Amazing Sailing Tours in Tonga
Sailing in the South Pacific is a sublime experience that so few of us have, because, well, we don’t have our own yacht. But with Tonga being home to some of the South Pacific’s best sailing grounds, it’s only fitting that there are sailing charters to give you a taste. Not only can you enjoy all-inclusive yacht charters alongside Tonga’s breathtaking islands, hopping from one uninhabited island to snorkelling hotspot to the next, but some charters even offer unique whale swimming experiences. Check out how you can experience a luxurious sailing charter in The Kingdom in this list of sailing charters in Tonga.
1. Whale Discoveries
Departing from either Tongatapu or Ha’apai, Whale Discoveries’ SV Wildlife sailing charter is a unique experience 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.
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.
3. [CLOSED] Tropical Yacht Holidays
Explore the islands of Vava’u, often referred to as the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific, on a luxury sailing yacht with Tropical Yacht Holidays. They offer seven-day all-inclusive yacht charters on their five-cabin catamaran. Tours 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. They have packages tailored from couples to up to seven guests.
4. [CLOSED] Ono Sailing
Back in Vava’u, you can get a great taste for South Pacific sailing on a day cruise with Ono Sailing. You’ll be picked up from your Vava’u accommodation any time after sunrise to set sail on Pukuri. The trip includes checking out some snorkelling spots and/or trying your luck with fishing across the islands. Lunch and snacks are provided throughout the experience. The team can work with you on an itinerary if there’s anything specific you want to see. Check out more day trips like this in the 10 Best Day Cruises in Tonga.
5. [CLOSED] The Moorings & Sunsail
Also a long-established sailing charter in Vava’u, The Moorings & Sunsail provides charters out of catamarans and monohull ships that sleep up to 10 passengers. You can charter their yachts either bareboat or skippered. While The Moorings offer tailored charters, a popular option 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! Check out more sailing options in The Best Tours for Sailing in Vava’u.
More Boat Trips and Sailing Charters in Tonga
That’s it for the best sailing charters in Tonga. For more ways to get on the water, take a look at the following guides:
- 10 Best Boat Trips in Tonga
- 5 Best Liveaboards & Boat Stays in Tonga
- How to Choose the Best Sailing Liveaboard in Tonga for You
Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
Author
Robin (Lopini) C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.