Yacht Help Charters

Vuna Road, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga
YHT Office
+676 23012

Fax +676 23345
Derek Leonard Mob +676 7762055
Sue Gardiner Mob +676 8787671
Mailing Address PO Box 4 Nukualofa Tonga

Yacht Help Charters offers you flexibility in designing your charter experience matching you with the most suitable vessel to fulfill your needs. With uninhabited islands, secluded beaches, fabulous coral gardens and the best dive sites to choose from. Our dedicated staff will provide a personalized service to assist you to tailor your itinerary and get the best charter experience that Fiji has to offer.

We offer the largest range of quality charter boats available in Fiji.

Enquire with us for a complete package to include all your accommodation and travel arrangements.

Yacht Help Tonga Rises

A fire in 2006 which destroyed a significant part of Yacht Help Tonga’s premises also was the catalyst that fuelled its rebirth.

After the flames, Yacht Help Tonga was in a state of hibernation and closing doors was a real option, instead the decision to start over was made. Now, just over a year on, Yacht Help Tonga has new offices and management. Sue and Derek Leonard have taken over the Yacht Help franchise in association with Pacific Forum Agencies and bring with them a renewed passion about Tonga as well as a proven track record in exceeding customer expectations in the freight forwarding and travel industries.

“Tonga is such an attractive destination for visiting yachts because it is untouched and unspoiled by tourism” explains General Manager Sue Leonard “and that is also why visiting yachts find tremendous value in our service.” Things that are easily accomplished in home countries can be notoriously challenging in the Pacific. Completing customs clearances, acquiring cruising permits, rearranging flights, sourcing spare parts or particular foods without local knowledge and contacts is time consuming and frustrating.

Sourcing and delivering critical parts for those on tight time frames is not easy in Tonga. “Local knowledge and industry networks are keys to our success” says Derek Leonard. Between Sue and Derek they have over 11 years of living and working in Tonga and respectively manage Air NZ, Chatham Pacific and PFL Shipping. These established networks enable Yacht Help to provide all the services a visiting yacht may require. From locally themed beach parties, big game fishing guides to truffles from Tasmania nothing has proven to be impossible!!

Tonga offers so many unique experiences, from rubbing shoulders with nobility to frolicking with turtles and the opportunity to get right off the beaten track amongst the 170-odd islands of the Kingdom. With gleaming white inlets calling your name, the hardest part of the journey is where and what to leave out.

Spread over 400kms, Tonga’s island groups of Ha’apai ,Vava’u and Nuia’s offer deserted beaches, vibrant reefs and only a smattering of other tourists. One major attraction to the intrepid traveler is of course whale watching. From July to November the humpback whales migrate to Tonga to give birth to their young. It is one of the few countries in the world where swimming with these beautiful mammals is allowed.

To make the most of your Tongan experience, contact Yacht Help Tonga on [email protected] or +676 7762055, or +67623012

What is the difference between bare boat charter and crewed yacht charter?

Yachts are offered for charter with an experienced captain. He is the key ingredient on a yacht and has to care for a good chemistry on board and that means they have to love his job, his yacht and his guests. The captain will help you to plan your itinerary, to prepare your land excursions, to prepare and serve your meals and drinks, to show you the best places for anchoring, snorkelling and swimming and to introduce you to a finer yacht handling. All these advantages you cannot find in bareboat charter.

Clearance Formalities

Vessel clearance inwards and outwards
We can arrange to clear your yacht at any of Tonga’s Ports of entry 6 days a week and after hours. Sunday is closed and nothing open. Most of the paper work is completed prior to arrival to expedite this process. Yacht Help Tonga can also arrange clearances at some marinas and anchorages not listed as ports of entry.

Domestic clearance between ports of entry

Yachts are required to clear in/out with customs at ports of entry whilst on domestic voyages in Tonga. Yacht Help Tonga can do most of the paper work and organise these clearances, making them a simple and quick process.

Letters of authorisation to enter Tonga on a one way ticket

It is compulsory to obtain a letter of authorisation to enter Tonga on a one way ticket; you will not be allowed to board a flight to Tonga without an official letter. We provide this letter. Details of crew/guest are required and 2 working days.

Crew and guest visa extensions

Extensions are available up to 6 months. Stays up to 1 year are possible but not automatically granted. Contact our staff for full details.

Visa applications for USA,

French Polynesia, NZ and Australia
We carry the forms, provide up to date advice and follow up on all visa applications providing you with progress reports and a time frame..
Boat Importation

Importing to Tonga
Importing a boat into Tonga can be an expensive and time consuming procedure. Yacht Help Tonga can advise you on the best method to import your vessel and what customs concessions you will be eligible for. We will expedite the importation process saving you time, money and Hassle.
Provisioning

Full provisioning service and delivery to anywhere in Tongan waters

Yacht Help Tonga is able to provision your yacht anywhere in Tonga whether you are located at a remote outer island or in the marina. Using our selection of both international and local suppliers of top quality produce we are able to order, assemble, check for freshness and package provisions so they reach your yacht in the freshest possible condition.

Bunkering

Duty free fuel
Yacht Help Tonga organises the necessary paperwork and delivery. We have negotiated discounts with all the oil companies and can supply at very competitive rates. Contact us for a quote.

Parts Sourcing

Tongan Chart Agents
We are official Tongan chart agents and carry stock of Tongan and Admiralty charts for Tongan waters as well as a range of cruising and dive guides for the region.

Extensive knowledge of local suppliers and what is available in Tonga

Our extensive local knowledge allows us to inform you of what parts and products are available locally and of what quality. Yacht Help can locate a part quickly and have it delivered to anywhere in Tonga, while allowing you to take advantage of our local discounts.

Network of overseas suppliers able to source any part and product

We have years of experience coupled with our large network of overseas suppliers enabling us to source and quote on every spare part or product you may require. Yacht Help Tonga has regular shipments of imports coming form New Zealand and is able to consolidate cargos thus cutting freight costs to our customers.

Crew uniforms made to order

Weather you require quality crew uniforms, t-shirts for special occasions or gifts, take advantage of Tonga’s competitively priced garment industry. Our suppliers can providedesign and artwork or copy your existing design. Designs can be printed or embroidered.
Freight Forwarding

Organise imports, logistics and customs clearance
Yacht Help Tonga can offer freight forwarding to or from any location. We can pick the best most economical routes for your shipment by sea, air or courier. Yacht Help Tongas staff will track your shipment from source to destination giving you up to date arrival times. We offer an express customs service for Yacht parts in transit. Customs are provided with all the necessary details prior to the shipments arrival, our staff will liaise with customs, collect the shipment and arrange delivery to anywhere in Tonga.

Courier service and mailing address
Discounted courier rates are available from Yacht Help Tonga. We also offer tracking and a convenient mailing/shipping address.

Transportation & Travel

Organisation of all types of transport for transfers and tours
Yacht Help Tonga can organise your choice of transportation including:-Rental car, Taxi, Limousine, Van, Bus, Speed boat, Sport fishing boat, Kayaks, Single/twin engine planes,.

Hotel booking at competitive rates
Yacht Help Tonga provides advise and hotel bookings at any hotel in Tonga. We also have selected recommended hotels for both guests and crew that are unique in locations and exceptional for service or value.

Meet and greet service for guests or crew
We offer a tailored meet and greet service to suit either the VIP or crew member. Our staff will monitor flight arrival times, arrange your choice of transportation, provide presentable personnel to meet the person inside the airport and escort them to the yacht or the check in desk at a hotel.

International and domestic plane tickets at competitive rates
Contact us for your flight arrangements. We provide very competitive prices and special yacht crew fares world wide. NOTE:-It is compulsory to obtain a letter of authorisation from Tonga immigration to enter Tonga on a one way ticket; you may not be allowed to board a flight to Tonga without an official letter. We can provide this letter within 2 working days

International, domestic aircraft charter
We use only the best and most professional operators in Tonga. A range of Twin engine–Twin pilot aircraft are available to service all the main islands and some of the outer islands. Yacht Help Tonga has arranged executive jets for routes out of Fiji. Please contact our staff for details and quotes.
Private Aircraft Clearance

Clearance
File your details and flight plan with us to pre-arrange your aircraft clearance and inform the aviation authorities. Yacht Help Tonga staff can organise an executive customs and immigration clearance for aircraft and guests.

Permissions
If wish to fly your plane domestically with in Tonga, Yacht Help Tonga can get you the permissions required.

Local Knowledge

Up-to-date navigational information, dive sites and local knowledge

Yacht Help Tonga has a wealth of local knowledge and advice.

Dive guides and pilotage service
We employ highly knowledgeable dive guides familiar with all of Tonga’s best dive sites and the local marine environment. Local pilots are available to assist captains in Tongan waters. All of our guides have superyacht experience. Advanced booking is essential.

Dive Technical and instructional services
Technical services for compressors and dive equipment including repair and maintenance done by qualified professional personnel is available.

Fully qualified dive instructors able to teach at all levels with superyacht experience.

Crew Placement

Day workers, temporary crew and delivery crew

Experienced day workers, temporary crew both local and European and experienced delivery crew are all available through Yacht Help Tonga.

International professional crew placement
Yacht Help Tonga is linked to international crew agents around the world and also has a selection of CV’s for professional crew available in Tonga.
Communication

Internet, laptop plug in and general services
Internet use and laptop plug in to broardband. phone, fax, copying, mobile phone, Sim card rental and secretarial services are all available at Yacht Help Tonga’s Nuku’alofa’s office.
Other Services

Laundry and dry cleaning service
Pick up and drop off at the yacht. Our laundry and dry cleaning service can carry out detailed instructions on individual garments as well as bulk laundry.

Banking services
We offer banking services in both Tongan dollars and USD. Interest free credit is also available to an agreed limit.