Samoa to Tonga - Vavau - South Pacific 2014
Ocean trade wind sailing and island cruising: 16 nights, Apia to Vavau.
View the Challenge Rating for the full South Pacific program click here
From Robert Louis Stevenson’s Samoa we combine tropical cruising in the islands of northern Tonga. Sailing the breeding waters of humpback whales in Vava’u, snorkeling coral gardens and caves, enjoying traditional village feasts and hospitality – this will be an authentic Pacific adventure. Join the crew of this magnificent square-rigger and raise sail, take the helm and discover the timeless romance of Tall Ship voyaging.
Departing : Apia, Samoa - 18 Jun 2014 (To be confirmed)
Arriving : Vavau, Tonga - 05 Jul 2014 (To be confirmed)
Joining & departure times: 10 am at each port
Your 16 days holiday package: Was $ 5490 AUD Now $4490 AUD
Voyage Code: V345
Included in this package:
- Accommodation in a 2 berth or 4 berth cabin
- All meals for the duration of the trip, prepared by your on-board cook
- All drinks, including an open bar: Wine, beer, bubbly, soft drinks
- Life Time VIP Membership to the Søren Larsen Family
- A free, all inclusive, 4 days 3 night cruise on the tall ship Coral Trekker, in the Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Voyage Notes
This voyage from Samoa allows time for us to discover the islands of northern Tonga including the Vava'u Island archipelago, a breeding ground of the humpback whale.
APIA
The journey commences at Samoan capital of Apia. It is here that Robert Louis Stevenson made his final home and resting place at 'Vailima'. He arrived in 1889 Stevenson having explored this area of Polynesia with his wife by sail and recorded his fascination with it in his travelogue "In the South Seas". A visit to his house and estate would be an appropriate starting point to our voyage as we set out to share his experiences of the Pacific.
Tonga
We sail 300 miles south from Apia to Vava'u, our entrance to the Kingdom of Tonga. Captain Cook named these the 'Friendly Isles' of Tonga and it aptly describes the residents of the small town of Nieafu and surrounding islands. Here we will cruise archipelago of tiny islands and visit Swallow's Cave and Mariner's Cave and make the most of the wonderful snorkeling there.
Near Nieafu we may have an evening's entertainment at a local village with a traditional feast and Tongan dancing.
Whales
At Vava'u our visit should coincide with the annual migration of the humpback whales from Antarctica In previous seasons we have seen humpback whales close by the ship in these waters as well as dolphins who delight in dancing in our bow wave. On these occasions those on bow watch duty have a front row seat for the excitement - how much longer we will witness this spectacle is open to question, as tragically Japan is set to increase its southern whale kill from this year for 'scientific purposes'.
When at an anchorage we use Søren 's 17 ft inflatable boat for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has masks and snorkels for all those who want to swim from the ship.
During the short sea passage from Samoa to Vava'u the ship is sailing 24 hours a day and as voyage crew you will stand deck watches and work within a normal 4 hours on / 8 hours off watch system.
Our sailing between anchorages in the island groups may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However this allows those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get involved in handling the ship under sail.
There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship who are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.
