Enjoy a luxury vacation at
TRADEWINDS MANDALA
in the Kingdom of Tonga

Vava’u is a paradise pure and perfect for those interested in diving, snorkelling and swimming.

As on most Pacific islands, water activities are  made all the more fun by the temperature of the water!  Ranging from 23-28 Celsius (74-83F) depending on the season, diving/snorkelling and swimming in Vava’u is warm and comfortable.  The waters are crystal clear with visibility averaging 30 metres plus.

While we are not a dive shop, we do offer diving as a benefit for members while on board the yacht. We recommend that SCUBA divers bring their own gear for the best fit, but we do offer regulators, bcd’s, mask & snorkels and fins for your use. Please let management know your needs at check in. There are no dive shops available to rent or buy gear from locally. Divers must bring their certification cards and sign a waiver. Divers over the age of 60 years must present a doctor’s note clearing them to dive. All non-members, including RCI, Rentals and Referrals will be charged a fee of USD $100 in cash per SCUBA dive.

We love offering TW branded water bottles, towels and beach bags, etc. for your use on charter, but we are unable to easily replace them here, so please do not bring them home with you. Your crew will collect these from you before you disembark.

Guests who wish to come to Vavau early to dive and/or do refresher dives prior to their week around Mandala Resorts please contact Explore Vava’u at explorevavau@gmail.com for availability and booking options. 

All queries about diving and other tours should be directed to Explore Vava’u at explorevavau@gmail.com

Here at Mandala, as well as floating "pool noodles" we have stand up paddleboards and kayaks for the ultimate enjoyment of our guests

Spend the day swaying in a hammock strung up under a palm tree - or join a dare-devil off-road trail ride through the jungle - the choice is yours!

You may also enjoy short hikes over the island spotting local birds and other tropical wildlife, exploring spectacular caves and local blowholes.

coming soon

While the humpback whales are in Tonga, TradeWinds guests might see above the water displays from afar, though there are no guarantees of sightings.

Abiding by very strict conservation and protection regulations, ALL whale activities must be with licensed operators, including whale watching and swimming. Interacting with whales is NOT possible during the days of your TradeWinds Experience which means all whale activities MUST be scheduled during the days before or after your TradeWinds experience.

Whale activities, at minimum, typically start at 7am, last all day, and are often booked for 3-5+ days to maximize opportunities to see whales. Our recommended operator, Explore Vava’u, has licensed, professional, and conservation-minded crew, and are very familiar with TradeWinds schedule: www.explorevavau.com / ExploreVavau@gmail.com

For back to back experiences in Tonga, Explore Vava'u can possibly schedule an excursion between your check out and check back in time. They can also share insight on accommodations to extend your stay before or after your TradeWinds Experience.

Imagine having a private island all to yourself. Spend a wonderful week relaxing on land and in a luxury fale (bungalow) on Mandala Island.

Though you might expect that our TERRA experiences from Mandala in Tonga take place solely on land, your time enjoyed on your private island will also be filled with exciting water activities and excursions, aligned with our commitment of environmental awareness and sustainability. Your spacious and luxurious suite is just a few steps from the water for incredible snorkeling, swimming, and playing with the collection of water toys.

Spend the week completely relaxing, taking yoga sessions as available, swimming, snorkelling, diving and exploring our own tiny paradise island. Enjoy the Tongan feast and the beach party with a beautiful bonfire.

Cherish old friends; make new friends. The tranquility of Mandala will remain in your heart - and the images, memories and the feeling of peace will last a lifetime.

The excitement mounts! It’s arrival day at last, and check-in for your TradeWinds’ TERRA week is at the Kraken restaurant. Before boarding in the afternoon, relax with a cold beverage and a meal - or explore the little town of Neiafu. If you're feeling adventurous, take a self-guided hike up to the top of Mt. Talau for a spectacular view of the Vava’u Island Group. Then your adventure in Tonga, “TERRA with a Splash”, begins…

We meet again at the Kraken at 4:20 pm to embark on a quick drive to your island transit boat for the short trip out to your own private island for the week. Toast the beginning of your journey with Captain's Cocktails, followed by a sumptuous dinner under the stars at beautiful Mandala.

One of Tonga's little jewels in her crown is the delightful Island of Fetoko. This 3-acre island is home to one of TradeWinds’ favorite secret hideaways, the private eco island - Mandala. Most of the island's "fales” are constructed with materials sourced locally and crafted to emulate the natural curves and waves of the scenery around the island. This handcrafted retreat was a passion proiect for a couple who sailed here and were captivated by the beauty of Vava’u. They built the island resort to be fully self-sufficient, with a focus on blending all of the structures into the existing landscape.

With Tonga's position sitting just to the west of the International Dateline, we are blessed to be the first people on the planet to witness the sunrise. The most eastern island group on the planet means that time really does start here. After a hearty breakfast, dive into the crystal-clear waters and take in the sights and sounds of the underwater world around your own private island. Coral bommies abound and schools of colorful little reef fish delight! 

Then the sea calls again; snorkel, kayak or SUP - it's your playground. If snorkeling, be sure to watch for turtles, nudibranchs and maybe even a seahorse! The afternoon continues as you choose to chill with beach games or sway in a hanging chair, enjoying the serene beach vibes. Gather for a starlit evening and exotic Captain's Cocktails, then dine and dance by a lively bonfire.

What a glorious day to explore the islands! Let’s have breakfast at the seaside and then make our way (by luxury yacht or our powerboat Sola) to SCUBA dive and snorkel at the epic Coral Gardens. What an amazing reef and, oh - how the marine life abounds! An afternoon of relaxation or island exploring awaits; as does delectable Captain’s Cocktails, an amazing dinner and a beautiful bonfire on the beach. 

We begin with a glorious morning breakfast before we take another boat-ride and embark on an enchanting hike on nearby Umuna Island. Get ready for blowholes, lookouts, a cycad grove and hidden caves!

A special midday treat awaits us - a Tongan feast at neighboring Ofu Island - a cultural and culinary delight full of happy moments, at USD $35 cash pp. We’ll visit the neighboring island of Ofu where we’ll enjoy a lunch hosted by a local Tongan family, who have prepared for us a Tongan feast with food cooked in traditional ways: wrapped in banana leaves and baked in an underground 'umu' pit oven and, of course, a celebratory and customary roasted pig (vegan and vegetarian options available). The family will also share with us numerous cultural aspects and artwork, along with their hospitality and smiles. 

Arriving back at Mandala, it's Taco Tuesday! Revel in a dinner and bonfire night, along with the AQUA charter guests, plus the ever-enjoyable Captain's Cocktails. 

Let’s enjoy our morning breakfast with a view and then head out for an invigorating snorkel or SCUBA dive at Ofu Reef, followed by a chilled fresh fruit snack. 

Shall we spend our afternoon conquering the sea with a kayak, SUP or Hobie Cat, or indulge in pure relaxation on the beach?

Later, it’s time to dial up an evening vibe; Captain's Cocktails set the mood, followed by dinner and another fabulous beach bonfire - the perfect end to a fabulous day.

How about sipping our morning coffee or tea in a seaside beach chair with our feet nestled in the sand?  Or maybe we’ll grab our cups and sit on the edge of the dock with our toes in the water as we watch the sky come alive - it’s our choice.

After a leisurely breakfast, let’s take a boat ride to the Disappearing Sand Cay for kite flying and shell collecting - look where we are right now -“wow!” How about we continue the day’s adventure with an underwater sea-scooter snorkel at Tapana Island? What glorious fun; gliding through the azure waters past beautiful reef and marine life effortlessly, but at the pace of actively swimming. We know Captain’s Cocktails, dinner and an evening bonfire await us…one of our favorite times of the day! 

This morning, savor your last breakfast in this tropical haven. Pack your memories along with your belongings. With a goodbye kiss, wave goodbye to the islands - promising to return to this paradise under the sun.

Your week in Tonga is not just a vacation; it's an escape into a world of azure waters, golden sands and endless adventure. Get ready to live vour tropical dream!

Fuel up with breakfast and set off for an enchanting snorkel experience at the legendary Swallow's Cave! Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a leisurely afternoon, continuing our sea adventures or choosing some peaceful beach hammock time. Then comes the golden hour as the beach transforms into a haven of fun and relaxation; how about a friendly Cornhole Bean Bag Toss competition? Later, we’ll enjoy Captain's Cocktails, a delightful dinner and a festive bonfire bash!

INCLUDED

• A professional Captain and First Mate/Chef
• Complimentary boat pick-up from Fangafoa Marina
• All meals served onboard
• Well stocked open bar with beer, liquor and wine
• Water sports equipment, including snorkel gear, SUP and kayak
• All taxes and cruising permits

NOT INCLUDED

• Travel to and from the embarkation point
• Scuba diving for certified divers (priced per person per dive for non-members)
• 2 meals when guests dine ashore: Midweek lunch at the Tongan feast ($35 US) and one evening meal at local restaurant
• Trip Protection Insurance, which is highly recommended
• Crew gratuities