Tonga is “the land where time begins” – a quietly paced and eclectic country that sees ancient traditions sitting happily alongside tourism and modern technology. Situated in the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti and Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga consists of 171 beautiful islands in four distinct groups. Known for having some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, the water attracts countless visitors to Tonga, many of whom also come for the exceptional whale watching. It’s time you surrendered to tantalising Tonga.
Hop out to the Ha’apai group
The Ha’apai group offers everything your holiday postcard imaginings dared to conjure up. Think deserted white beaches, vibrant coral reefs and hardly any other tourists to copy your top photography shots.
Comprising 62 islands, only 17 are inhabited and the islands include shallow lagoons, deserted beaches, barrier reefs, even active volcanoes. Exploring is the name of the game, and don’t miss out on sea kayaking, fishing, surfing and diving around the pretty low-lying coral atolls.
Likewise, if enjoying great local food in paradise is on your agenda, Pangaimotu’s beautiful Hinakauea Beach is just a short distance from Vava′u and is famous for its traditional Tongan feasts.
Whale watching in Tonga
It’s a fascinating and humbling thing to be around migrating humpback whales in the Pacific’s only remaining kingdom. They come from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to mate and have their babies in the sheltered waters of Vava’u every year. You can be a part of this 5000-mile journey when you take part in a whale-watching trip in Tonga.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot several females (known as cows) each over 16 metres long and weighing up to 45 tonnes. You’ll learn plenty of fascinating whale facts along the way and perhaps even get to swim with the inquisitive calves who will come right up to you for a look.
Charter a sailing boat
A Tongan sailing holiday will put you in some of the best waters in the world, and you’ll never forget your holiday cruising the South Pacific. May through September are the best times to go, as southeast trade winds average between 15 and 25 knots, although whenever you go a Tongan yacht charter is a great way to make the most of an experienced captain who knows the waters like the back of his hand.
With year-round temperatures around 75°F (24°C) you’ll fall in love with the coral islands of Vava’u, relax on white-sand beaches and fish in azure, calm waters. Ask our Concierge travel experts about chartering a sailing boat in Tonga.
Don’t miss out on diving and snorkelling
With visibility often 150 feet, it’s no surprise that Tonga is one of the world’s top snorkelling and scuba diving venues. Vava’u offers a huge array of diving for all levels all year round, so whether you’re a seasoned diver or just a beginner, it’s the best place to strap on those fins and a snorkel and get exploring.
Topographically, the islands of Vava’u offer some seriously stunning underwater caverns and cave systems to swim around. Scuba divers can surface in a number of different exciting chambers, look around soft coral walls, abandoned wrecks and large sea fans, and look out for Mandarin fish and seahorses in the harbor.
If you’re looking to plan a holiday in Tonga, call our adventurous and well-travelled Concierge staff today for a list of recommendations. You’ll be reclining in paradise before you know it.
