Tonga dive resorts

[Shellfish69]

Hi all. I live in Fiji but want to go to Tonga to swim with whales for my 50th birthday next September. I also want to do some diving and snorkelling while I'm there. Can anyone recommend a good resort that has good snorkelling off the beach, plus a good dive operation and that also does the whale swims? I don't really care how flash the resort is as I prefer the smaller more rustic settings anyway. I don't want to go anywhere that is crowded, filled with kids or really touristy. Thanks in advance for any info that will help me with my search.

 

[borisphotosafari]

I just came back from Tonga trip. I went on Naia liveaboard and highly recommend it. They take you away from crowds in VaVau. The staff work hard to get you in the water safely for this amazing encounter.

 

[Shellfish69]

Hi and thanks for your reply. I have been on the Nai'a here and absolutely loved it But unfortunately all their Tonga trips next year are booked out. It seems to be the only liveaboard that runs in Tonga.

 

[borisphotosafari]

I booked in March for my trip this September. Since people book these trips years ahead, they get a cancellation once in a while. Give them a shout and they will put you on a list if anything comes up.

 

[Shellfish69]

Cheers. Have done that and asked to be on their waiting list.

 

[darrennina]

Matafonua lodge or Sandy Beach resort in Ha'apai they are both operated by the same company and have the best snorkelling from the beach and great whale swim operation www.matafonua.com

 

[Shellfish69]

Yay! I managed to get a booking at Matafonua due to a cancellation. Both those resorts were fully booked up when I first looked. I even managed to get in the week of my birthday. Must be my lucky day.

 

[borisphotosafari]

I just checked, Naia had one spot left next year and only a few spots on one trip for 2020.
Enjoy Tonga, I had an amazing experience.

 

[FindingMenno]

You'll love Matafonua, it's one of my favorite lodges in the world. Never actually stayed there, but made many a stop (and dive) at the lodge when I was sailing in Tonga for a month or two. Say hi to everybody there and pet Olly for me!

Me flying a kite at the resort with some lovely assistants

Olly!

First visit to Matafonua, just a pleasant surprise during a bike ride on the island.