Family Activities in Vava’u
With so much emphasis on whale swimming, sports fishing and scuba diving, Vava’u might not seem like the most family-friendly destination at first glance. But by digging a little deeper, families will see that this northern island group of Tonga can provide an exciting, educational and memorable holiday. There are kid-friendly activities both on land and on the water; both free and as a special treat, that are sure to fill up your getaway with positive memories together. Check out some of our top recommendations in this list of things to do in Vava’u with kids.
While you’re here, also don’t miss The Guide to Vava’u for Families for more family holiday-planning success!
1. Go On a Whale Watching Tour
One of the most popular activities in Vava’u is swimming with humpback whales! However, because swimming is on the open water, we recommend families with younger children to enjoy the experience from the boat. Seeing the whales swimming to the surface, launching their enormous flukes into the air and sometimes even breaching can be just as rewarding as getting in the water with them. Compare your whale watching tours in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.
Location: All over Vava’u! See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
(c) tongapocketguide.com2. Cruise to See Swallows’ Cave
Vava’u’s octopus-shaped island formation is amazing to explore on the water, especially with an array of stunning islands and coral reefs to explore. Jump on one of the snorkelling or island-hopping day trips to check out spots like the magnificent Swallows’ Cave, as well as amazing snorkelling hotspots. Some tours feature fresh fruit and snacks after every swim, as well as lunch, while others are completely BYO including lunch and snorkelling gear, so be sure to inquire about inclusions when booking. Check out some of your best cruising options in The 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours of Vava’u.
Location: All over Vava’u! See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Enjoy a Guided Tour of ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden
Well, there are some reasons why you might want to keep your feet on dry land in Vava’u and one of those reasons is the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden! Kids love exploring the lush tropical gardens on the botanical garden walking tour, while the adults can take in the fascinating commentary from the former Director for Agriculture and Forestry and curator of the garden, Haniteli Fa’anunu. The Botanical Garden also hosts an “‘Ene’io Grand Tour” complete with a Tongan-style feast and cultural demonstrations. Find out more about the grand tour in the 5 Best Guided Island Land Tours of Vava’u.
Location: For the “Grand Tour”, pick-ups are offered from Neiafu. For the standard tour, make your way to the east side of ‘Utu Vava’u (the main island), south of Tu’anikivale. Keep left at the fork in Tu’anikivale and ‘Ene’io is approximately 900 m (980 yards) down this road. If no one is waiting for you at the gate entrance, continue down to the beach.
(c) tongapocketguide.com4. Have a Peak into the Veimumuni Cave
For families checking out some of the sights around Vava’u, don’t miss the Veimumuni Cave and the freshwater pool. It’s a 30-second walk down to the cave entrance that despite facing the sea with a platform to help soak in the views, it is not actually full of seawater. If your kids are brave enough to jump in the cave pool (or take the steps for easy access), they’ll swim in a cool freshwater pool only 2 m (7 ft) deep at a maximum. Check out more attractions like this in Sightseeing in Vava’u: Top 10 Sights & Natural Attractions.
Location: Signposted from the main road in Toula village, ‘Utu Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Get Some Kayak Time in!
A safe way for the whole family to get on the water in Vava’u’s sheltered waters is by kayak! The complimentary use of kayaks is a standard for any of the waterfront accommodations in Vava’u where parents can double up with younger ones to explore the shore and look at the marine life below! Check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Vava’u and The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga to see which family accommodation offers the use of kayaks.
Location: All over Vava’u! See the links above for recommendations.
(c) tongapocketguide.com6. Snorkel from Your Resort
Another highlight of staying at a waterfront resort is snorkelling. Vava’u’s waters are teeming with fish all across the archipelago but it’s definitely worth heading to some of the outer island resorts if you want to get some serious snorkelling in. Otherwise, the Tongan Beach Resort, Vaimalo Fales and Mystic Sands offer some of the best snorkelling accessible from the mainland. Some resorts require you to go out by kayak to some of the best coral bommies and reefs. Make sure one person is on the kayak at all times keeping everyone safe.
Location: All over Vava’u! Check out The Best Snorkelling in Vava’u: Top 10 Places to Snorkel for recommended locations.
(c) tongapocketguide.com7. Build Sandcastles on the Beach
While some resorts grace beautiful sandy beaches in Vava’u – check them out in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u and 10 Best Beach Resorts in Tonga, those not staying at the beach can find some gorgeous beaches around the main island, ‘Utu Vava’u and its causeway-connected islands. We love Otua Lea Beach for the beautiful scenery that comes along with it, as well as Tali e Hau Beach for sheltered swimming. Find out more about these beaches and others in the 10 Best Beaches in Vava’u.
Location: All over Vava’u! See the link above for recommended locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Try Traditional Food and Be Captivated by a Tongan Cultural Show
Nothing captivates the kids (and arguably Mum and Dad too) more than watching Tongan men perform a warrior’s dance or women gracefully using their hands to tell a story! Just a small part of a Tongan floor show and umu night, these evening shows include an array of cultural dances, as well as the opportunity to sample authentic Tongan cuisine prepared in an underground oven known as an “umu”. And in true Tongan spirit, you will be encouraged to eat more than is reasonable although there are usually a few Western favourites should you have fussy eaters in your tribe. Catch a weekly floor show at Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers or indulge in the “‘Ene’io Grand Tour” at the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden (see above) with all of this included and more! Find out more about these events in The Best Cultural Shows in Tonga.
Location: All over Vava’u! See the link above for recommended feasts and their locations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Do a Land Tour of Vava’u’s Largest Islands
There’s almost as much to explore on land as there is in the water in Vava’u. The islands are home to some astonishing lookouts over dramatic coastlines (all with fenced platforms to keep kids safe), fascinating historical sites, spooky caves, beautiful beaches, dense tropical plantations and more. The easiest way to explore it all is on one of the 5 Best Guided Tours of Vava’u. Alternatively, hire a car and enjoy a more independent tiki tour around the causeway-connected islands – see The Best Car Rentals in Vava’u.
Location: Tours offer pick-ups from in and around Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u. Most car rentals are based in Neiafu or at some accommodations.
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Visit a Local School and Donate Supplies
Finally, a rewarding experience for the whole family is having the opportunity to donate school supplies to one of the local schools. Accommodations like Mystic Sands and Lucky’s Beach Houses, work with local schools and guests to arrange visits and encourage donations to schools that are always in need of pencils, crayons, paper and reading materials. It’s a good cultural insight for your kids to see what a Tongan school is like.
Location: All over Vava’u! Talk to your accommodation provider if you would like to partake in this experience.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do in Vava’u with Kids
That’s it for the best things to do in Vava’u with kids. For more advice for planning an effortlessly wonderful family getaway, check out the following:
- 20 Essential Tips for Travelling to Tonga with Children
- Fun Facts About Tonga for Kids
- 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Vava’u
Finally, get even more inspiration for your family getaway with The Travel Guide to Tonga for Families and the 10 Things to Do in Tonga with Kids.
