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The Kingdom of Tonga: Adventures In The Friendly Islands

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Overview

Gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters make Nuku Island a dream destination for travelers across the globe.

Introduction

The Kingdom of Tonga lives up to its nickname – the Friendly Islands. In fact, there are more than 170 islands to explore when you travel to Tonga; all are surrounded by warm, blue water that covers coral reefs, protected lagoons, and stunning drop-offs. Without a doubt, Tonga is the perfect place to enjoy the dive holiday of a lifetime.

The best time to visit Tonga is during the dry season, which starts in April and lasts until the end of November. It is possible to enjoy a holiday here at any time though, and for this reason, it is always advisable to make hotel reservations well in advance of your actual travel dates.

Geography

Tonga is a Polynesian state located in the South Pacific. Though the islands make up a surface area of just about 750 square kilometers, the kingdom’s territory includes 270,000 square miles of ocean. Just 52 of Tonga’s islands are inhabited, and commercial enterprises are few.

History

Scholars believe that Tonga was first colonized between 1500 and 1000 BCE. Though not much is known about the kingdom’s history prior to European contact, Tonga has survived civil war and invasion, ultimately becoming one of just a few nations to resist the wave of European colonization that occurred between 1600 and 1900. On May 18th of 1900, Tonga signed a Treaty of Friendship with Britain, becoming a protected state while retaining its sovereignty. The treaty and Tonga’s protected status ended in 1970, when Tonga joined the Commonwealth of Nations. The kingdom became a member of the United Nations in 1999.

Economy

Tonga’s tiny manufacturing sector produces handicrafts, and a few other small-scale industries combine to contribute a minuscule 3% of the kingdom’s GDP. Plantations growing coconuts, vanilla beans, coffee beans, and root crops are abundant, and family farms are plentiful. A recent push toward economic development has strengthened the vanilla industry, and tourism is taking center stage as the government has come to recognize its important role in providing a steady stream of revenue. Cruise ships frequently visit Vava’u, which is renowned for its whale watching, and the kingdom’s spectacular beaches, exciting surfing, and magnificent dive sites attract visitors in growing numbers.

Factfile

Capital

Nuku’alofa

Language(s)

English

Currency

Pa'anga

Time Zone

UTC+13

International Dialing Instructions

Dial Exit Country Code + 676 + City Code + The Number

Power

Voltage

220V, 240V

Frequency

50Hz, 60Hz

Plug Type(s)

Climate

subtropical, rainy season, dry season

Natural Hazards

monsoon rains, flooding, droughts

Diving Season

Year Round

Tourism Office(s)

Website

http://www.thekingdomoftonga.com/

Police

922

Fire

911

Hospital

933

Hyperbaric Chambers

There are no hyperbaric chambers in Tonga. The closest recompression chambers are located in Fiji and French Polynesia.

Trip Planning

Customs and Immigration

All visitors to Tonga are required to possess passports and return tickets. Citizens of Canada, the United States, Australia, Britain, and most other EU nations require no visas, unless visiting for longer than 30 days. Since immigration policies change frequently and without prior notice, all travelers are advised to verify the current immigration requirements for Tonga with the local authorities prior to leaving home. For more information and updates regarding Tonga’s immigration policies and procedures, be sure to visit the nation’s tourism page. Plan to pay all departure taxes on all domestic and international flights.

Tonga’s customs regulations are not overly strict, though a few items are prohibited. These include:

Counterfeit items
Narcotics
Pornography of any type

Some items are restricted, and all items brought into the kingdom are subject to inspection. These include:

Live animals – Must obtain embassy permission to import. Proof of vaccination must accompany all pets.
Plants, seeds, and foodstuffs – Applicable health certificates are required. Check with the Tongan embassy for more information.
Photographic Equipment – All cameras are checked upon entry. Photographers may be issued permits for photography.
Media such as CDs, books, and DVDs – These items are often subject to inspection as they may carry questionable material.
Foreign currency – Even small amounts must be declared.

Failure to declare items or fill out paperwork correctly can result in fines. For more information regarding the customs requirements of the Kingdom of Tonga, please visit the nation’s customs page or call the Tongan customs department at +676 35 103.

Health and Insurance

Before visiting Tonga, be sure that your routine vaccines are up to date. These vaccines include:

MMR – Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine
Annual flu vaccine
Polio vaccine

Visitors to Tonga are at risk of contracting hepatitis A through contact with contaminated food and water, regardless of what you eat or where you stay. For this reason, the CDC recommends you get an updated Hepatitis A vaccine.

Typhoid is another disease you can contract via contact with contaminated food or water, particularly in small cities and rural areas throughout Tonga. If you tend to be an adventurous eater, your risk of contracting Typhoid is greater. Protect yourself by getting a typhoid vaccine.

All travelers are advised to check with their doctors to determine if there are any additional vaccines which may help protect health while traveling to Tonga.

While Tonga is not a malaria zone, Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred there in relatively recent years, and Ross River fever, which is another disease carried by mosquitos, has also been reported. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, covering up with long sleeves, particularly during the evening when mosquitos are active, and using mosquito nets at night.

Tap water is considered to be safe to drink in developed areas, but tap water quality varies in less-developed parts of Tonga. Drink bottled water if in doubt, or filter, boil, or disinfect tap water before drinking it or using it to wash fresh produce. To decrease your risk of illness, eat only those fruits and vegetables which have been peeled or cooked. Food and beverages from street vendors should be avoided.

All travelers visiting Tonga are advised to bring antidiarrheal drugs with them. Your doctor may also advise you to bring antibiotics with you which you can take in the event you contract a gastrointestinal virus after consuming tainted food or drink.

Stray dogs and other animals may be encountered in Tonga; though you may feel pity for these animals, they often carry diseases and should not be touched. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, be sure to use soap and water to cleanse the affected area, and monitor it for signs of infection.

Tonga does have some medical care facilities including the following:

German Clinic on Wellington Road, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu - +676 22 736
Italian Clinic and Pharmacy on Pou’ono Road in Neiafu, Vava’u - +676 70 607
Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital in Neiafu, Vava’u +676 70 201

Payment is expected in cash, even for those who have travel health insurance. In the event of a serious medical problem, air evacuation to a hospital with appropriate medical facilities, usually in New Zealand, is required.

It is recommended that all tourists purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover theft, loss, accidents, and medical emergencies. If you plan to participate in adventure sports while on vacation, please verify that your policy will cover you for these events. All necessary prescriptions along with a letter from your physician detailing your medical condition and the medication being carried with you should accompany all visitors to Tonga.

Traveling There

Fua’amotu Airport (TBU) is located on Tongatapu, approximately half an hour’s drive from Nuku’alofa. Airlines using Fua’amotu Airport include Pacific Blue, Air New Zealand, and Fiji Airways. If using Fiji Airways, you can connect from Nadi or Suva, which offers connections from Samoa, Australia, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States. Travelers should consider the length of the flight, mandatory stopovers, and price when selecting an airline carrier.

No land connections are available, as Tonga is a nation comprised entirely of islands.

Although the most convenient way to travel to Tonga is by air, it is possible to arrive by sea. Vava’U has the kingdom’s largest port and is a common stop for those traveling the world by boat.

A limited number of companies currently offer liveaboard cruises that include Tonga on their itineraries. Most of these cruises originate in Fiji.

Traveling Around

Domestic air travel is a quick way to get around Tonga; there are several daily flights between Tontatapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u, and ‘Eua operated by Real Tonga. Real Tonga offers occasional flights to Niuafo’ou. Real Tonga does not offer flights on Sundays. Private aircraft may also be available, but reliability is not assured.

Taxis are available at local airports, and mini-buses belonging to travel companies are also common. You can identify official taxis, which are often unmarked, by looking for the letter T at the beginning of the vehicle’s license plate. Tongan taxis are not metered, so it is important to agree upon fare prior to departure; if you want to go sightseeing, you may be able to hire a taxi for a half or full day.

Organized tours are also available. Look for informational kiosks, or simply keep an eye out for the tour buses that frequent airport, hotel, and downtown areas. Buses run by locals do not normally stick to any formal schedule, and though there are bus stops, many people simply flag a bus down if they need a ride. Buses usually operate between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Should you prefer to drive, you can obtain a Tongan Visitor Driver’s License from the Ministry of Transport located in Nuku’alofa. Rental cars are available from Avis, Jetsave, and Fab. Tongans drive on the left side of the road and speed limits are quite low in comparison with those found in the United States, Europe, and other countries where private car travel is common. You can also hire a motorbike or scooter if you like. If you do decide to rent a car, motorbike, or scooter, it’s best to stay in populated areas as the roads are not in good condition outside town.

Private charters and liveaboards are available, but ferries are common and affordable. Island ferries carry all sorts of cargo including livestock, so some travelers enjoy an interesting look at everyday life while traveling between islands. There are no water ferry trips on Sundays.

Water taxis offer one-way and round trip transfers between Tonga’s islands, and are much faster than ferries. When hiring a water taxi, look for a shaded speed boat with modern safety equipment. Not only can you hire one of these taxis for transport between islands, you may also be able to hire one for private sightseeing.

Accomodations

Tonga has a wide range of hotels from which to choose, most with fewer rooms than you’ll find at hotels and motels in other places. In addition to hotels ranging from low-budget to luxurious, you can enjoy village homestays, simple guesthouses, and well-appointed eco-lodges. Most of the accommodations on Tonga are locally owned, and many are located on pristine, remote islands where you can enjoy sweeping views of world-class beaches. Whether you prefer an all-inclusive resort, a convenient hotel, or a quiet getaway, you’ll be pleased with what Tonga has to offer.

Local Attractions

Most of Tonga’s major cultural attractions are located on Tongatapu, which is the kingdom’s largest island and home to more than two-thirds of its population. Ancient tombs, monuments, and the beautifully preserved royal palace, which features magnificent Victorian craftsmanship, are among popular sightseeing destinations.

Blowholes located off the coast, the Flying Fox preserve, and the fabled Ha’amonga a’Maui Tilithon, also referred to as the “Stonehenge of the Pacific” are well worth visiting. Finally, be sure to stop by the Tongan National Cultural Center, where arts and crafts, traditional Tongan singing, and cultural dance demonstrations serve as an impromptu introduction to Tonga’s way of life.

When deciding which attractions to see, it’s important to note that almost everything with the exception of a few eateries, is closed on Sunday. Tonga’s Christian roots run deep, and Sunday is observed as the Sabbath – everyone enjoys it as a day of rest.

Other Activities

Life in Tonga is extremely laid back. Spend some time watching tapa cloth being made, lounge around on the beach between dives, or visit the kingdom’s historic sites. You can also spend time enjoying the outdoors. Tonga’s tropical rain forests are spectacular, offering shade and playing host to magnificent birds and animals not found anywhere else in the world. A trek through the rainforest is one activity you’ll never forget. Beautiful beaches and stunning cliffs can be seen around the islands’ perimeters, making for some scenic photographs worth sharing. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking and kite surfing, and seaside camping is permitted in many places. Sailing tours are also available, affording passengers views of the islands and treating them to encounters with birds and marine life including whales in season.

Dining Out

Tonga’s cuisine focuses on seafood including a wide variety of fish and shellfish. Lobster is abundant, and local roots and tubers are usually on the menu. Local fruits and vegetables round out most menus, and other items including most meats, have been imported. Restaurants are typically casual, often with outdoor dining areas and plenty of local beer. Many establishments feature performances by traditional Polynesian dancers, and some even offer kava ceremonies.

Nightlife

If you get the opportunity to visit Tonga during a festival or feast, you’ll be treated to a stunning display of local hospitality, with plenty of dancing and dining that goes on into the wee hours. At other times, Tonga’s nightlife is fairly vibrant, with local bars offering no shortage of libations. At Neiafu Town located on Vava’u Island, you’ll find a beautiful waterfront area with a few lively bars where locals mingle with visitors. There are a few bars and nightclubs in Nuku’alofa, but they’re quiet every night but Friday, when locals usually celebrate the arrival of the weekend alongside visitors. Resorts offer after-hours experiences too, with shows, cultural displays, and house bars in full swing most nights.

Shopping

Tonga is an excellent place to shop for local handicrafts including woven baskets and beautifully decorated tapa cloth made from the bark of mulberry trees. The Women’s Handicraft Centre located in central Nuku’alofa is among the best places to purchase authentic Tongan crafts – many other shops sell a mixture of local items and cheaply made tchotchkes manufactured overseas.

Scuba Diving

Overview

Scuba diving and snorkeling are extremely popular in Tonga, and thanks to the remarkable coral reefs surrounding these breathtaking islands, there is no shortage of dive sites. You can either go with a local dive operator or enjoy the services of a high-end liveaboard. Much of the diving takes place at sites located just a short boat ride from shore, where splendid walls extend from shallow reefs, sheltering small colorful species and attracting larger pelagics as well. An extensive and diverse array of dive sites is available for enthusiasts of every level.

Air temperatures here average between 23C/ 73F and 27C/81F, while water temperature is usually 27C/ 81F- 28C/ 82.4F. Most people wear a 3mm wetsuit or a shortie for diving in Tonga. No gloves, hoods, or other thermal protection layers are necessary.

While Tonga has an abundance of spectcular reef dive sites, is walls attract fleets of silvery tuna, huge jacks, and other large fish. Spectacular walls with dramatic dropoffs, historic wrecks, mysterious caves, and some deeper dive sites are also available, and for those who want to keep on enjoying the water after the day’s diving has come to a conclusion, there’s no shortage of snorkeling sites.

For those who want to dive with humpback whales, some dive operators offer special trips that include whale watching from the surface as well as supervised underwater whale encounters during the calving season, which takes place between July and September. Strict protective measures are adhered to, so be sure to pay close attention during pre-dive briefing and give these cetaceans the respect they deserve. In return, they are likely to come close to you, providing you with the experience of a lifetime.

While diving in Tonga, you are certain to encounter a spectacular who’s who list of South Pacific marine life ranging from reef sharks to small, colorful reef fish, tiny shrimps and crabs and loads of candy-colored nudibranchs.

Although many dive sites in Tonga are closely guarded secrets, the diving is spectacular almost everywhere, with visibility sometimes exceeding 40 meters. Average depth is between 10 and 20 meters, although it is possible to visit sites where depth exceeds 40 meters. Currents are variable, increasing in some areas, and surge is greatly dependent on weather, though it tends to be strongest in shallow reef areas close to shore. There are no unique dangers of diving in Tonga; as always, be on the lookout for hazardous marine life ranging from small stinging fish and cnidarians to larger creatures such as sharks and barracudas.

Top Dive Sites

Tonga has at least 30 named dive sites, and as the popularity of scuba diving increases there, the number of named dive sites is also likely to increase. Some of the most popular Tongan dive sites include the following:

The Arch of Ofolanga – This is the South Pacific’s only known coral arch. Located about 15 miles offshore, the arch begins at a depth of 20 meters and leads into a dark tunnel called the Sharks Mouth, where you’ll find a trio of caverns inhabited by lobsters, shrimps, and countless other creatures. The Arch of Ofolanga is reserved for those who are certified to dive in overhead environments, and is weather dependent.
Atlantis – Atlantis is an impressive multi-level dive site offering depths between 2 and 45 meters. Featuring a splendid garden of hard coral plus countless soft coral species, colorful anemones, and other sessile creatures, it is home to clownfish, anthias, fusiliers, Moorish idols, midnight snappers, and countless other reef species. It’s not uncommon to encounter larger animals such as reef sharks and tuna here, particularly if you move out toward the channels and peek under the overhangs. Swimthroughs, interesting rock formations, and other geologic features come together to make Atlantis one of the best dive sites you may ever explore.
Blake’s Reef – Blake’s Reef features vast hard coral formations at depths between 5 and 25 meters, after which an incredible wall offers a swift drop-off to a maximum depth of about 60 meters. Large marine life encounters happen frequently here – manta rays, hammerhead sharks, big groupers, and other species can be seen. There’s no shortage of smaller marine life in the shallows and throughout the dive site, making Blake’s reef a favorite with everyone who dives here.
Port au Prince – The Port au Prince site is the final resting place of the anchor from a pirate ship that frequented the area more than 200 years ago. Here, you’ll find a massive anchor at a depth of 18 meters. With one fluke buried in the reef, the anchor is encrusted with sessile creatures; it serves as the centerpiece for a beautiful reef made up of individual bommies where groupers, emperor wrasse, and the occasional white tip reef shark can be seen. This is an easy site almost anyone will enjoy.
The Sisters – A pair of pinnacles beginning at a depth of five meters and dropping steeply off to meet the seabed at a depth of about 50 meters, The Sisters is a site with an abundance of life ranging from sea snakes to parrotfish, to fairy basslets to dogtooth tuna. The topography is spectacular, and the coral is astounding. This site can be somewhat challenging and is best for experienced divers.

Dive Operators

All divers are requipred to carry certification cards, and reputable dive operators typically require checkout dives. Be sure to bring your c-card and your log book with you, particularly if you hope to visit deep or challenging dive sites. Some dive operators do offer PADI courses, so if a friend or family member wants to learn to dive while visiting Tonga, arrangements may be made. Rental equipment may be available – be sure to check with your dive operator to see what you need to bring with you, and what you can rent there.

Hyperbaric Chambers

Tonga has no recompression chambers. Divers are advised to discuss, finalize, and agree upon an emergency assistance plan, which includes obtaining all local medical emergency contact numbers, prior to beginning any dive. When a diving emergency arises, divers are strongly urged to follow any agreed upon Emergency Assistance Plan.

Conservation Efforts

Tonga has the distinction of being the first South Pacific Country to incorporate a conservation program and designate national marine reserves. No entry fees are charged, but visitors are required to refrain from leaving rubbish behind, and to follow a strict “No touch, No take” policy regarding marine life, shells, and artifacts. There are several reef and island reserves to enjoy throughout Tonga.

Location:

Australia and Oceania
Tonga

Keywords: australia and oceania dive travel, tonga dive travel, tonga diving Author:

Melissa Gwaldis

Related Tags: Diving Guides

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The Kingdom of Tonga: Adventures In The Friendly Islands

Accordion Content

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Introduction

Geography

History

Economy

Customs and Immigration

Health and Insurance

Traveling There

Traveling Around

Accomodations

Local Attractions

Other Activities

Dining Out

Nightlife

Shopping

Overview

Top Dive Sites

Dive Operators

Hyperbaric Chambers

Conservation Efforts

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You are here

Warning message

The Kingdom of Tonga: Adventures In The Friendly Islands

Accordion Content

Introduction

Geography

History

Economy

Customs and Immigration

Health and Insurance

Traveling There

Traveling Around

Accomodations

Local Attractions

Other Activities

Dining Out

Nightlife

Shopping

Overview

Top Dive Sites

Dive Operators

Hyperbaric Chambers

Conservation Efforts

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