Diving Tonga
Pristine and even undived reefs are not difficult to find in Tonga since 125 of its islands are uninhabited. The best diving is found in the central Ha’apai and northern Vava’u groups.
Port of Refuge in Vava’u is a deep sheltered harbor extending well into the inland, where shallow dives in the harbor are popular. There are also spectacular walls and reefs outside the entrance to the islands. The ‘Glen McWilliams’ lies at the bottom of the harbor not far from the main wharf. Intact, upright and covered in marine life it is a spectacular wreck dive.
Beds of yellow sea fans can be found at Tuangasika Island along with an extensive bommie coated with anemones and their associated clown fish. In places the reef wall is riddled with lobster filled caves, some containing air bubbles in the roof large enough to surface into, such as the one at Mariners Cave. During winter and spring divers can be assured to at least hear, if not see, humpback whales that make the clear waters their calving and mating grounds from July to October each year.
Best time to dive
For humpbacks, July to the end of October is the best time. Year-round diving on the reefs is excellent, but be careful around cyclone season, which is November to March.
Visibility
Visibility averages 100+ feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperature during winter is between 75 and 77 °F. During summer, the temperatures average in the mid 80s F.
Weather and climate
Tonga receives less rain than other tropical areas, and maximum temperatures average 80 °F with only moderate humidity. The rainy season lasts from December to April when temperatures and humidity are higher (most extreme from January to March). The greatest number of thunderstorms occur in December and February. During the Tongan winter (June to August), temperatures can occasionally be quite cool. The period from November to April brings on the cyclone season. May to November are characterized by southeast trade winds, while easterlies prevail the remainder of the year. During summer (especially from February to March), north winds bring heat waves and heavy rains.
Language
English and Tonga
Passport/Visa requirements
A passport and an onward/return ticket are required. Visas are not required for stays up to 30 days.
Currency
Pa’anga – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
240 volts, 50 Hz
Capital
Nukualofa
General information
The 171 extraordinarily diverse islands of the Tongan archipelago are scattered over an area in the central Pacific Ocean nearly as big as Japan. Tonga’s nearest neighbors are Samoa to the north, Fiji to the northwest, and New Caledonia, more than 600 miles west. There are four main island groups – Tongatapu, He’apai, Vava’u and the Niuas. Tonga has seven officially protected areas, including five national marine parks and reserves, one national historic park, and the ‘Eua National Park.
Map
Get a map of Tonga from WorldAtlas.com.