Liveaboard Diving in Tonga
A tropical island paradise like nowhere else on Earth, Tonga is an unspoiled marine haven for sea turtles, manta rays, tuna, marlin, wahoo, whale sharks and their most renowned visitors, the humpback whales.
Tonga consists of over 170 islands nestled in sparkling turquoise waters. Ships sit undisturbed, coral gardens shimmer and volcanic activities have created a playground of tunnels, lava tubes and massive walls. Tonga is one of only three places on Earth where you can witness the majestic humpback whale.
Migrating pods of humpbacks are annual visitors to Tonga where they stay from July through September to court, mate and give birth in the warm tropical waters. Take a Tonga sea safari to Hunga Magic, the calving grounds of the Humpback Whales, to swim with these magnificent creatures.
A Tonga diving cruise among the Vava'u Islands transports scuba divers to massive caverns, stunning arches, unique tunnels, rare black coral trees and plunging walls. Kapa is an incredible wall dive where scuba divers will find several nudibranch species along with massive schools of bream and baitfish attracting large tuna, barracudas and reef sharks. The reefs and outstanding visibility of the Ha'apai Islands offer a magical marine landscape. A Tonga liveaboard diving adventure among these islands boast dramatic walls, caves, channels, tunnels, drop-offs and coral gardens, with hundreds of tropical fish species and crevices filled with lobster.
Hard corals are most prominent but beds of yellow sea fans and brightly colored soft corals can be found harboring many anemones and clown fish. At Blake's Reef a diver will find a brilliant hard coral reef hosting Whitetip Sharks, Hammerheads, Manta Rays, Midnight Snappers, Tuna, Butterflyfish, Groupers, Sweetlips, Blue Trevally and Batfish. Because Tonga is largely unpopulated, it has astonishingly clear waters and unadulterated marine beauty. Underwater photographers will delight in the amazing conditions and spectacular scenery.While diving can be done year round in Tonga, the best diving is between May and November. The average air temperature in the northern islands is 27°C, while the southern islands average 23°C. By November, the water temperatures can reach 28°C, and then drop to 21°C during the winter months. Visibility is outstanding year round, often beyond 40 meters.
While diving can be done year round in Tonga, the best diving is between May and November. The average air temperature in the northern islands is 27°C, while the southern islands average 23°C. By November, the water temperatures can reach 28°C, and then drop to 21°C during the winter months. Visibility is outstanding year round, often beyond 40 meters.
