Tonga
From CruisersWiki
Tonga Cruising Guide
Tonga | |
Flag | |
Capital: | Nuku'alofa |
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Language: | Tongan, English |
Currency: | Tongan Dollar or Pa'anga |
More notes about the country |
Background
The history and background of Tonga is best observed on Wikipedia
Submit some general notes about cruising and sailing in the region here.
Climate & Weather
The climate is tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December). The hurricane season is from December to March.
Sources of weather forecast information:
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Important Note: See the Unmarked Hazards list for the passage between Tonga and Fiji. (Kindly hosted by sv Ocelot)
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Yachts arriving must fly the "Q" flag and the skipper must contact the Harbour Master or Customs. These officials may possibly wish to board the yacht. They will want the outward clearance form from your last port of call. Once all the fees & dues have been paid the yacht will receive an inward clearance document that allows you to visit the other islands - this document must be presented to the officials on all visited islands.
Immigration, Visas & Customs
Immigration
No visas are required for nationals from The European Union, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia ( New Caledonia, Tahiti, Wallis & Futuna), Japan, Kirabati, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lusia, St Vincent (and the Grenadines), Switzerland, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, The USA and Vanuatu - for stays of up to 30 days. All other visitors require a visa obtained in advance.
Visa extensions can be made by application at the Immigration Department, Nuku'alofa, Tonga (Ph: 26969 or 26970; Fax: 26971; Email The visa cost is $40 Tongan Panga per person, per month.
Customs
Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival and will be held in custody until your departure.
PETS: Dogs and birds may be destroyed. Other pets must not go ashore. Animals, birds and plants need a quarantine certificate. Fresh produce may be confiscated.
A Coastal Clearance Permit (obtained from a Customs office) is required when moving between island groups. Harbour dues must be paid at each "port" - the receipt will need to be presented at the next port. On arrival at the next island group, one must contact customs on arrival. When travelling between Nuku'alofa and Vava'u, or vice versa, one can request that the Coastal Clearance includes Ha'apai if intending to stop there.
Fees & Dues
- Harbour Fees =
- Light Dues =
- Tonnage Dues =
Health
Submit any health warnings/information
Security
Details
Ports & Anchorages
- Niuatoputapu (Port of entry)
- Nuku'alofa (Port of entry)
- Lifuka (Port of entry)
- Neiafu (port of entry)
- Niuafo'ou Island (Port of entry)
Islands
- Tongatapu
- Nuku'alofa (Port of entry)
- Vava'u
- Ha'apai - The Ha'apai group in Tonga should not be missed. Although more challenging than the waters of Vava'u, one can be assured of uncrowded, pristine anchorages with great snorkelling, diving and beaches.
- Lifuka (Port of entry)
- Niuafo'ou Island
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Local Custom
- Anyone appearing in public without a shirt will be fined. Dress code is very strict as is Sunday observance, when no work (even on your own boat), sporting or other strenuous activities are allowed - not even laundry should be hung out to dry. Hats should never be worn either in church, or in the presence of a person in authority or someone to whom you wish to show respect. Displaying anger or frustration is considered very bad form in Tonga.
Restrictions
?
Cruiser's Friends
- Anyone planning to visit the Ha'apai group of Tonga - please feel free to contact me, Craig Airey at marinerstongaATyahoo.co.uk for any info whatsoever. We sailed to Tonga and bought a bar/restaurant so are "cruiserfriendly".
References & Publications
- Guide to Tonga - by Charles Paul and Katherine L. Pham-Paul ISBN 0-9753753-0-X
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
- Mariner's Cafe - has links to useful weather pages for the region
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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