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