About Tonga
Tonga Diving, Tonga Hotels, Tonga Vacations, Tonga's Humpback Whales

The Kingdom of Tonga

Located between the Cook Islands and Fiji in the pristine waters of the alluring South Pacific, lie the magical islands of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Tonga consists of 176 diverse, lush islands, which provide the traveler with amazing experiences, including untouched coral reefs teeming with underwater life, expansive white sand beaches, verdant tropical forests, and a friendly, culturally-rich people.

Spread across a large expanse of peaceful ocean, Tonga is the only intact monarchy in the region.

Having never been colonized by another group, Tongans are a homogenous culture, speaking a uniform language, and like their Fijian neighbors to the west, are some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet.

Most Tongans speak English as a second language, so communication in these charming islands is relatively easy.

There is something for everyone in the Kingdom of Tonga - - world-class scuba diving and snorkeling (including diving/snorkeling in caves and grottos), sea kayaking, romantic picnics on secluded beaches, traditional Tongan dancing and feasts, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, sailing, and most important, laying on the beach relaxing.

Nuku'alofa, the capital, is located on the main island of Tongatapu. It is more developed than its neighbors but still maintains an unhurried and peaceful lifestyle.

'Eua Island

'Eua National Park is Tonga's premier location to experience nature. Large scale tourism does not exist on 'Eua - it's a quiet, peaceful, mostly undeveloped location. It's easy to get there as a ferry leaves most days from Nuku'alofa and takes about two hours - or enjoy one of the shortest passenger flights in the world and take 8 minutes for the trip.

On 'Eua walk one of the best full-day treks in the Pacific through Tonga's largest tract of native forest. Local guides will lead you to lookouts high over the forest, where tropic birds and frigate birds soar past you.

Accommodation on 'Eua comprises a few simple guest houses - all graciously hosted as they are small family-run businesses.

Between June and November humpback whales swim past 'Eua en route to their breeding grounds in Vava'u and you can even watch these magnificent creatures from the beach.

Ha'apai Island

There is no traffic, no crowds and no queues - just peace and tranquility. Yet there is a variety of accommodation and you can enjoy a sumptuous lobster meal, if that is to your liking.

Take Two Days - and just relax or put on your swimsuit, hire some snorkels and flippers or diving gear and discover the magnificent coral reefs and caves that abound in Ha'apai. Try your skill at sea kayaking or horse riding along a beautiful white sandy beach.

Tongatapu Island

Tongatapu is home to the capital - Nuku'alofa. Here is the centre of Government and business and it is where the Royal Family lives. Its terrain is flat so it is easy to explore by car or bike or simply walk around.

Discover the island's natural beauty and explore its historic attractions. There are the magnificent blowholes on the south western side of the island to the ancient capital of Mu'a - with its fascinating Terrace Tombs in the east.

Nearby is the mysterious Ha'amonga - the Stonehenge of the South Pacific.

Or just take a leisurely drive and explore the island for yourself. You may even find a secret beach.

If it is a Sunday a visit to church is a must to hear the voices of angels. A walk around Nuku'alofa is a must. See the Royal Palace and the Royal Tombs, and the many colonial houses still in use. Visit the many churches and don't forget the markets - it is a hub of activity, particularly on a Saturday morning. If you need to unwind then go to one of the offshore islands and soak up the idyllic South Pacific atmosphere.

Vava'u Island

The waters of Vava'u are truly magnificent - you can see the bottom at 40 metres. Maybe that is why the whales keep coming back each year!

Charter a boat and take some time to explore the beautiful waterways and discover for yourself why Vava'u is one the world's most favoured sailing destinations. Day trips are also available if you prefer.

Swim inside the Swallows Cave and dive into Mariners Cave or discover the calm waterways by sea kayak. If you are feeling up to it why not venture out overnight and stay under the stars on your own white sandy beach.

Try your hand at game fishing and if you're lucky enough to visit during June and November why not have a swim with a whale.

For a day on land, take a stroll through Neiafu and stop and have a drink, lunch or even dinner at one of the great cafes or restaurants overlooking the Port of Refuge. For the fit and energetic, a climb to the top of Mt Talau is not to be missed.

There are more than 50 islands in the Vava'u Group so get out and explore as much as possible! Some you can get to by land, others by water and some you can even stay on overnight.

 

Contact your South Pacific Specialist at South Seas Adventures for more information. We can custom-design your holiday in Tonga.