A Taste Of Romance in Tonga

Explore secluded isles, dive into an underwater paradise and discover warm Polynesian culture in the Kingdom of Tonga. As the only South Pacific country that’s never been colonised by a foreign power and the last remaining monarchy, Tonga feels refreshingly authentic and unique. Far from mega resorts and packaged tourist hype, Tonga offers something better; a genuine adventure. Here are some of the best things to see and do in the Friendly Islands.

Swim with whales

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can jump in the water with a humpback whale. Large numbers of these gentle giants travel through Tongan waters between July and October, often with their new calves, as they migrate north from Antarctica. Southern humpback whales tend to be around 13m in length and are known for their magnificent ’singing’. Sharing space with these majestic creatures is truly a once in a lifetime experience. For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, whale watching tours are also a great way to see these wild animals in their natural habitat. Booking with a licensed operator is essential, to ensure a safe, sustainable tour.

Go island hopping

With over 170 islands in Tonga, visitors are spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for your own private beach on a deserted island, a hotel getaway, or an underwater diving adventure, there is something for everyone. Getting around is fastest by plane, and the local airline, Lulutai, flies to the main islands in each archipelago. The Vava’u islands, to the north of the main island of Tongatapu, is a haven for pleasure seekers. Its pristine waters are perfect for snorkelling, diving, sailing, fishing and more. For an off the beaten path trip into remote island living, try the Niuas islands.

Mapu’a ‘a Vaea blowholes

Picture jets of water shooting 30m into the air where the ocean meets the reef and you have the Mapu’a ‘a Vaea blowholes (Chief’s Whistles). The impressive sight is a natural phenomenon, where water is forced into eroded holes in rock or coral and forced to rocket upwards. The blowholes are found on the main island of Tongatapu, along the south coast and are easily visible from the shore. The windier the weather and the rougher the seas, the better the view.

Try an island-style feast

No one does a feast quite like they do in Tonga. For one, there has to be a whole pig roasting on a spit. Local produce like taro, sweet potato and breadfruit cooked in an umu or traditional underground oven are popular side dishes. And everything tastes better drowned in fresh coconut milk. Seafood is another Tongan staple and the ’ota ika, raw fish marinated in coconut milk and vegetables, is divine. A traditional Tongan feast usually contains thirty or more dishes and is an all you can eat affair. Resorts and hotels often offer a feast night, as does the Ancient Tonga Cultural Centre, which includes traditional food and a cultural dance show. Not to be missed.

Swim in the Anahulu cave

Swim in a natural underground swimming pool in Tongatapu’s beloved Anahulu cave. The fresh water is the perfect place to cool down on a hot day, and makes for a slightly otherworldly experience, sparsely illuminated and full of stalactites and stalagmites. Note that there is a small fee to enter the cave, and visits are often run by a local tour company.

Scuba Diving

Experienced scuba divers will find an underwater wonderland in Tonga, with a diverse array of marine life. Unique sites include the Hot Spring Cave in Ha’apai, a massive cavern 30m below the surface where a hydrothermal vent sends hot water gushing into the cave, mixing with the cooler ocean water.

Also in Ha’apai is the Arch of Olanga, a natural marvel made of coral and reaching 20m across and 15m high. Swallows cave and the coral gardens are beautiful spots in the Vava’u island group which are great for both divers and snorkellers. Keep an eye out for manta rays, green sea turtles, lemon sharks and more.

Flying Foxes and Fishing Pigs

Flying foxes and fishing pigs may seem like something out of a fairy tale, but in Tongatapu they’re just part of the furniture. Flying foxes, also known as fruit bats, are everywhere in these islands. There’s a well known colony that nests close to Kolovai village; during the day hundreds of them hang upside down the branches of trees. It’s an eye-boggling sight if you’ve never seen it before. If you get lucky, you might also spot Tonga’s fishing pigs along the coastline of Tongatapu – the only place in the world where this is known to happen. At low tide, these pigs venture into the shallow water and nuzzle through the sand in search of supper.