The Vava'u Island group in the Kingdom of Tonga is a group of more than 50 islands approximately 150 miles north of Tongatapu. All of the islands are either raised coral limestone or coral atolls. The beautiful anchorage opposite the main town of Neiafu (known as the Port of Refuge Harbour) is a common destination for South Pacific cruisers.
This island group has a year-round climate suitable for swimming, snorkelling, diving and sailing. Some islands are ringed by white sand beaches, while others have tropical forests, sea-level caves and dramatic limestone cliffs.
There are over 40 anchorages in the Vava’u group, all within 10 nms of each other. Neiafu, the main town welcomes cruisers with its mix of shoreside establishments and marine services. It is located on the southern coast of Utu Vava'u, the principal island of the Vava'u archipelago.
Vava'a is one of the areas in Tonga which is now subject to Special Management Areas (SMAs) and Fish Habitat Reserves (FHRs).
See the Tonga Restrictions section for full details
The Customs dock at Neiafu is tricky for docking, yet, coming alongside is necessary for international clearance. It is a lee shore and there are two sunken wrecks to keep clear of. Make sure you avoid the end of the dock nearest to the channel as there is a fishing boat that has sunk right next to the quay and is only visible at low tide. There is also another wreck at the other end of the dock. Only one is marked with a red buoy. It is recommended to inspect the dock first from the shore, before coming alongside.
Be aware that Vava'u has 3 FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) on the reef south of Pangi.
Tonga Geological Services maintains an Orange Hazard Alert warning for all marines to keep at least two nautical miles (4kms) away from the Home Reef Volcano due to ongoing volcanic activity. The Hazard Alert was initially issued on December 24, 2024 after increased seismic activity around the volcano. Vava'u and Ha'apai are not considered at risk.
Home Reef is located 25 km southwest of Late Island, 22 km northeast of Lateiki (Metis Shoal), and 75 km northwest of Mo’unga’one Island at Latitude & Longitude 18.992°S & 174.775°W.
Neiafu has a “frontier town” feeling, with multiple Chinese shops, a small chandler, several restaurants – Kraken and Bellavista stand out. The Falaleu Deli has nice pizzas & burgers and helps with provisioning.
Remote and truly unspoiled, the waters around Vava'u are crystal clear with visibility exceeding 100ft. Many islands are uninhabited, a few have villages and a few have very small unique resorts with exceptional food.
Abundant sea life with over 100 species of colourful tropical fish, giant clams, manta rays, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and from July to October - the migration of Humpback Whales.
In Neiafu VHF CH 26 is the cruisers' channel with booster aerials which allow you to use this channel throughout the Vava'u group. In season a cruiser's net operates at 0830 each morning and is very useful to find out about local services and what events are on.
Cafe Tropicana is now hosting an AIS Receiver on behalf on www.marinetraffic.com. Data can be seen on the website free.
It is possible to haul out and stay in Tonga during cyclone season at The BoatYard.
Greg Just
Email: greg@vavau.to
Phone +676 71322 (Tropicana Cafe)
Mobile: +676 881 2347 or +676 7512347
VHF Channel 26
Volunteers monitor VHF and assist Police/NZ RCC with local assets.
VHF 16/26 “Vava’u Radio” 24/7
Brian Meikle: Cell +676 8465645 or +676 7565645
Email: vvmratonga@gmail.com
Website: vvmra.org
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/VVMRA
Collect used, but fit-for-service, life vests for their free loaner program available to those traveling from the main island to the outer islands of Vava’u. Funds donated go toward initiatives to educate and provide boating safety resources to the community.
18°40.4'S, 174° 01.95'W (Entrance channel)
18°39.47'S, 173° 58.98'W (Anchorage)
Last updated: August 2025
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