Sailing Northern Tonga | E058
November 21, 2025 · 5 min · 101 views · Neiafu, Vava'u
Sailboat surfing dawn swells near Nuitapu Tapu pass
What this video covers
Nicki and Mike sail from Apia, Samoa, to the northern Tongan islands of Niuatoputapu and Vavaʻu.Watch During the initial passage to Niuatoputapu, the crew reefs the sails to manage speed, eventually heaving to overnight to time their arrival for daylight.0:41 Approaching the pass at Niuatoputapu, the depth sounder fails to register bottom until within half a mile of the entrance, where 3-meter swells cause the boat to surf at 11 knots.1:19 Once inside the reef, the anchorage remains calm.1:43 After exploring the island, the crew departs for a 175-mile passage south to Vavaʻu alongside two other vessels.2:30 A south-easterly wind shift and a westerly current push the fleet off course, forcing them to motor and heave to again to ensure a daylight arrival in Neiafu.3:18 The Vavaʻu group features limestone islands and protected anchorages frequented by whales.3:47 The crew secures a mooring off the Mangos restaurant and participates in traditional Tongan pandanus leaf weaving.4:01
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