10 Adult-Only Activities in Vava'u

Activities in Vava’u for Adults

A stunning and tranquil destination like the islands of Vava’u certainly doesn’t need the disturbance of noisy children! That’s the mantra of most travellers heading to the South Pacific on an adult-only holiday. Although many of Vava’u’s experiences are open to people of all ages, there are some more adventurous activities and incidentally, relaxing activities that are more aimed toward adults. So whether you’re on a couple’s getaway, a holiday with friends or taking some time away from your own kids (hehe!), these are the ways to make the most of your time on an adult-only holiday. Check out these adult-only activities in Vava’u.

For more tips, check out The Adult-Only Guide to Vava’u.

1. Hire a Private Sailing Charter

Ensure you spend the day (or a few days) with the people you choose on a private sailing charter! Vava’u is home to some of the most magnificent sailing grounds in the South Pacific, which you can only understand once you sail yourself. Bareboat and skippered charters are available with charter operators, such as Tropical Yacht Holidays (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), The Moorings and South Pacific Sea Adventures. Find out more about sailing in Vava’u here.

2. Swim with Humpback Whales

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with enchanting humpback whales, available between July and October. Although there are more than 15 operators taking visitors out to see the whales, the Tonga Pocket Guide team only saw one child out when watching the boats depart for a whole morning with the Tongan Government’s Whale Enforcement. So, chances are, you’ll only be sharing the experience with like-minded whale-lovers! More private whale swimming experiences are available with Tonga Beach House and Kiwi Magic Tonga that only have four passengers per boat. Find out more in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.

3. Scuba Dive in Crystal Clear Waters

With divers needing to be at least over 10 years old (and with your head in the water most of the time), scuba diving is not an experience with noisy kids! Vava’u is home to some wonderful scuba diving where hundreds of tropical fish, sharks, nudibranchs, soft coral and hard coral are seen on a daily basis (except for Sundays when tours are not permitted to operate under Tongan law). Divers also have the opportunity to do wreck dives, swim into caves, see magnificent drop-offs and more! Learn more about diving in Vava’u here.

4. Drink and Be Merry at One of Neiafu’s Bars

Drink like a sailor in the yachtie’s paradise of Vava’u! Neiafu is a hub of restaurants with great bars, including The Basque Tavern on a hilltop, boasting awesome views of the Neiafu Harbour. The Mango Cafe is a popular spot with a full bar and restaurant right on the water’s edge. Finally, check out the Bellavista Cafe & Restaurant for its excellent wine and beer selection along with views over the harbour. There are also some excellent resorts with bars open to casual diners and drinkers, including the Tongan Beach Resort on ‘Utungake Island, the adult-only Mandala Resort and the Mounu Private Island Resort with its beachfront Moby Dick Bar.

5. Get Out on the Water on a Fishing Charter

By this point, you’re probably starting to think that Vava’u has it all with amazing sailing, whale swimming, scuba diving and now amazing fishing?! Well, Vava’u does offer some of the best fishing in Tonga with excellent waters for catching marlin and giant trevally! Join one of the many fishing charters with passionate guides to show you the ropes for catching monsters in tropical waters! Compare your options in 10 Best Fishing Charters in Vava’u.

6. Harness the Elements in Kitesurfing

With many of Vava’u’s islands lined with sheltered lagoons and experiencing decent tradewinds all year round, the kitesurfing here is epic! Resorts like Mounu Island Resort offer lessons, gear rental and gear purchase (if given advanced notice). If you bring your own gear to the Tonga Beach House, Mandala Resort or Treasure Island Eco Resort, they’ll show you their own kitesurfing grounds as well as offer trips to some of the best kitesurfing spots.

7. Disconnect from the World with a Spa Treatment

A sure-fire way to enjoy some island time undisturbed is by indulging in a spa treatment. Resorts like Mandala Resort offer a number of massages, including their signature Indian head massage with reflexology. The session is private, peaceful and utterly indulgent.

8. Reconnect with Yourself a Yoga Class

Additionally, at the Mandala Resort, join one of the yoga classes taking place on the island’s beachfront pavilion. Not only is the experience designed for adults to reconnect with the mind, body and soul, but the resort itself is adults-only ensuring a peaceful experience.

9. Relax at an Adult-Only Resort

Vava’u is slowly starting to see more and more resorts that are exclusively for guests over a certain age. Needless to say, relaxing on the beaches at these resorts offers an idyllic and tranquil experience. The Dream Island Resort is exclusively for guests aged 16 years and over. Alternatively, the Mandala Island Resort is a retreat for guests over the age of 12. Because both of these resorts are boutique and book up quickly, your alternative options are the holiday homes found around Vava’u, which are usually set away from main tourist areas and are shared with just the people you choose in a private home.

[UPDATE] Explore Reefs on an Underwater Sea Scooter Tour

[Update: Explore Vava’u no longer offer sea scooter tours].

Vava’u was an archipelago made for snorkelling with its sheltered clear waters and myriad of underwater life. A unique way to explore it is on an underwater sea scooter tour, for ages 14 and above only! Join Explore Vava’u from the adult-only Mandala Resort or the harbour with the Mango Cafe, for a guided tour. You’ll travel in the water at around two knots, covering far more ground and seeing much more coral than what can be achieved with normal snorkelling.

More Adult-Only Activities in Vava’u

Author

Laura 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.

Contact Laura via our contact page