A group of islands and islets, of which only seventeen are populated, Ha’apai is surrounded by fantastic reefs and shoals. With ancient volcanoes both dormant and active, the islands are surrounded by clear water and offer visibility between 30 and 40 meters most of the time. While there are many scenic dive sites to explore here and throughout the rest of the Kingdom of Tonga, some of the most spectacular feature mysterious caves with complex tunnels. Here are four of the best overhead environment dives; they’re certain to enchant.
J-Caves
With massive coral bommies outside, and astonishing swim throughs, tunnels, and overhangs inside, J-Caves is one of the most beautiful sites you may ever dive. Beginning along the inside edge of the reef where colorful little fish nibble among brilliant sponge and coral, the caves wind their way through the heart of the ancient reef itself, leading you to its outer edge, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view into the blue beyond, where eagle rays and white tip reef sharks are sometimes seen. On your way back up to the surface from maximum depth at 28 meters, you’ll see some amazing macro life if you look carefully; on the whip coral, tiny whip coral shrimp make their homes, and nudibranchs and crustaceans can be found as well. Be sure to look for Orangutan crabs among the bubble coral!
Hot Spring Cave
Offering maximum depth at 30 meters, Hot Spring Cave is a marvel, thanks to an underwater hydrothermal vent which occasionally spews very hot water into the chamber that surrounds it. Located beneath Ofalanga Island, the cave is massive, with its entrance at 25 meters and its main chamber at a depth of 28 meters. Inside, the ceiling is at a depth of about 15 meters. Outside the cave, the coral and sponge growth is magnificent, as are the many tropical fish and other sea creatures that inhabit the nearby walls.
The Arch of Ofalanga
Formed during the last ice age, the Arch of Ofalanga is simply amazing. Twenty meters wide and 15 meters high, it is wrapped in an ancient tapestry of colorful hard and soft coral, sea fans, and sea whips, and is crawling with lobsters, some of which are exceptionally large. This marvel of underwater architecture rises up from the seabed with its base at a depth of 30 meters, and is a favorite with photographers, both for its macro life and for stunning wide angle shots.
Eden Rock
Featuring soaring walls that drop away into the abyss below, Eden Rock offers an abundance of colorful coral and sponge, a wealth of macro life including several species of nudibranch, and a jaw-dropping array of fish large and small alike. As if this weren’t enough, there are also several small caves to explore, plus some shallower cuts with their bottoms at a depth of about 30 meters. Some of the site’s most notable inhabitants include grey reef sharks and barracuda hunting from big balls of silver baitfish, along with groupers and the occasional sea turtle.
Between the middle of June and the end of September, humpback whales come to Tonga to mate and calve, and quite often, one can snorkel or dive with them. In addition, there are several wonderful historic sites to visit topside, and the resorts offer warmth and friendliness that will make you wish you could stay forever. There are a few dive operators to choose from, so be sure to make your plans in advance; with thoughtful planning this might just be the vacation of a lifetime.