Things to do in Vava'u

1. 01Swim with humpback whales, July to October
2. 02Island hop to empty beaches and caves
3. 03Snorkel the reef near our jetty
4. 04Kayak around Ofu
5. 05Walk the village
6. 06Do nothing at all

From July to October, humpback whales come to Vava'u to give birth and raise their calves, and you can get in the water with them on a guided tour.

We pick you up from our jetty on Ofu early in the morning to meet your tour in Neiafu. The swims are run by our partner, Port Wine Guesthouse, booked and paid separately. More on our whale swimming page.

Vava'u is made up of dozens of islands, many of them uninhabited, with quiet beaches and clear water between them.

Our partner, Port Wine Guesthouse, runs guided island tours out to remote islands, hidden beaches and underwater caves, with lunch included. Tours are booked and paid separately, and we arrange boat transport from our jetty to meet them.

Some of the best days need no boat at all. Walk down to our private jetty on Ofu and jump in, snorkel the reef nearby, take a kayak around the island, or pick a coconut from the garden.

Walk through the village and meet the locals.

In the evenings, cook in our fully stocked kitchen, order home-cooked dishes from our caretaker's menu, like fresh-caught local fish or ota ika, or take the boat taxi across to Neiafu for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, for a small charge.

The whole property is yours for your stay, with room for up to 8. See the villa →

Sunday is a day of rest in Tonga. Out of respect for local tradition, activities and noise are kept to a minimum.

Getting to Ofu is the adventure. Once you're here, the days slow right down: breakfast on the verandah, a book in the shade, the water a few steps away.

That's the point too.