Vava’u’s Most Romantic Experiences
Tonga’s northern group of islands, Vava’u, is a place for couples to adventure together. It is a destination about “doing”, with scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and more! Discover a place where you’ll realise that connecting with nature is where you’ll find the best connection to each other, with stunning stargazing, island hikes, birdwatching and, of course, whale swimming. So get inspired for your honeymoon or romantic getaway with this list of romantic things to do in Vava’u for couples.
While you’re here, find all you need to know about planning a romantic escape all in one place in The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vava’u.
1. Test Your Relationship in a Double Kayak
Team up to paddle across the crystal clear waters of Vava’u in a double kayak! While almost all beachfront accommodations in Vava’u have complimentary kayaks for couples to try out, you could go the extra mile with the Friendly Islands Kayak Company. They offer a range of one-day to 10-day kayaking tours, with the “6-Day Treasure Island Eco-Resort” package being the most romantic option for couples! You’ll kayak to a new and luxurious resort each day to sample the cuisine and stay somewhere new each night. Check out more tours on the water in the 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours of Vava’u.
Location: All over Vava’u! Check out resorts with kayaks, as well as more about FIKCO in The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga.
2. Sail the Ocean in a Luxury Yacht
A special occasion calls for a special experience, like journeying the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific! There are a handful of year-round sailing charters available from the main town, Neiafu, taking couples on private day- and multi-day excursions. Nothing compares to the joys of tranquilly sailing over Vava’u’s sheltered waters, finding exciting snorkelling spots each day and anchoring at new secluded coves each night. Check out your sailing options in the 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours of Vava’u.
Location: Sailing charters depart from Neiafu Harbour, typically at Fangafoa Marina, ‘Utu Vava’u.
3. Buddy Up on a Scuba Diving Excursion
Vava’u is a diver’s paradise with unmatched visibility, a variety of underwater landscapes, and a wealth of marine life. For couples who are already certified and looking for their next adventure, there are a couple of year-round dive operators ready to show you their stunning underwater backyard. Check them out in The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Dive operators depart from Fangafoa Marina, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
4. Share an Amazing Whale Swimming Experience
Each July to October, Vava’u’s waters become breeding and calving grounds for humpback whales. Tonga is one of the very few places in the world where you can swim with these majestic creatures. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you’re both never likely to forget, seeing these gentle giants seemingly move slowly through the water. Compare your whale swimming options in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.
Location: All over Vava’u! See the link above for departure locations.
5. Enjoy a Private Dinner on the Beach
Get your own private table set up on the beach at one of Vava’u’s romantic resorts. The island resorts in Vava’u go above and beyond for couples on their honeymoon, so be sure to ask what they can do to help you treat your loved one to a special dining experience. Treasure Island Eco Resort, for instance, can serve you dinner under the stars while you feel your toes in the sand. Alternatively, pack your own picnic and head to one of the 10 Best Beaches in Vava’u which are almost always deserted (except for public holidays and weekends).
Location: All over Vava’u! Treasure Island Eco Resort is located on Euaiki Island, while beach locations are specified in the link above.
6. Be Treated to a Private Island Experience
Ever wondered what it would be like to get marooned together on an island? Well, the Tongan Beach Resort can make that a reality, with a few comforts so you don’t really feel stranded. You’ll be whisked away to an uninhabited island for the day with a hamper in hand to enjoy a picnic in paradise. Take some snorkelling gear, laze in the shade of a palm tree and enjoy this little piece of paradise all to yourselves.
Location: Tongan Beach Resort, ‘Utungake Island.
7. Do Some Stargazing
Once you get away from the urban lights, you won’t believe what the sky can look like! The remote islands of Vava’u are the perfect places to admire the stars and vividly see the Milky Way galaxy. The Mounu Island Resort has a telescope in its main building to enhance your stargazing experience, or you can simply lie on the beach and enjoy.
Location: All over Vava’u! See the 5 Best Places for Stargazing in Tonga for location recommendations.
8. Enjoy an Island Hike Together
Traverse through the jungle together, look out for coconut crabs and embrace nature on an island hike. Many of the island resorts are private islands where guests are free to wander at leisure. For instance, the Treasure Island Eco Resort has two walking trails, one to a historic tomb and another to a coconut crab cave. The Reef Resort also has an interesting trail through the bush-clad interior of Kapa Island to the breathtaking beach of Port Mourelle. Finally, the walk from Neiafu to the top of Mt Talau is a classic!
Location: ‘Euaiki Island, Kapa Island and Mt Talau National Park, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u. Find out more about these hikes and their locations in the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in Tonga.
9. Be a Couple of Lovebirds and Do Some Birdwatching
Vava’u’s islands are also an important habitat for tropical birds and seabirds. Maninita Island is a protected area with a vast number of seabird nests. Mounu Island Resort can also organise birdwatching tours to find the endemic Tongan whistler, as well as boat trips to Maninita. Finally, if you’re staying on the mainland, ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden not only provides beautiful garden tours but also excellent bird watching along the way. Learn more about the tour in the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Vava’u.
Location: Maninita Island and ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden, Tu’anikivale, ‘Utu Vava’u. For more locations, check out the 5 Best Places for Bird Watching in Tonga.
10. Snuggle Up in a Hammock Together
Finally, remember to enjoy some relaxation time together – you’re on holiday, after all. At the resorts across Vava’u, you’ll hardly struggle to find a place to relax… But if you need some guidance, take a look at 10 Glorious Ways to Relax in Tonga.
Location: All over Vava’u!
More Romantic Things to Do in Vava’u for Couples
That’s it for the most romantic things to do in Vava’u for couples. For more inspiration for experiences that don’t necessarily fall into the “romance” category but are just as enthralling, check out the following guides:
Finally, you might also like to check out The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Tonga and 10 Romantic Things to Do in Tonga for more honeymooning tips.
Author
Laura (Lola) S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.