Flying Fish ArticlesPlease note the date of this report and treat with CAUTION
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Mr John 's Kingdom of TongaNomuka Iki – 20°16.60'S, 174°48.20'W
Neiafu – 18°44.00'S, 174°00.00'W
Niuatoputapu – 15°56.00'S, 173°46.00'W
Nuku 'alofa – 21°08.00'S, 175°11.00'W
Nomuka Iki
We moved from Ha 'afeva and had a superb sail in 20-30 knots of wind just 25 miles to Nomuku Iki. Nomuku Iki is a small island just off the island of Nomuku. I think that "Iki" means "Small" or "Child of". We felt our way into the anchorage under leaden skies and unable to see the reefs except where waves were breaking over the shallower areas and were a bit worried about the exposed position we settled in, especially since the beach to the side of us has a wrecked fishing boat lying there on its side. The winds continued and reached at least 35 knots towards the evening and so it was not the most restful night although the batteries are now well and truly charged.
Yesterday, the wind abated a bit and we launched the dinghy and took a walk along the shore. Apparently, the island houses a prison but we did not find it since the interior seemed to be an impenetrable mass of shrubs and trees. we did not go too far around the island as banks of clouds rolled in and we scuttled back to Naz before things turned dirty. The rest of yesterday was spent washing ourselves and clothes in the cockpit and filling the water tanks and other water containers we have. We are now clean, are full of water and topped up with electricity. However, the weather did not recognise this fact and kept dumping inches of water on the decks as the winds increased and came at us from all directions causing Naz to swing and set off the anchor alarm every so often. Again, not a pleasant or relaxing night.
The wind has settled to a more Nor-Easterly slant and so we now have the swell coming around the North of Nomuka to contend with as well as being on a truly lee shore with the wrecked fishing boat directly behind us. If we now drag our anchor, we will follow the clear path through the coral that was cut by the stricken vessel. (PS: Zoom-in on the map onto the shore approx SSW of the anchorage shown by the 'star ' and you will see the wreck on Google Map!)
So. We were planning to go to a tiny island called Kelefasia (about 25 miles South) today, but with the winds not taking notice of the weather forecasts, we think that we will wait until this evening and run overnight to Nuku 'alofa (Tongatapu). Alternatively, we could wait until first light (or just before) and go then. The problem is that it is just over 55 miles and therefore too short a distance for overnight and on the cusp of getting in at the other end in daylight if we do a day-sail.
Ho hum.
Beautiful place - Go there - Hope you get better weather
Neiafu
1) Information Submitted by Beth Bushnell 2004 updated by David Caukill 2012
2) Date June 2012
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Neiafa, Vavau group, Tonga 18°39’30S lat, 173°59’W long.
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Excellent cruising ground. Interesting islands, good diving and snorkelling.
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage Neiafu now has lots of mooring buoys for rent that have taken most of the anchoring spacemoff the town but is still possible to anchor especially on the far side opposite the town.
There are three moorings owners. Beluga Diving (Orange T$13 per night Ch09), Aquarium Cafe (White T$15 - Ch19) and The Moorings (white but not for rent)
Most people land at the mooring providers ' dinghy dock. There is a landing off the market at the north end of town but the kids will commandeer your dingy as a playstation.
6) Entry Ports Neiafu
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country Check in with customs
b) from/to abroad.
Customs etc operate during normal working hours. (Mon-Fri 08.00-04.30). Overtime charges apply at the weekend (08.00-04.30 FREE). Call port control on approach to Neiafu; don’t always answer. Go alongside.
Outside these hours - and public holidays anchor and wait but dont go ashore. Port Maurelle is a popular anchorage in 10 m and is a good place to wait.
c) visa requirements Issued on arrival for 30 days after that extensions charged at $30us/month.
8) Location/Existence of:
Customs and Port Authorities are based in the wharf on NW end of town.
a) harbour master on wharf upstairs in large shed
b) customs/immigration below harbour master in shed on wharf. Immigration are up the road by the police station on the first floor of the two story of the same building that houses "Tropical Tease" - a well signed t-shirt shop on the east end of the town.
c) health authorities In wharf shed
d) police Police station up the road.
9) Control of Foreign Yachts Can cruise freely once checked in.
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen. Friendly, helpful but have patience - this is island time.
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities Sailing Safaris has a Railway slip as has Moorings/Sunsail base. Some limited repair work can be done including engines. No rigger but a sailmaker (with rudimentary equipment) is available.
12) Sailing Directions or Charts C-maps is not accurate enough for reef work. NAvionic Charts are excellent.
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail.
The Moorings Guide to Tonga invaluable. Lots of old copies around or buy new from Moorings base. There are both a one page laminated chart with each anchorage identified and uniquely numbered. There is a separate mulitpage document “A Cruising Guide to the Kingdom of Tonga” produced by and obtainable from the Moorings Charter company on arrival. It is also obtainable from www.bluewaterweb.com. Despite its title, both cover only the Vava’u group. Admiralty Pacific Islands Pilot Vol. 11.
14) Port Radio Services VHF 26 0830 daily a cruisers information net with weather .
15) Weather Forecasts As above
16) Yacht Club(S) Aquarium Cafe is the yacht club! Providing good meals, local information and help.
17) Other Facilities:
drinking water From sailing safaris alongside fill for $10, boat wash $10 fuel Sailing Safaris gas
(propane)/gaz Gas station about 2 miles away.
chandlers None but often bits can be found
bank 2 in town with ATM
shops/market Local market limited. Supermarkets basic. An island economy so what is on the shelves is what is left since the last supply ship visited. Buy it when you see it.
Restaurants:
Plenty to choose from:
Aquarium Cafe good bistro food. Nearby Mango Cafe is more upmarket but food is better.
Balcony Cafe does very good lobster and fish. Tropicana Cafe in town has good coffee, wifi and meals - service good too. Paradise Hotel is dilapidated but does a good steak.
There are restaurants in some anchorages. There is a spanish restaurant in anchorage no. 11. The “Tongan feast” there is a must. There are also restaurants at nos 6,19 and 41. Other restaurants marked on the moorings charts are defunct.
post office/telephones including mobile facilities PO in town. Mobiles work. Telephone at the Aquarium, also has a sim card which can be hired while your there.
Wifi is available in most cafes/bars soem are visible form the anchorage.
best mailing address C/o The Acquarium Cafe, Neiafu, Vavau , Tonga.
showers Mermaid or Annas next door
laundry Coconut café , opp side of road at top of steps from Aquarium. All $5 per load + $5 dryer.
Transport/air services There are daily flights to and from TongaTapa (in old DC3 Dakotas!) Chatam Air. Flights not reliable time waise so dont rely on a quick connection for an international flight.
medical facilities/hospital Small clinic no major facilities. Added from earlier reports: The Ngu Hospital in Neiafu has an outpatients and dispensary. A dentist also provides rudimentary care.
18) Recommendations or Warnings Aquarium is an excellent base run by Mike and Lori. They provide a good service at good price and are very resourceful and helpful.
19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting. Cruising is good. Lots of nice anchorages, some easy to reach some requiring care and skill. Small distances with lots of safe holes if the weather blows up. Neiafu itself is a hurricane hole and boats do spend the year round here. We wouldn’t. I don’t think its that good.
There is not enough happening to keep one occupied.
Information from earlier reports;
A visit to both Swallows and Mariners Caves are well worth doing, though the latter cave is more enjoyable and safer if done in company with others.
When sailing down the chain of Tongan islands to Nuku’alofa there is some really superb cruising and very memorable snorkelling in the Ha’pai Group, but good charts must be obtained in advance as they are unobtainable in Neiafu.
The Admiralty Pacific Islands Pilot Volume II is a valuable aid to navigation.
The attitude to Sunday observance is fairly strict and if anchored close to a village on Sunday it would be advisable to be careful of one’s activities for fear of giving offence. If you go to church do wear the correct clothes and in any village or town be properly covered up. Standing outside the convent/catherdral on Sunday morning (it is packed so hard to get a seat) is an experience even if the service is 2 hours long!
The Vava‘u group provides a wonderful relaxed cruising ground with day sails and protected anchorages.(The Moorings Guide is the essential pilot).
Diving is excellent - good visibility with twenty sites and varied coral. Snorkelling can be good - the best coral we have seen was at anchorage 16 on the reef 2 cabkes east fo Kuio Island. Coral arranged like an herbaceous border.
Handicrafts, carvings, basket and tapa cloth work are all beautifully executed and well priced. Activities – bicycle hire, diving, game fishing, sea kayaking or road tours.
Niuatoputapu Please be aware of the date of this report and treat with CAUTION
1) Information Submitted by John & Pat Driscoll - Moonlight of Down
2) Date 1997
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Niuatoputapu Harbour, Niuatoputapu, |Kingdom of Tonga. 15?56’S 173?46’ W
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts A suitable port of entry/departure for passages to/from Tonga/Samoa. It would give a break on an east/west passage if supplies were not required. Little scenic attraction but see No 17. the well marked passage is very narrow and entrance/exit could be a problem in fresh/strong trades. Once inside the passage to the anchorage is well marked. space for at least 15 yachts in 8-11m, good holding.
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage No marinas, berthing or moorings. Anchor NE of wharf in 8-11m. Leave room for RoRo ferry to drop a stern anchor and land its bow door on the ramp on the wharf. Dinghy landing steps on the west side of the wharf.
6) Entry Ports Niuatoputapu is an entry Port for the Kingdom of Tonga.
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country Clearance covered Niuatoputapu only. Yacht clear out and clearing/out again at Vava’u, Hapai’i and Nuku’alofa. Agriculture & Customs inspections are not normally carried out on subsequently clearing in.
b) from/to abroad On arrival attempt to call/advise Agriculture Dept on Ch 16. Fly Q flag. News of your arrival will get to the main village. Prepare the dinghy to collect Customs, Immigration & Agriculture officers. Watch the end of the wharf for the arrival of 3 officials (plain clothes) and then go to the wharf and pick them up. The Agriculture/Customs officers are required by regulation to inspect the vessel. The Agriculture officer will probably take away all fresh fruit/vegetables & rubbish obtained from abroad for destruction.
c) visa requirements None. Passports stamped for 1 month on arrival.
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master All offices in the Government compound in the
b) customs/immigration main village Hihifo, 3 kms from the wharf.
c) health authorities Office hours Mon-Fri 0830 - 1530 (lunch 1230-1330)
d) police
9) Control of Foreign Yachts Determined by the time allowed by Immigration.
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen Courteous and helpful but slow.
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities None
12) Sailing Directions or Charts NZ 8215
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail
14) Port Radio Services None but try calling Agriculture Dept on Ch 16 to announce arrival.
15) Weather Forecasts Nuku’alofa Radio. 2080 Khz, 6230 Khz (Ch 608) at 0134/0834/2034 UT. Local Radio 1020Khz AM at 0715/0815/1330 local time.
16) Yacht Club(S) None
17) Other Facilities:
drinking water None at the wharf. There is a local supply to houses in the village. Qualify unknown. Consider that water would be available in emergency.
fuel Advised that a small quantity of diesel could be arranged to cover emergencies.
gas (propane)/gaz Not available
chandlers None
bank None. Small amount of US$ (i.e. 20 ) will be changed by the Government cashier to pay harbour dues. (approx. US$0.5/Gross ton)
hops/market Some very small shops selling basic commodities for islanders. No market. Fruit available for trade with tins of cored beef or tinned fish.
restaurants/hotels None
post office/telephones including mobile facilities At Government office. Telephones - inter Island SSB service available, no international connections. Tonga Telecomm is installing a telephone system for connection to Nuku’alofa and beyond by domestic satellite in 1997.
best mailing address Not recommended s
howers None
laundry None
transport/air services No public transport services and locals do not respond to thumbing lifts. By air a single engine service every second week out of Nuku’alofa. A passenger/freight service from Nuku’alofa every 6 weeks.
medical facilities/hospital There is a day clinic with a doctor and nurse resident on the island.
8) Recommendations or Warnings There are no local rubbish disposal facilities, take your rubbish away with you. 1
9) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting. There are not many islands left in the world with such infrequent transport services. A visit here enables one to see the lifestyle of a remote Pacific Island. It is recommended that one should be entirely self sufficient during the yacht’s visit, as to use any island supplies would deprive the islanders since the supply ship only calls every 6 weeks.
Nuku 'alofa
1) Information Submitted by Beth Bushnell
2) Date May 2004
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Tonga, Nukulalofa 21°08’2S, 175°11’W .
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Entry port for nukualofa. Commercial basin not very attractive
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage Anchor with lines to breakwater. Boat ends up abreast prevailing NE winds, holding good but some rubbish on bottom
6) Entry Ports Nukualofa
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing: a) from/to same country Visit to customs when anchored. b) from/to abroad Anchor outside breakwater, skipper ashore in dingy to see customs who arrange for Immigration and Quarantine. All visit boat before it is allowed into basin.. c) visa requirements 30 days issued on arrival, extensions easy to obtain but cost $30us/month
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master In port large new building fee payable before leaving 50sen per ton.
b) customs/immigration Small blue, tatty building in port .fee payable on leaving Tongan waters $40 tongan.
c) health authorities In port d) police In port
9) Control of Foreign Yachts Can visit other islands in Tongatapu but before leaving for Hapaii or Vavau group must obtain clearance from customs and then visit appropriate customs on arrival.
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen Friendly and efficient
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities Repairs for fishing boats but not for yachts. Some chandlery and outboard spares, mainly Yamaha.
12) Sailing Directions or Charts Information from earlier report: NZ 827, 8275
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail
14) Port Radio Services Never answered any boats while we were there.
15) Weather Forecasts Twice daily on VHF radio ch12
16) Yacht Club(S)
17) Other Facilities:
drinking water Reported to be available but we never found it. Town water is not for drinking.
fuel By jerry can gas
(propane)/gaz Can be filled in town
chandlers Hardware shops sell some mainlt for fishing boats
bank Yes + ATM
shops/market Good supermarkets in nukualofa and excellent fresh market. Stock up here as very little in Vavau group.
restaurants/hotels (Added by G Curtis 2003) Friendly Café quite reasonable and good meeting place. Waterfront Café good food. Harbour View hotel pretty basic place to stay but inexpensive. Good weekly feast and local dancing, if a bit touristy, at Good Samaritan Inn, but 40 mins taxi drive from town.
post office/telephones including mobile facilities PO in town, sim cards available pay=as-you-go for 45 tongan.
internet cafes 3 in town.
best mailing address Unknown.
showers no
laundry Local taxi drivers often provide service otherwise none.
transport/air services Buses interesting local taxis very cheap.
medical facilities/hospital Hospital in town
18) Recommendations or Warnings Don’t drink the water.
19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting. Taxi tour of island for 5hours cost $70tongan for 2 of us. Well worth it. Not a lot to see but is the Tongan capital. Aded from earlier report: The cruising outside Nuku’alofa does not compare with the Vava’u or Ha’apai group where the coral formations are quite incredible as seen by snorkelling. The Tongans are delightful people, very steeped in religion and their own traditions. The attitude to Sunday observance is fairly strict and if anchored close to a village on a Sunday it would be advisable to be careful of one’s activities for fear of giving offence.