Dive Tonga - Swim With Whales

Things to do in Tonga

Swim with the Humpback Whales

Tonga is one of only three places on earth where swimmers and snorkelers can jump in the water and get up close to humpback whales. Humpback whales migrate from their feeding grounds in Antarctica, along the New Zealand coast, to the Kingdom of Tonga where they stay from July through October to court, mate and calve. This represents an incredible and unique opportunity to witness these enormous and majestic creatures in their natural environment.

Other water activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, kitesurfing and surfing, fishing, sailing and relaxing at the beach. Numerous tours are available to discover Tonga’s history, culture, traditions, natural landscapes and wildlife on each island group.

When to Travel to Tonga

Tonga enjoys a more comfortable climate and is slightly cooler than most other tropical areas. The Kingdom also receives less rain than other tropical areas and has a temperature average of 26°C from May to October. The wetter more humid, tropical cyclone season lasts from November to April when temperatures can rise above 32°C. The temperature and rainfall increases the further north travelled into the island group.

Trade winds from the east-southeast bring year-long cooling breezes in the late afternoon and early evening. Tropical rains fall from December through February, coinciding with the warmest summer months.

By March, the water temperatures can reach as high as 28°C, and then drop down as low as 21°C during their winter months. Scuba diving is conducted year round.

The best time to swim with the Humpback Whales is from July to September.

Scuba Diving in Tonga

The visibility in Tonga is stunning, often between 25 – 40 metres and sometimes reaching up to an incredible 70 metres. The dive sites are varied throughout Tonga. Pristine coral gardens are home to colourful, tropical fish life, while spectacular coral reefs include amazing caves and arches. Tonga’s volcanic past, present and future are showcased in the unique underwater tunnels, chimneys and swim-throughs.

Underwater exploration often comes with the living, breathing soundtrack of murmuring whalesong from courting humpback whales from July to October.

Tongatapu has a protected lagoon and reef, with several marine reserves and island parks suitable for novice divers. There are some good passage dives, drift dives and drop offs with abundant fish life for advanced divers. Off the island of Eua are sea mounts with vertical walls and some exciting caves to explore.

Ha'apai Group has a very diverse underwater topography featuring caves, canyons, caverns and tunnels, vertical walls and drop-offs, fast flowing passes and colourful coral gardens. Rich hard coral growth, gorgonian fans and soft corals can be found throughout.

Vava'u Group has a good mix of diving to cater for all tastes. There excellent drift dives along walls and drop offs, good coral reefs featuring giant sea fans, interesting caves and sheltered passages. The wreck of a 128 metre copra steamer, The Clan MacWilliam, sits upright in 22 metres right off Neiafu.