Lounging on the beach; just what the doctor ordered for Steve, Wayne & Patty. Nuku island, Vava’u, Tonga

Patty, happy to pose on our Nuku island, Tonga beach day walkabout.

As we arrived at low tide. That meant Patty and I were able to walk around a good portion of the island perimeter; Nuku’s interior was dense with shrubbery.  The amble offered a great view of the surrounding islands, the path rife with treacherously shallow, albeit pretty, turquoise waters. 

Heron on Nuku island, Vava’u, Tonga.  These fellows are generally camera-shy; my 60x zoom helps in getting a decent photo.

Meanwhile, “the boys”, Wayne and Steve, lounged, book, Kindle and libations in hand.

The captain from the tour ship that stop at Nuku for lunch decided to capture a small gekko, who ran rampant over him.

While initially we had the beach to ourselves, we watched a sailboat approach and appear to consider anchoring, then it left.  A pleasant group of about eight whale-seeking Ozzies on tour also stopped by for lunch and beachcombing.  Their skipper caught a gekko, which to our amusement decided for a while clambering over him was as good and any rock or tree.

Glassy silver, these fish naturally reflect the colors around them.

While the day was warm enough for swimsuits – probably upper 70sF, the sun teased us, dancing in and out of cloud cover.  I was the only one willing to slip into the water, which was cooler than the air.  We’ve snorkeling little this year.  I was more interested in checking Nuku’s sea life out than settling down with a book. It was interesting cruising the underwater landscape… shallows with neatly furrowed “waves” on sand, a sharp ledge drop-off, a few bommies hosting some colorful fish and a broad pastureland of sea grass.

Dramatically marked fish seen snorkeling off Nuku island, Tonga.

A parrot fish of one of several bright blue and green tropical fish hanging out among the coral off Nuku island, Tonga.

If you’re into snorkeling, there’s far better bommies at nearby Port Maurelle, where I even spotted a sizable octopus (sigh — camera battery was dead — no photo;()!  We never made it to equally nearby Ava island, where the snorkeling there is supposed to be quite good.

These small – about two inch – colorful blue and green fish commonly appear where there’s live coral and good water flow in Tonga. Vava’u.

The greens and creams provided perfect camouflage colors for this fish in the sea grass.  I wonder if the funky deely-bopper on its head is used to attract its prey.

With nice sand, a great view and easy access, even if the snorkeling is mediocre, it’s easy to understand why Nuku beach is a favorite for local parties, as well as for cruisers.

My Maui Jims add extra vividness and crispness to this already fantastic tropical paradise view.

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