5 Best Liveaboards & Boat Stays in Tonga

1. Whale Discoveries

Departing from either Tongatapu or Ha’apai, Whale Discoveries’ SV Wildlife boat stay and liveaboard experience is the only one of its kind in Tonga.

The fast-sailing catamaran will be your base for a seven to eight-day excursion sailing across the islands of Tonga where the main mission is to enjoy multiple whale swims from the yacht during the whale season or harnessing the elements with an emphasis on kitesurfing, windfoiling and paddleboarding between May and July.

The experience includes three meals a day and three professional crew to make sure your holiday and whale swimming experiences run smoothly. The yacht has three double cabins available.

Note that this sailing charter is only available between May and October. Learn more about their whale swimming experience in the 5 Best Whale Swim Tours in Ha’apai.

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2. TradeWinds

Experience the joys of sailing among some of the most famous yachting grounds in the South Pacific with TradeWinds. Offering all-inclusive sailing and sailing/resort packages at Mandala Resort among the beautiful islets and snaking inlets of Vava’u, there’s scope to cater the experience to your preference.

After boarding your luxury class catamaran in Neiafu – available for shared or private charter, you’ll spend a night anchored in the sheltered bay of Port Mourelle, swim at Swallow’s Cave, explore the vivid Hunga Lagoon, stop at a village on Ofu Island to enjoy a Tongan feast and cultural entertainment, and delight in delectable cuisine and cocktails along the way.

Charters are typically seven days with the option to split your time between sailing and stay at the resort, or exclusively sailing. Learn more about Mandala Resort in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Tonga.

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3. Friendly Islands Kayak Company

Perhaps pushing the definition of a boat stay ever so slightly, the Friendly Islands Kayak Company (FIKCO) is well worth considering for travellers seeking a unique way to experience the islands of Tonga.

Choose from a wealth of kayaking tours in either Vava’u or Ha’apai, ranging from three-day tours to 10-day missions. The scope to make this soft adventure holiday your own doesn’t end there, as the option is also given to either camp on remote island beaches and villages or stay in the comfort of a resort. Whatever you choose, discover the joys of gliding over sheltered waters, visiting remote island villages, sleeping under the stars and trying authentic Tongan food.

Learn more about the wealth of tours FIKCO has to offer in The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga.

© Friendly Islands Kayak Company

4. [CLOSED] Tropical Yacht Holidays

Vava’u is often referred to as the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific, which you can experience on a luxury sailing yacht with Tropical Yacht Holidays.

Tropical Yacht Holidays offer seven-day all-inclusive yacht charters on their five-cabin catamaran sleeping up to seven guests. There’s a shower for each guest, as well as a large dinette with wraparound seating, a bright and airy saloon with air-conditioning and other luxurious additions.

Charters and boat stays are available all year round, taking you on a week-long trip where days are spent sailing from island to island, snorkelling at pristine reefs, indulging in fine food, hiking to magnificent island viewpoints, visiting traditional Tongan villages and more.

5. [CLOSED] The Moorings & Sunsail

A long-established sailing charter in Vava’u, The Moorings & Sunsail provides charters out of their choice of catamarans and monohull ships that sleep up to 10 passengers.

Yachts are available to charter either bareboat or skippered, with tailored charters available. A popular option, however, is their 10-day excursion through Vava’u. You’ll visit a new island each day, stopping at the historically significant Ile de Kapa Island, snorkelling at the landlocked lagoon of Hunga Island, stopping at the scenic horseshoe-shaped anchorage of Vaka’eitu Island, and the list goes on!