The Vava’u Island Group

When cruising the Vavaʻu islands in style aboard a luxury motor boat, you’ll find over 40 superb anchorages in a sheltered paradise surrounded by palm-fringed islets, coral reefs, and powdery beaches. Here are top-rated spots—along with their lore and cruising history—to make your journey unforgettable.

Port Maurelle (Anchorage #7) – Kapa Island

  • First sighted by Spanish navigator Don Francisco Antonio Mourelle in March 1781, who anchored here and named the port after his ship and
  • Known for ideal protection, sandy bottom, and easy holding, this gorgeous bay offers calm seas and scenic snorkeling near Swallows Cave—a dramatic grotto similar to Capri’s Blue Grotto

Neiafu Harbour (Port of Refuge)

  • Deep-water fjord-like harbour adjacent to Vavaʻu’s main town and administrative hub with marine services, churches, markets, and provisioning stores
  • Served as a coaling station under German control in the 19th century before being transferred to the British protectorate in 1900

Hunga Lagoon (Anchorage #13)

  • A volcanic crater lagoon with restricted tidal entry (accessible only ~3 hours around high tide). Once inside, you’re in one of the most tranquil and sheltered harbours in the archipelago
  • Access via Ika Lahi resort, with luxury lodge dining and marine experiences just steps away Kenutu Island (Anchorage #30)
  • Highly rated by experienced cruisers for its serene lagoon anchorages and dramatic coastline with blowholes and caverns. Requires careful navigation through reefs, with best entry under bright sun using satellite charts
  • Offers spectacular snorkeling, reef walks, and a peaceful retreat away from the crowds

Tapana Island (Anchorage #11)

  • Quiet and picturesque—frequented by luxury yacht charterers seeking tranquility.
  • Often described as understated yet exquisitely calm—perfect for intimate evenings at sea.

Mounu Island (Anchorage #41)

  • Offers resort moorings and an exceptional dining experience. A small upscale stay at the Mounu resort makes it ideal for culinary indulgence in paradise before returning to your vessel

Avalau / Ovalau (Anchorage #40)

  • Lunch or day anchorage spot with striking turquoise waters, perfect for swimming or relaxing ashore on isolated sands

 

Historical & Cultural Context

  • According to Polynesian legend, the Vavaʻu islands were lifted from the sea floor by the god Maui—pulled up with his magical hook to become majestic islands above the waves
  • European contact began in 1781 with Mourelle’s anchorage; later exploratory expeditions like Malaspina’s followed, and whaling ships regularly visited in the 19th century for provisions and trade.
  • Local cultural heritage is rich—visited anchorages often lie near village-managed Special Management Areas (SMAs) for conserving marine life. Anchoring in sand, respecting no-take zones, and paying local mooring fees help support eco-preservation and community livelihoods

About The Tongan Beach Resort

  • Situated on ‘Utungake Island within Port of Refuge Harbour, the resort offers 180 meters of sandy beachfront with a private jetty and calm, sheltered swimming conditions It features 12–17 rooms (depending on the listing), including beachfront doubles and family bungalows just meters from the water
  • Amenities include a full licensed restaurant, the Sandpit Bar, a library, pool, beach towels, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and water taxi service into Neiafu

Dining & Experiences

  • The resort’s Pacific Rim cuisine prominently features locally caught seafood, including fresh lobster, and produce sourced from nearby growers The Tongan Beach Resort+2The Tongan Beach Resort+2The Tongan Beach Resort+2.
  • The restaurant occasionally hosts themed buffet nights with traditional Tongan umu cooking and local entertainment, especially on Wednesday evenings The Tongan Beach Resort.
  • Guests can dine in charming spots like the beachfront deck or romantic Tree House overlooking the water

🐋 Activities & Marine Access

The Tongan Beach Resort is a charming, well-regarded island boutique resort offering authentic local hospitality, luxury beachside comfort, excellent dining, and immersive marine activities.