruisers should be aware. On September 10th, 2019, the co-owner of the hideaway bar in neiafu physically attacked a customer at their establishment. During a conversation, she choked and tackled my wife. My wife now has bruises all over and is suffering neck and back pain from being tackled to the deck. We have reported the incident to the police, but thought the cruising community should know.
This was not a Tongan, but an expat who owns a business. This should not be a reflection of neiafu or the people here. The community is wonderful and this is an incident not at all to do with the people of neiafu
Brief updates from Royce Reid:
Wanted to briefly update a couple of things regarding Tonga.
The check-in in Vava’u was fast and simple. They told us how to extend our boat permit from 4 months to 12. the Customs guy also said there is a proposal under consideration to extend the cruising permit from 12 months to at least 18 months.
The immigration people were friendly and fast and told us where to go to extend our 30-day entry visas. We hauled out in Vava’u at the boatyard there and it was fast efficient and friendly.
We also got a quote for the bottom job and it was almost half price VS. New Zealand. they have also opened a chandlery there. If they don’t have it on hand they can order it tax-free from NZ and it arrives fast with fed ex ( within 7 days we were told ) or cheap by boat.
But takes three weeks. We replaced flares and brought interior paint and some nuts and bolts. Not a huge shop but it has the necessities and arranges for specifics! All in all, it was an awesome easy experience and that’s not even commenting on how amazing the cruising there is!
Royce Reid.
I had arrived Saturday (the 3rd of Nov.) at 1530 local time and managed to get cleared. I was told by the Customs agent that they stay on a stand-by basis every Saturday till 1600.
I managed to call when we were 30 miles away raising awareness of our arrival, and also contacted Vava’u Radio on VHF Ch 26 twice before arriving.
Posted on behalf of Clare Sudlow:
Vava’u Bluewater Festival
Calling all South Pacific Cruisers! – Don’t miss the 2016 Vava’u Blue Water Festival! A fun-filled week in Vava’u, Tonga from October 1st- 8th.
Enjoy the friendliest of welcomes & a week of local festivities, parades, informative talks & parties centered around a mid-week fun cruisers race day.
For full info visit: http://www.vavau.to/bluewaterfestival