Useful Information
If you arriving by boat the following information will help make for a smooth arrival. We hope you have an easy sail to Vava'u, Tonga. Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any additional questions!
Check-in & out
To check into Vava’u, bring your boat alongside the main Custom’s Wharf on the northern end of the Neiafu Harbour.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm.
Closed for lunch, usually 12.30 – 1.30 pm.
Lunchtime and after hours check-ins are available by special arrangement and a fee. Customs - Telephone: 70053 or 70928 - VHF - 16
Immigration - Telephone: 71142
Health - Telephone: 70201
Quarantine - Telephone: 70401
Rubbish
Rubbish service is available at the Aquarium Café for a small fee ranging from TOP $2-5 per bag. Please note, do not leave your rubbish bags outside in town, as the dogs love to get into them and someone else ends up cleaning it all up. Please feed the fish any food scraps.
Aquarium Café – 70493 - VHF 16
Fuel
Diesel and petrol can be purchased from various stations around town. Two easy choices to reach from the water are Sailing Safaris and BP fuel. Please call them in advance with the amount of fuel required.
Sailing Safaris - Telephone: 70650 - VHF 16
BP Fuel (200 litre minimum) - Telephone: 70972
Duty free fuel
Duty Free Fuel can be purchased from BP Fuel when leaving Vava'u after you’ve checked out with Customs. The fuel truck can be pre-booked to come down to the Custom Wharf to meet you. The minimum amount of fuel is 200 litres. BP Fuel needs to know the boat name, the estimated amount of fuel and the time and date of refueling.
BP Fuel - Telephone: 70972
Propane/Butane
Butane is the only gas available in Vava'u, It just burns a little hotter than propane. Bottles can be refilled at Homegas in the village of Toula. You can reach Homegas either by taxi or by dinghy (and a short walk). A return taxi trip from Neiafu costs approx TOP$8.
Homegas - Telephone: 70319
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
Water
Tanks or jerry cans can be filled up at Melinda Sea Adventures (dock in front of Aquarium Café) or Sailing Safaris. Price per full tank is approximately TOP$15, or TOP$2 per jerry can. A boat wash is approximately TOP$25. Be sure to contact them first to make a reservation to come alongside. Be advised that there may be additional fees for extended stays tied to the dock.
Melinda Sea Adventures - Telephone: 70975 - VHF 16
Sailing Safaris - Telephone: 70650 - VHF 16
Laundry
CocoNet Café - Full laundry service (Wash, dry and fold). Located beside the small boat marina in the town centre.
Telephone: 71311 - VHF 16
Sailing Safaris – Self-service (Bring your own washing powder and be present to remove your clothes from washer and dryer. Please call in advance to check if a machine is free).
Telephone: 70650 - VHF 16
Adventure Backpackers - Self service (Bring your own washing powder, wash and line dry.) Telephone: 70955 - VHF 71
Sail Repairs
Character Canvas - Located downstairs from Aquarium Café. Telephone: 70975 or 70493 - VHF 16
General Information
There is a lot to do in Vava'u and our friendly Aquarium Café staff can offer impartial advice about whale watching, swimming with whales, scuba diving, scuba lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, sailing, boat charters, adventure tours, and hiking. We don't accept commission from any of the companies that we recommend. Our goal is to help you have a great time during your visit.
Here are some things you may want to know about during your stay in Vava'u:
Location
The northern island group of Vava'u consists of one large island, Vava’u Lahi, surrounded by a necklace of 50 smaller ones, many of which have deserted white sandy beaches, pristine clear lagoons and coral gardens. The main village is Neiafu, with a population of approximately 10,000. The total population of Vava’u is near 17,000.
Visa
Visitors are welcome for 30 days provided they have an onward sea or air ticket. Extensions for stays up to six months are normally obtained without difficulty. Visitors may not obtain employment without a permit.
Business Hours
Banks are open Monday to Friday from around 9:00am to 4:00pm with ATMs available in several locations. The produce market and shops are open Monday to Friday from around 8am to 5pm and Saturday mornings until noon. Sunday activities are restricted to religious observance and obeyance of the Sabbath laws. Shops are closed, most transport is suspended, and sport is not encouraged.
Tipping and Taxes
Tipping/gratuity is not part of the Tongan custom and is not expected anywhere in the country – although it is always appreciated. There is a 15% Consumption Tax in Tonga and is almost always included in the cost of anything you purchase. It’s generally not added to the sales price.
Dress Around Town
The Tongan culture is very conservative when it comes to dress. It's most appropriate for shoulders and knees to be covered, but most casual attire is fine as long as it isn’t too revealing. Shirts are definitely required in town. Please be respectful and save the beach wear for the beach, boat or resort.
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