The World Arc journey from French Polynesia to the Republic of Tonga was not the smoothest this year. A massive weather system was in the works and diverted many boats and changed plan to stop by Niue on the way. Some boats took shelter in the Cook Islands, some in American Samoa while others rushed to Tonga.
Saltair on the other hand was still in Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, delayed waiting for rigging parts! While frustrated that we missed the start of the leg from Bora Bora to Tonga, the week long delay allowed us to have beautiful downwind sailing conditions all the way to Vava'u. 

Rejoining the rest of the fleet was fun and we enjoyed a week of cruising the various anchorages of the Vava'u island group.

Sharing a few of our favorite moments via pictures:

We had quite a few opportunities to see traditional Tonga dances and were impressed by the talent and poise of the local children performing.

The inevitable Suckling Pig

The World Arc organized a visit to the ʻEneʻio Botanical Garden, the only botanical garden in the Kingdom of Tonga. It was established in 1972 by Haniteli Fa’anunu, a former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. The garden spans 22 acres (approximately 8.9 hectares) and contains Tonga's largest and most diverse plant collection, including more than 550 plant species from over 100 plant families, both native and exotic. Beyond tourism, the garden plays a conservation role and serves as an informal bird sanctuary. It contributes to biodiversity education and promotes awareness of native and traditional Tongan flora and culture. Lucy was a lively guide and we enjoyed our visit greatly.

In Neiafu where we checked in and out and where we rendezvoused with the rally fleet, we had a fun lunch on the floating cafe "The Hideway" . Great fish and chips, great cocktails and a floating trampolene for the kids.

We were able to snorkel some amazing reefs, in particular the Coral gardens in Vaka'eitu (anchorage 16 on the map) where we saw a great variety of colorful corals and fish. We also spotted a crown of thorns starfish which preys on coral polyps and is quite venomous.

In deeper waters, we saw LOTS of jelly fish... i believe there are called moon jellyfish and do not stin but the density does not make you want to swim close by!

One of my personal highligh was a walk along the highland where cattle graze. 

On our final night we went to see the Swallows Cave, large enough for several dinghies! We did a short snorkel at the entrance where the light entering the cave was magical.

From Tonga we sailed on to Fiji!

Seth and his friend Eleni playing on the beach