Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu) - Docking
Faua
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.
Anchor in 20 meters with good holding off [Nuku’alofa’s] Harbour wall at 21°08.105′ S 175°11.110′ W.
There is a floating dock in the harbour basin at 21°08.303′ S 175°10.882′ W. Officials may ask you to go alongside there, but if you are planning to cross to Pangaimotu after clearing in, then it may be better to remain at anchor.
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.
Pangaimotu Island
The stunning anchorage at Pangaimotu Island is home to Big Mama’s Yacht Club. While their resort was destroyed in the earthquake they are open and ready to welcome yachties. You’ll find cold drinks, and a BBQ and a gorgeous beach as well as good holding on a sandy bottom. Secure in all weather except strong westerlies. There is a water taxi into town.
Islands Near Tongatapu
Fafa Island
Anchor at: 21°05.392′ S 175°09.433′ W
Fafa island lies 7.5km NE of Nukuʻalofa. Anchor in 6m on firm sand, south of the island. No big bommies, clean bottom. Approach with care as there is a partially submerged line of buoys connected by a thick mooring line about 50m to the west of the anchorage coordinates. A nice, quiet spot with protection from northerly winds.
Kelefesia Island
Just a day’s sail from Nuku’Alofa, this very scenic, uninhabited little island, nicely breaks up the sail to Ha’apai. It has stunning cliffs and lots of birds.
The anchorage is a round patch roughly 200m diameter, surrounded by coral. Inside is sandy ground at a fairly even depth around 8m, good holding. The entrance can be a bit hairy with reefs and rollers on both sides and an unmarked, narrow channel.
Aim for an outside waypoint of 20°30.222S 174°44.846W. Then enter the channel from 20°30.190S 174°44.672W and head straight for 20°30.133S 174°44.434W. Depth should be more than 6.5m all the way in (mostly around nine meters).
Last updated: June 2023
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Related to following destinations: Nuku'alofa (Tongatapu), Tonga
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Thank you, Russ, for your correction. We have found this to be accurate and have now updated noonsite.
Note that the “new” island is NNW of Tongatapu not SW/SSW as stated repeatedly on this website. Seems to be a perpetuated mistake from original media reports. The lat/long is correct and the island (Hunga Ha’apai) is on the charts.
An update from Russ and Gwen 2016:
We are actually here again this season after passage from NZ and hanging right where we were two years ago and loving it. Very little has changed over the past two years since we were here last. Big Mamas Yacht Club is slowly modernizing with things like new refrigeration making for very cold cruisers ale.
Big Mamas also continues the Year End wrap up party for Cruisers. The party includes a performance by the Nuku’alofa Police Band, who are terrific, playing great tunes, great party atmosphere with dancing and carrying on well into the night. “The Party” is the last Friday of October, just as most yachts are preparing for the passage to NZ.
Clearance in and out remains the same, we had very pleasant officials again this season, just no issues at all.
The town of Nuku’alofa is also modernizing with many new buildings and shops, shopping is also modernizing. One mega project is the new domestic shipping and passenger port which yet again adds to a modernization of the waterfront. There has been an influx of offshore people with the typical influence, perhaps not all good, but such is “progress” out here.
Otherwise, we maintain our opinion that Nuku’alofa is a worthwhile stop when heading either direction.
Cheers from Pangaimotu
Russ and Gwen
Canadian Yacht A-TRAIN
Arriving out of season, Nuku’alofa radio had no idea what to do with a yacht. The ‘customs jetty’ was occupied by locals, no room anywhere. Hailed by Westly Nau (+676-861-9436), who took care of everything.
Including an alongside berth and finding the out-of-office immigration official for me. Mr. fix-it indeed. He should be listening on ch 16 later this year (as soon as he can afford a VHF)