The Vava'u group of islands in the ancient Kingdom of Tonga has some of the most beautiful islands in the world, where the water is clear and clean, the sailing conditions just right, and the anchorages and places to cruise outstanding. Tonga has been renowned for over 200 years as the Friendly Islands - come and experience the friendliness for yourself. This tropical island chain located 480 miles south-east of Fiji (just west of the International Date Line) is made up of 170 islands, 45 of which are occupied. Tonga was first settled 500 years before Christ, and currently has a population of 100,000.