The Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Vava’u

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

How to Get to Vava’u

Vava’u is connected to Fiji and Samoa through its international airport, Lupepauʻu Airport. However, most visitors to the islands arrive in Vava’u via Tonga’s main arrival airport in Tongatapu, via cruise ship or by sailing on their own yacht. Here are the best transport options for an adults-only getaway.

Vava’u by Plane

The most intimate way to get to Vava’u, appropriate for an adults-only holiday, is by taking the plane. Planes fly from Tongatapu’s Fua’amotu Airport every day except Sunday landing in Vava’u’s Lupepauʻu Airport. Allow at least a couple of days to fly to Vava’u as flights frequently get cancelled. Learn more in The Guide to Flying Around Tonga.

Vava’u by Cruise

While there are no adult-only cruises that visit Vava’u, there are a number of other cruise liners calling at Neiafu, the main town of Vava’u, that are worth considering. Check out the 10 Cruises that Visit Tonga for more details.

Car Rental in Vava’u

For those who prefer to travel around independently, car rental is available in Vava’u and is a good option if staying outside of Neiafu but still on the main islands. Compare car rental companies in The Best Car Rentals in Vava’u.

For more about transport in Vava’u, head to the 10 Ways to Get to Vava’u (& Around Vava’u).

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

Activities on Vava’u for Adults

With Vava’u being an adventure tourism destination, you won’t find many of the activities “full of kids”. Most of the major attractions here are more hands-on, directed at the grown-up crowd. Some suggestions include…

Whale Swimming in Vava’u

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with enchanting humpback whales. There are more than 15 operators taking visitors out to see the whales in Vava’u. After a whole morning watching the whaleboats depart with the Tonga Government’s Whale Enforcement, the Tonga Pocket Guide team only saw one child on one of the many whaleboats that went out! Chances are, you’ll just be sharing the experience with like-minded whale-lovers. To ensure a more private whale swimming experience, book a tour with one of the whale swimming boats that only allow up to four people on the boat, such as the Tonga Beach House and Kiwi Magic Tonga. Find out more in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.

Private Sailing Charters

Ensure you spend the day or a few days with the people you choose on a private sailing charter. Vava’u is renowned for its magnificent sailing grounds, which is best experienced by chartering a sailing yacht yourself. Bareboat and skippered charters are available with The Moorings and South Pacific Sea Adventures. Find out more in The Best Tours for Sailing in Vava’u.

Scuba Dive in Vava’u

With divers needing to be at least over 10 years old (and with your head in the water most of the time), needless to say, scuba diving is not an experience with noisy children. Vava’u is home to some sensational 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). Learn more about diving in Vava’u here.

For more inspiration, head over to the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Vava’u.

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Nightlife in Vava’u

Vava’u is a sailor’s paradise! With that in mind, there are plenty of places to drink like a sailor in Vava’u, whether it’s at the restaurants that team up as bars in Neiafu or one of the island resorts!

Bars in Neiafu

While Neiafu doesn’t have any solely dedicated bars and nightclubs, the town’s watering holes are restaurants with a bar. For instance, The Basque Tavern on a hilltop of Vava’u boasts awesome elevated views of the Neiafu Harbour along with your drinks and Spanish tapas. The Mango Cafe is a popular spot for yachties and all visitors alike, with a full bar and restaurant right on the water’s edge. Finally, the Bellavista Cafe & Restaurant boasts an excellent wine and beer selection to enjoy with views over the harbour from its elevated perspective in the centre of town.

Resort Bars in Vava’u

Don’t worry, the resorts know you’re on holiday, so are here to pour the drinks! The Tongan Beach Resort on ‘Utungake Island, which is connected to the main island, is open for casual diners and drinkers, serving international favourites, as well as a range of cocktails. The Mandala Resort, one of Vava’u’s exclusive adult-only resorts, has a Beach Bar pouring New Zealand and Australian wines, beers and premium liqueurs. Finally, a stunning place to enjoy some sundowners is the Moby Dick Bar at the Mounu Private Island Resort, located on the island’s beach.