Sailing Northern Tonga | E058
November 21, 2025 · 5 min · 94 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.▶ 0:00 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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