Tonga travel guide

Tonga is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, with unspoilt white sandy beaches surrounded by some of the most pristine coral reefs left on the planet. Its untouched nature and rich wildlife make it a top destination for those who seek a unique and unforgettable experience. This place needs no filter, it is the postcard desert island of dreams. Read on to learn about things to do in Tonga.

This gem is also a refuge to thousands of Humpback whales, who make the 3,000-mile trip back from feeding in the Antarctic to breed, birth, and rear their young calves in warm, safe tropical waters. Their tropical holiday lasts from June until October every year.

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can still swim with the whales, and their numbers are impressive, with over 100 sited each day off our island in Haʻapai during peak season from July to September.

If you are looking for an untouched island paradise and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this Tonga travel guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to plan the ultimate Tonga vacation.

Where is Tonga?

Tonga is a pinprick in the Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 176 islands, of which only 36 are inhabited. This beautiful Polynesian Kingdom is situated to the south of Samoa and about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand.

The capital city, Nuku’alofa, is located on the island of Tongatapu, which is the largest and most populated island in the country.

How to get to Tonga?

As a remote destination, Tonga is served by only one international airport, Fua’amotu Airport (TBU), on the main island of Tongatapu. You can fly to TBU directly from Nadi (Fiji), Auckland (New Zealand), and Sydney (Australia). From there, you can easily catch a domestic flight or hop on a ferry to explore the other islands in the archipelago.

To find the best flight options and prices, we recommend using the Flight Connections interactive map and the Hopper app. Google Flights is our favourite flight search engine; however, we always recommend booking directly with the airline once you have found your flights, as you will have a preferential cancellation policy and better upgrade potential.

For most people it is far far away. So, to keep jet lag at bay, we suggest adjusting your sleeping schedule with the help of the Timeshifter app and taking melatonin before your trip (where possible). Tonga sits at -12 GMT, so exposure to light on the island can efficiently shift your circadian rhythm, but it still takes a few days to reset.

We also recommend you check out the UK Foreign Travel Advice Website.

Best Places to Stay in Tongatapu

While options may be relatively limited in Tonga, there are still some great choices to suit all types of travellers.

We highly recommend the small, but beautiful treehouse hotel, Tukulolo Treehouse. It is located on Tonga’s main island of Tongatapu and only a 15-minute drive from the airport. You will be immersed in nature within these wonderful handcrafted structures.

For those seeking a modern hotel with a nice pool, we recommend Tanoa. Located in the heart of town, close to restaurants and the market, it is a little lacking in character, but it is a perfect place to get your head down and relax. It also serves an excellent buffet breakfast.

Best Time to Visit Tonga

The best time to visit Tonga is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, and temperatures are comfortable, with average highs ranging from the mid 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-28°C). This is also a good time for swimming, snorkelling, and diving, as the ocean is typically calm and clear.

The wet season in Tonga runs from November to April, and while it can still be a good time to visit, it is more likely to experience heavy rain, strong winds, and higher humidity. This is also the cyclone season in the South Pacific, so visitors should be aware of this risk.

Things to do in Tonga: Beaches, Attractions & Activities

Here are some of the top things to see and do in Tonga:

It’s important to keep in mind that Tonga observes Sabbath on Sundays, which means that most shops and services are closed, finding a taxi is hard and there are even no flights on this day. However, this is part of the cultural experience, and it’s worth planning accordingly to fully appreciate Tonga’s traditions and way of life.

Swim with Humpback Whales

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales in their natural habitat. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. This is included in our desert island expedition. However, if this is a big part of why you are here we recommend booking at least 2 to 3 swims to ensure you get the best chance of a magical experience. In the capital Tongatapu we work with Deep blue diving.

Explore ‘Eua Island

‘Eua Island is the oldest island in Tonga and is known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and stunning coastal views. It’s a great place for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the local culture.

The easiest way to do this is to hire a car in town, or, even easier, book on to one of the following tours.

• Tongatapu Full Island Tour
• East Tongatapu Tour
• West Tongatapu Tour

Visit the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon

This ancient structure is located on the island of Tongatapu and is believed to have been built in the 13th century. It’s a mysterious and impressive site that offers a glimpse into Tonga’s rich history.

Set sail for the Vava’u Group

A cluster of lush, wooded islands with plenty of accommodation options, including a beach resort, guesthouses, and a motel. This northern group offers ample opportunities for diving, hiking, and exploring attractions like the Fangatongo Royal Residence and Mount Talau, as well as the lively Sailoame Market in Neiafu.

Venture to the Ha’apai Group

A stunning collection of 68 small islands renowned for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking coral reefs. The charming town of Pangai on the main island of Ha’apai is not to be missed, while the waters surrounding these islands have a fascinating history as the site of the HMS Bounty mutiny.

Attend a Cultural Show

Tonga has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and handicrafts. Attending a cultural show is a great way to experience this unique culture and learn more about Tonga’s history.

Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is located in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, and is the official residence of the King of Tonga. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and learn about the country’s monarchy and political system.

Relax on a Beach

Tonga is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there’s a beach in Tonga that’s perfect for you.

Water sports

Tonga has some excellent scuba diving & snorkelling, we recommend deep blue diving who also provide whale trips. ‘Eua island features world-class surfing, pristine jungle, and magnificent bird-watching opportunities.

Visit the Langi (Terraced Tombs)

For a fascinating cultural experience, visit the Langi on the eastern end of the Tongatapu Island. These impressive coral structures, built for the ancient Tu’itonga spiritual kings, are a testament to Tonga’s rich history.

Get up close with flying foxes

Get close and personal with rare flying foxes at Kolovai or marvel at the Mapu ‘a Vaea blowholes, which shoot seawater some 18m (60ft) into the air through holes in the coral reef.

Umu

If you’re looking to experience the local culture, be sure to attend a traditional Tongan feast called a ‘umu‘” These events usually involve a large gathering of people who come together to cook food in an underground oven, and they offer a great opportunity to learn more about Tongan customs and traditions.

Ultimate adventure:

Join us for an island survival expedition. Learn essential bushcraft skills on an uninhabited island before putting yourself to the ultimate test during the 72-hour survival phase.

Tonga Food and Drink

Tonga is known for its unique cuisine and refreshing drinks. Tongan food and drink are heavily influenced by the country’s Polynesian heritage, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and root vegetables.

Ota Ika

One of the most popular Tongan dishes is ‘ota ika’, the Tongan take on ceviche. A raw fish salad made with freshly caught fish, coconut cream, and a blend of local herbs and spices. Another favourite is ‘lu pulu’, which is taro leaves wrapped around a filling of corned beef or lamb, cooked in an underground oven for several hours, resulting in a deliciously tender and flavorful dish.

Kava

Tongan cuisine also features a variety of refreshing drinks, many of which are made with coconut water or local fruit juices. ‘Kava’, a traditional ceremonial drink made from the root of the kava plant, is known for its mild Psychotropic properties and is often shared among friends and family during social gatherings and is calming and relaxing. 

In addition to kava, Tongans also enjoy ‘otai’, a refreshing fruit drink made with a blend of watermelon, pineapple, and coconut cream. ‘Vava’u vanilla’, a locally produced vanilla extract, is also a popular addition to Tongan desserts and drinks, adding a unique flavour and aroma.

Overall, Tongan food and drink offer a delightful mix of flavours and cultural traditions, showcasing the island nation’s rich history and natural resources.

Tonga’s Wildlife

Tonga is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a unique opportunity to experience untouched and unspoiled natural beauty. As a remote Pacific nation, Tonga boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some fascinating species found nowhere else in the world.

Tonga is home to the humpback whale, the real star of the show that puts Tonga on the map. During their migration from July to October, these gentle baleen giants arrive in the waters in staggering numbers, swimming up from Antarctica to calve and rear their young. Tonga is one of the few places in the world where visitors can safely and legally swim face to face with a humpback whale in crystal clear tropical water, making our expeditions a double bucket list tick for many.

In addition to the humpback whales, Tonga boasts a diverse range of marine life, including excellent coral reef coverage and impressive marine biodiversity. Visitors can spot a broad array of reef fish and the docile Leopard Shark, often spotted silhouetted on white sandy channels nestled between towers of coral.

On land, Tonga offers visitors the opportunity to witness the impressive one-meter wingspan flying fox fruit bat, which takes to the sky in impressive numbers at sunset each night. The absence of native mammals in Tonga means that the plants have not evolved spines, creating a unique landscape. Visitors can also spot prehistoric coconut crabs, the largest land arthropod on the planet.

Tonga’s terrestrial wildlife is just as impressive. The country’s rainforests are home to a number of unique bird species, including the Tongan whistler and the blue-crowned lorikeet. Visitors can also spot a range of reptiles, such as the Pacific tree boa and the Tongan Ground Skink, as well as a variety of colourful butterflies.

But perhaps the most fascinating animal found in Tonga is the monarch butterfly. Tonga is the only place in the world where this butterfly is found, making it a true natural wonder. The monarch butterfly is known for its incredible migration, which sees thousands of butterflies travel from North America to Tonga each year.

To protect Tonga’s precious wildlife, the country has established a number of national parks and protected areas. These include the Tofua National Park, the ‘Eua National Park and the Ha’apai Marine Protected Area. These areas provide a haven for Tonga’s wildlife, and also offer visitors the opportunity to explore the country’s stunning natural beauty.

Interesting Facts about Tonga

Tonga, a South Pacific island nation, is a fascinating country with a unique culture, history, and geography. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful and remote archipelago:

• Tonga is the only country in the South Pacific that has never been colonized by a foreign power. It was known as the Friendly Islands, a name given by Captain Cook during his visit in the 18th century.
• There are no traffic lights in the whole country.
• The official language of Tonga is Tongan, but English is widely spoken and understood.
• Tonga is made up of 176 islands, but only 36 are inhabited. The largest and most populated island is Tongatapu.
• Tonga is the first country in the world to see the sunrise each day, due to its location just east of the International Date Line.
• Rugby union is the national sport of Tonga, and the country has a long and successful history in the sport. Tongan players are known for their physicality and power.
• The traditional Tongan dress for men is the ta’ovala, a woven mat that is worn around the waist. Women wear a similar garment called the kiekie.
• The economy of Tonga is heavily dependent on remittances from Tongan expatriates living abroad, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. As of 2021, remittance accounted for a staggering 45% of Tonga’s GDP!
• Tonga is a constitutional monarchy, with a King as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
• The currency of Tonga is the pa’anga.
• Tonga receives less than 100,000 tourists a year.
• Tonga is a conservative Christian country. The Sabbath is a big deal here. Each Sunday the country shuts down, there are no flights and even boats need to ask permission to be in the water.

Its stunning natural beauty and friendly people make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path travel experience.

In conclusion, Tonga is a nature lover’s paradise, with an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty to discover. From humpback whales and tropical birds to unique butterflies and colourful coral reefs, Tonga offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Join our Tonga Adventure or read our other travel guides.