Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu) - Docking
Yachts can berth at Faua, the small boat harbour, or anchor at the designated yacht anchorage at Pangaimotu Island.
Faua harbour, just west of the Queen Salote wharf, is close to Nuku’alofa town. The entrance is 8.5 ft (2.6 m) at low tide and dredged to a depth of 9-13 ft (3-4 m) inside. Yachts should moor Mediterranean-style on the north side of the harbour, with long stern lines – a dinghy is still needed to get ashore. The area around the Fisheries market on the south side must be kept clear for local boat use.
Nuku’alofa Harbour has recently been reported as perfectly clean and there is excellent holding in front of the town harbour. The shelter here is also very good.
The designated yacht anchorage at Pangaimoto Island, just 1.25 nautical miles from Nuku’alofa, is even better and more sheltered. The anchorage has a sandy bottom and good holding. Secure in all weather except strong westerlies.
The small resort is very welcoming to cruisers.
Last updated: December 2019
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Thank you, Russ, for your correction. We have found this to be accurate and have now updated noonsite.
Note that the “new” island is NNW of Tongatapu not SW/SSW as stated repeatedly on this website. Seems to be a perpetuated mistake from original media reports. The lat/long is correct and the island (Hunga Ha’apai) is on the charts.
An update from Russ and Gwen 2016:
We are actually here again this season after passage from NZ and hanging right where we were two years ago and loving it. Very little has changed over the past two years since we were here last. Big Mamas Yacht Club is slowly modernizing with things like new refrigeration making for very cold cruisers ale.
Big Mamas also continues the Year End wrap up party for Cruisers. The party includes a performance by the Nuku’alofa Police Band, who are terrific, playing great tunes, great party atmosphere with dancing and carrying on well into the night. “The Party” is the last Friday of October, just as most yachts are preparing for the passage to NZ.
Clearance in and out remains the same, we had very pleasant officials again this season, just no issues at all.
The town of Nuku’alofa is also modernizing with many new buildings and shops, shopping is also modernizing. One mega project is the new domestic shipping and passenger port which yet again adds to a modernization of the waterfront. There has been an influx of offshore people with the typical influence, perhaps not all good, but such is “progress” out here.
Otherwise, we maintain our opinion that Nuku’alofa is a worthwhile stop when heading either direction.
Cheers from Pangaimotu
Russ and Gwen
Canadian Yacht A-TRAIN
Arriving out of season, Nuku’alofa radio had no idea what to do with a yacht. The ‘customs jetty’ was occupied by locals, no room anywhere. Hailed by Westly Nau (+676-861-9436), who took care of everything.
Including an alongside berth and finding the out-of-office immigration official for me. Mr. fix-it indeed. He should be listening on ch 16 later this year (as soon as he can afford a VHF)