Meeting:		Lupepau’u Airport
Airport:		Tonga’s international airport
Transfer:		Lupepau’u Airport Transfers from/to Vava'u International Airport / Lupepauʻu International Airport included
Level:		Easy to Moderate
		A moderate level of physical fitness and a sense of adventure are important. 2-3 hours per day
Participants:		Min 2 participants	Max 16 participants

FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE
Whilst no experience is required for our sea kayak tours, a moderate level of physical fitness and a sense of adventure are important. A typical day entails two to three hours of paddling interspersed with rest stops. The guides endeavor to balance the group by pairing slower paddlers with stronger, more experienced paddlers. However, the slower paddlers always dictate the pace. Base camps offer the luxury of paddling empty kayaks or a lay day for exploring and relaxing. Paddling into southeasterly trade winds of 12-18 knots requires extra effort and can make the distance we travel feel longer. Those who engage in regular exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming tend to derive more enjoyment from their adventure. Physical conditioning exercises and camping experience are recommended.

KAYAK GUIDES
A minimum of one Tongan professional guide accompanies all of our trips. Depending on the group size, there is an additional guide (guide: guest ratio = 1:6). The guides are responsible for making safety decisions, coordinating logistics and activities, preparing meals as well as interpreting the natural and cultural features of Vava’u. Our guides lend invaluable local knowledge and cultural flavour to the experience and also offer outdoor safety, first aid and risk management expertise.

SEA KAYAKING
The concept of sea kayaking is still new to many people, who may have visions of paddling in small unstable kayaks typically used on river trips. In contrast, we use stable, seaworthy double kayaks (Necky Tofino) especially suited to novices and the ocean environment. No previous kayaking experience is required, but a moderate level of fitness is necessary. Non-swimmers are welcome since everyone is required to wear a life vest. The issuing of single kayaks (Necky Arluk III, Quality Kayaks Southern Aurora and Puffin) is at the guides’ discretion as this depends not only on the paddler’s ability, but also on weather, sea conditions and group composition.
Your guides cover boat handling basics; paddling strokes; use of the foot controlled rudder; boat entries and exits; and rescue procedures in the protected warm waters of the Port of Refuge. They also cover trip safety and carry a cell phone and flares for emergency use. Sea kayaking is a very safe sport when conducted properly. The expedition always paddles as a group, but there is still ample opportunity for individuals to enjoy their personal space on land if so desired. Certain rules of sea kayaking must be agreed to and observed by all trip participants to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. We discuss these rules and why they are necessary as well as contingency plans. We do everything reasonable to minimize the risks of this outdoor pursuit to ensure your safety and expect you to do the same.

WHALE WATCHING & SNORKELLING
From July to October Tonga’s warm sheltered waters are annual breeding and calving grounds for the southern ocean humpback whale. Join our preferred whale watch operator for a fun, educational day on the water. Their knowledgeable guides provide interesting facts and anecdotes about these amazing mammals, once on the brink of extinction. Witness the whales’ acrobatic aerial displays and, with the aid of a hydrophone, listen in on their mystical songs. You might also see spinner dolphins and seldom-sighted pilot whales. You will have the opportunity to snorkel in Vava’u’s spectacular underwater world. Confident swimmers who elect to swim with the whales do so at the skipper’s discretion and at their own risk. From November to June when the whales have returned to their Antarctic feeding grounds, join our preferred sailing operator for a relaxing day of sightseeing and snorkelling in the beautiful Vava’u Archipelago. Both excursions include snorkelling gear, wetsuits and lunch.

SCUBA DIVING
Experience diving at its best in warm clear waters where visibility is often up to 40 metres. The distinctive landscape of Vava’u creates a unique diving environment with dramatic drop-offs, caverns, and swimthroughs. Explore the myriads of reefs with colourful hard & soft coral, sea fans, abundant reef fish, sharks, manta rays, nudibranchs,
crustaceans, pipefish and more. In winter you might even hear the humpback whale song! Time permitting, enjoy a swim or snorkel from a pristine outer island beach. Includes full equipment, snacks and water.

SAILING & SNORKELLING
Enjoy a relaxing day with our preferred operator sailing and exploring the myriads of reefs in warm crystal clear waters. In winter the average water temperature is 25 degrees Celcius and in summer up to 29 degrees. Snorkel directly from the vessel and/or from pristine beaches. A perfect way to discover the stunning Vava’u Archipelago and learn about the flora, sea birds, and marine life along the way. You might even see southern ocean humpback whales in season (July – October). Snorkelling gear, wetsuits and lunch included.

MEDICAL FORMS
Every trip participant must provide an accurately completed medical form. Participants aged 65 years and over must also provide a medical certificate. 

MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Although your guides will be carrying a comprehensive first aid kit, all tour participants are encouraged to bring a basic personal first aid kit including the
following items:
- Medication (pain relief, anti-inflammatory, mild anti-nausea drugs)
- Antiseptic swabs and cream
- Anti-histamine cream (for insect bites)
- Antibiotic cream or powder (powder is best in the humid tropics)
- Fabric plasters (more waterproof than plastic plasters)
- Lip sunscreen (SPF30+ or zinc)
- General sunscreen (water resistant; SPF15+)
- Insect repellent (DEET is the most effective)

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Personal travel insurance is not included in the trip cost and is a pre-requisite for trip participation. We recommend you purchase a policy that includes airfare, trip cancellation (in particular cancellation owing to severe weather), and medical coverage.