Vava’u · Kingdom of Tonga
Two places to call home for the week: a guesthouse on the edge of town, or a resort on its own beach. Which one comes with your trip depends on the week you book.
The two properties
Both are a short run from the whales and both are booked for you as part of the trip — you are not arranging your own room. The difference is what you want around you at the end of a day on the water.
A ten-room guesthouse on the edge of town, five minutes’ walk from the waterfront. Close enough to wander to the restaurants, cafes and the harbour whenever you feel like it.
A small resort on its own private beach, in tropical gardens at the water’s edge. The boats collect you from the resort’s own dock, so the day starts without going anywhere.
Private rooms, private bathrooms
Every room at both properties is private and en suite — no shared houses, and no shared bathrooms. After seven hours on the water, you come back to a door that closes and a space that is yours.
Side by side
The whale swimming is identical from either — same boats, same guides, same five days in the water. This is only about where you sleep and what is on your doorstep.
| Flying Annie Moa | Mystic Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | On the edge of town | Beachfront, in its own gardens |
| Getting to town | Five-minute walk — restaurants, cafes, harbour | Out of town — you travel in (10 min car ride) |
| Rooms | Ten rooms, air-conditioned, en suite | Eight rooms, air-conditioned, en suite |
| Breakfast | Included, bed-and-breakfast style | Included, hot breakfast |
| Boat pickup | Short walk to the boats | From the resort’s own dock |
| In the water from the door | No — you are in town | Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling off the beach |
| Best if you want | To walk out to dinner and be among it | Quiet, and the water a few steps away |
| Single supplement · 2027 | $500 USD | $1,050 USD |
Travelling on your own? We don’t pair guests up with strangers — solo guests have the room to themselves, so the single supplement applies. Rates shown are for 2027.
Before you book
Tonga is a developing country, and things here are simple — from the rooms to the food. Both of these are among the best places to stay on the island, and we would still rather tell you plainly what that means.
Each departure lists the accommodation it includes. If you are not sure which would suit you better, write to us and we will tell you honestly.