Leg 11 — Tonga to Wallis & Futuna to Fiji
Sail Beyond the Familiar. Discover the Remote Pacific.
Vavaʻu → Savusavu | September 14–25, 2027
12 Days | Approximately 710 Nautical Miles | Maximum 6 Expedition Members
Single Berth: $8,900 per person | Shared Berth: $7,900 per person
Imagine sailing west from the beautiful islands of Tonga into a corner of the South Pacific where remote islands, traditional communities, and extraordinary natural environments await discovery.
Between Tonga and Fiji lie some of the Pacific's least-visited destinations, including Niuatoputapu and the fascinating French territory of Wallis and Futuna.
This twelve-day expedition combines genuine offshore passagemaking with the possibility of exploring places few travelers ever experience, where secluded lagoons, volcanic landscapes, vibrant reefs, and deeply rooted Polynesian traditions create an extraordinary setting for adventure.
Join Koru's small expedition crew as we sail across the western South Pacific, navigating remote waters and discovering what lies beyond the familiar cruising routes.
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The Passage: Sailing Into the Remote Pacific
Our adventure begins in Vavaʻu, Tonga, among sheltered bays, forested islands, and some of the South Pacific's most beautiful cruising grounds.
From here, we'll set sail westward toward Fiji, navigating across hundreds of miles of open Pacific.
The prevailing easterly and southeast trade winds may provide favorable sailing conditions, while changing weather, ocean swell, and occasional squalls make thoughtful passage planning and offshore seamanship essential.
You'll participate in Koru's watch rotations, helping trim sails, interpret weather, navigate by instruments and stars, and make the daily decisions that shape an offshore passage.
Depending on weather, clearance arrangements, and available time, we may have opportunities to visit Niuatoputapu, one of Tonga's most remote inhabited islands, or explore the seldom-visited islands of Wallis and Futuna.
Wallis offers beautiful coral lagoons and traditional Polynesian communities, while Futuna presents dramatic volcanic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and a distinctive island culture.
These remote destinations require careful planning. Reef entrances, exposed anchorages, limited facilities, and international clearance requirements will determine which stops are practical.
Our itinerary remains flexible, allowing us to make the most of favorable opportunities while prioritizing safe navigation and our arrival in Fiji.
Our expedition concludes in Savusavu, on Fiji's beautiful island of Vanua Levu, where tropical mountains, sheltered waters, and welcoming communities provide a memorable conclusion to our voyage.
What You'll Experience and Learn
Every Koru expedition is hands-on. You'll be an active participant aboard our 50-foot performance sailing catamaran, with opportunities to develop skills in:
Offshore watchstanding and nighttime navigation
Sail handling, reefing, and trade-wind passagemaking
Weather interpretation and long-distance passage routing
Celestial navigation and electronic navigation
Reef approaches, anchoring, and remote-island navigation
International clearance procedures and expedition logistics
Vessel systems, seamanship, and offshore safety
You'll share in the daily responsibilities of life aboard, developing confidence and experience as part of a working offshore crew.
With a maximum of six expedition members, there's ample opportunity for individual instruction and meaningful participation.
Each expedition member receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability. Qualified sailors may have opportunities to pursue ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking certification when passage conditions and course requirements permit.
[Download the Detailed Expedition Brief]
Beyond the Sailing: Discovering the Lesser-Known Pacific
Few places capture the spirit of South Pacific exploration quite like the islands between Tonga and Fiji.
Niuatoputapu, part of Tonga's remote northern island group, offers an intriguing possibility for discovering traditional island life far removed from the familiar tourist routes.
Farther west, Wallis and Futuna present two distinctly different Polynesian environments.
Wallis is surrounded by an extraordinary coral lagoon, dotted with small tropical islands and bordered by extensive reefs. If conditions and local arrangements permit, we may explore the lagoon, snorkel, or experience the island's traditions through locally guided visits.
Futuna offers a dramatic contrast, with steep volcanic mountains, rugged coastlines, and villages where Polynesian traditions remain central to everyday life.
A visit to either island would be a remarkable experience, but their remote locations, exposed approaches, and clearance requirements make every stop conditional.
Our destination, Savusavu, introduces us to another fascinating world.
Located on Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu, Savusavu is known for its beautiful natural harbor, tropical landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and access to some of Fiji's remarkable marine environments.
Depending on our arrival and available time, opportunities may include snorkeling, arranging scuba diving with a qualified local operator, exploring local markets, or discovering the surrounding countryside.
The nearby Namena Marine Reserve is celebrated for its spectacular coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
As always, our priority is a safe and rewarding sailing expedition. Intermediate island visits and activities depend on weather, sea conditions, clearances, and suitable local arrangements.
Expedition Details & Pricing
Departure: Vavaʻu, Tonga (VAV) — September 14, 2027
Arrival: Savusavu, Fiji (SVU) — September 25, 2027
Duration: 12 days
Distance: Approximately 710 nautical miles, route-dependent
Mandatory Safety Briefing: September 13 at 6:00 PM local time
Embarkation / Disembarkation: 10:00 AM local time
Single Berth — $8,900 per person
Your own berth, with no requirement to share with another expedition member.
Shared Berth — $7,900 per person
Two expedition members sharing one double berth save $1,000 each, a combined savings of $2,000 ($15,800 total).
Each expedition member receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability.
A $1,000 refundable deposit per person secures your berth, subject to our reservation and cancellation terms.
Ready to Explore the Remote Pacific?
Whether you're expanding your offshore sailing experience, pursuing advanced sailing qualifications, fascinated by remote island cultures, or simply drawn to the adventure of discovering places few travelers ever reach, we'd love to explore whether this expedition is right for you.
Koru expeditions are personal, participatory adventures built around learning, exploration, and meaningful connections.
