Snorkelling Trips in Vava’u
An exciting arena for snorkelling awaits in the waters of Vava’u! Enjoy vividly clear waters as you swim over vibrant coral reefs, dive into caves and be among huge schools of fish. While snorkelling is available from the beaches of most resorts in Vava’u, it’s worth getting on a boat tour to see some of the snorkelling highlights! See the huge and impressive Swallows’ Cave, dive underwater to reach Mariner’s Cave, and drift above some of Vava’u’s stunning soft coral gardens. We go over some of your best options in this list of snorkelling tours in Vava’u!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 7 Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.
1. Riki Tiki Tours
Join Riki for a personalised snorkelling tour in Vava’u. Departing from the wharf outside of the Mango Cafe, Riki Tiki Tours offers snorkelling trips to Swallows’ Cave, Mariner’s Cave, the Japanese Coral Gardens or wherever else you like – he’s a pretty relaxed guy. It’s best to head down to the wharf to book face-to-face or with one of the local accommodations when you arrive, as he doesn’t check his emails. Wetsuits are included in the tour, but you might need to hire snorkelling gear from the Tropicana Cafe or Beluga Diving if you don’t have your own. Riki operates his tours all year round.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
2. Hakau Adventures
For a slightly more structured tour, choose Hakau Adventures. They take keen snorkellers on a six-hour cruise of Vava’u, hitting hotspots like Swallow’s Cave, Mariner’s Cave and a few secret snorkelling spots. The boat caters up to eight guests, with all of the snorkelling gear included. You’ll get fresh fruit and snacks after each swim, as well as a full lunch and a snack on the ride back to Neiafu. The trip is family-friendly with half-price rates for kids under 12. See more activities like this in the 10 Things To Do in Vava’u with Kids.
(c) Pxhere.com
3. Endangered Encounters
Outside of the whale season, which runs from July to October in Vava’u, Endangered Encounters runs snorkelling tours. Their snorkelling tours hit the hotspots, like the already mentioned, Swallows’ Cave, Mariner’s Cave and Japanese Coral Gardens, while also taking you to a few “hidden treasures”. The tour also includes a stop at one of Vava’u’s island resorts for lunch! Learn more about whale swimming in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.
(c) Pixabay
4. South Pacific Sea Adventures
Offering day sails and multi-day sailing, South Pacific Sea Adventures is how you do a snorkelling tour in style. Jump on a luxury yacht and hit some amazing snorkelling spots as you sail around the islands. Day sailing includes lunch, snorkelling and whale-swimming in the right season, while multi-day adventures anchor up in amazing snorkelling spots each evening. Find out more about sailing in Vava’u in The Best Tours for Sailing in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
5. Whale Song Tonga
While they offer popular whale swimming tours on the MC Ashlee G and MV Kalo in the whale season, Whale Song Tonga also offer tours to some exciting snorkelling locations. As well as the must-visit Swallows’ Cave, Mariner’s Cave and the Japanese Gardens, the team will also take you to drift above the Coral Gardens and stop at the stunning Nuku Island for lunch. Food is prepared on an onboard barbecue. Whale Song Tonga also provide snorkelling gear and wetsuits.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
6. Treasure Island Eco Resort
Offering a wealth of amazing water activities from their eco-resort on Eueiki Island, Treasure Island Eco Resort also offers a “Historical Adventure in Paradise Snorkel Tour” outside of the whale swimming season. Venture to the neighbouring ‘Euakafa Island where you’ll hike to the tomb of a Samoan princess. Learn about Tongan myths and legends before visiting various caves on different islands. The tour also includes a stop for snorkelling inside some caves with crystal clear waters, as well as a lunch stop. The tour is approximately three to four hours and includes snorkelling gear. Learn more about the resort in the 8 Best Luxury Accommodation in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
7. Dive Tonga
As well as scuba diving trips and dive courses, Dive Tonga also offers snorkelling tours for those who would rather stay close to the surface. Dive Tonga’s snorkelling tours take you out to some of Vava’u’s shallow reef systems and coral bommies to enjoy hard and soft coral close to the surface. While Dive Tonga require a minimum of four snorkellers for trips to go ahead, they also offer the chance for snorkellers to join their dive trips if they’re heading to an appropriate place for both scuba and snorkel. Be sure to ask.
(c) Pixabay
8. Beluga Diving
Another dive operator offering snorkelling tours, Beluga Diving has all the equipment for a comfortable snorkelling experience. All the gear is provided on their boat tours out to their favourite snorkelling spots. Why not combine the experience with one of their camping trips taking you out to uninhabited islands for the night?! Day snorkelling trips require a minimum of four snorkellers.
(c) tongapocketguide.com[UPDATE] Explore Vava’u
[Update: Explore Vava’u no longer offer the tour described below. See 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u to learn more about their whale swimming tours.]
Based out of the wharf close to the Mango Cafe, as well as the Mandala Resort, Explore Vava’u has a wide range of tours and experiences. Among the offerings are three types of snorkelling tours. Their Caves Snorkel Tour takes you to three different caves found around the islands. Or hop on their standard Snorkel Boat Tour to explore the eastern islands of Vava’u where you can snorkel in calm waters above intriguing reef systems in some of the less-visited areas. Finally, amp up the snorkelling experience with a guided Sea Scooter tour!
More About Snorkelling Tours in Vava’u
