sea kayaking and snorkeling in Ha'Apai

DREAM ADVENTURE 26: Go kayaking and snorkeling in Tonga's Ha'Apai islands

WHEN: July
LENGTH: 13 days
COST: $5,500
HIGHLIGHTS: tropical islands, coral reefs, humpback whales



Itinerary:
*WildernessTravel.com

Days 1-5
Foa / Nuku’namo / Uoleva Islands

From a comfortable resort set on a private beach, we paddle to nearby islands to snorkel among spectacular reefs with an amazing geography of caves, canyons, vertical walls, and colorful coral gardens. We also enjoy outings aboard a sailing catamaran in search of humpback whale encounters. We observe these marvelous cetaceans breaching and spy hopping, then with snorkel, mask, and fins, slip into the water to swim alongside them! Our underwater show may reveal elaborate courtship displays and the haunting echoing songs of the humpback. On Sunday morning, we attend an island church service and hear a chorale of Tongan singing, one of the most beautiful sounds in the world.

Days 6-9
Uoleva / Uiha Islands

Traveling as the ancient Polynesians did, we paddle to a series of remote islands for incredible snorkeling in pristine waters, island explorations on foot, picnics on deserted beaches, and visits to isolated villages where the way of life remains unchanged. Our base is a rustic hideaway on a white-sand beach beneath swaying palms.

Days 10-13
Uiha / Foa / Ha’ano Islands

Sea kayaking along an isolated chain of reefs and islets, we rendezvous with our catamaran for a sail to Uiha Island for an authentic Tongan feast of roast suckling pork, fresh root vegetables, reef fish, and vegetarian dishes—all steamed in a traditional underground oven called an ’umu. The next day we snorkel in aquamarine waters with visibility exceeding 95 feet; it’s easy to view the large schools of fish, along with huge table, brain, and soft corals. Paddling to Ha’ano, we enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the Tongan Islands. We see plenty of reef fish, including Moorish idol, butterfly fish, wrasse, and clown fish, and might even catch a glimpse of the elegant stingrays and sea turtles that inhabit these extraordinary reefs. Depart on Day 13.