Tonga: First Two Weeks in Photos

Our first few weeks in Tonga have flown by and we’re loving it here. The people are wonderful. The cruising is easy. Distances to anchorages are short. I have found a place that does a great flat white. Life is good. Here are some photos of our time in Tonga so far.

Approaching Tonga and Neiafu Harbour

We approached the island of Vava’u at first light and were welcomed to Tonga by humpback whales.

Watermaker

While in Neiafu we did some more work on our watermaker. We gave the membranes a thorough cleaning and replaced our lift pump. You may recall that we’ve been having trouble with the watermaker. We had put a new high pressure hose on while in American Samoa but hadn’t had a chance to run the watermaker to make sure that it worked well. I’m happy to say that everything is working well. We have full water tanks which is always a good feeling.

Swallow’s Cave–Port Maurelle

Swallow’s Cave is a fascinating spot that was close to our anchorage at Port Maurelle. We left Cambria anchored at Port Maurelle and dinghied over with our friends from Renard. Entering the cave was easy and once inside the bottom dropped away as the ceiling arched above us. I hope to go back and snorkel it again before we leave this area. It was a busy spot as it’s a stop the tourist boats make but still, it was well worth a visit.

Up Next

This week is the Blue Water Festival in Neiafu so we’re taking it in. There are cultural events. There is a sailing race. There are sessions about sailing to and around New Zealand and lots of dinners and other social events. What’s not to love! The week is just starting so we don’t have any photos yet but we’ll include some in a future post.