Trip to Tonga in the heart of South Pacific ocean
Swim with whales in Tonga

KINGDOM OF TONGA INFORMATION

The Kingdom of Tonga is a sovereign state consisting of dozens of islands scattered between several archipelagos, located on the Tropic of Capricorn in the South Pacific Ocean, near the International Date Line. Tonga's capital Nuku'Alofa is located on the main island, Tongatapu, where there is also the only international airport (Fuamotu) linking Tonga to the rest of the world. Tonga's economy is mainly based on fishing, farming, agriculture and on a limited tourism represented mainly by Australian and New Zealanders, thanks to the geographical proximity. The country, which is classified as "less developed", has a population just over one hundred thousand of inhabitants, distributed among the various islands.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TONGA?

The best time to visit Tonga is during the austral winter, between June and September, when there is less rain. We are talking about "less rain" and not about a real "dry season" because some rain, sometimes lasting all day, is still possible anytime. From late July to late October, a large number of Humpback whales visit the islands, making possible to swim with them (sometimes also with mother and calf) or to have one of the world's best whale watching tour. Temperatures in August are very mild and pleasant, with most early mornings around 18 degrees and mid afternoons around 25 degrees (Celsius). The water's temperature is around 23-24 degrees, suggesting the use of a 3mm long wetsuit for full-day whale snorkeling trips, or a thin shorter wetsuit for snorkeling in the lagoon.

HOW TO GET TO TONGA?

The international Fuamotu airport is located on Tongatapu island, near the state's capital Nuku Alofa and is served by a number of flights each week from New Zealand and Australia, in additional to some weekly flight from other South Pacific islands, like Fiji. The minor islands are served almost daily, or sometimes twice daily, by local airline through small prop aircraft having large windows and making your flights between the islands a really enjoyable part of your holiday, for the spectacular landscape and the friendly environment.

WHERE TO STAY IN TONGA?

The Kingdom of Tonga offers a wide selection of islands where to spend your vacation and a number of lodges, usually below the international standards and far to have most "luxury" options featuring the accommodations on other tropical paradises. For our stay in Tonga we have chosen Foa island (Ha'apai archipelago) for the pristine environment and the better possibility to swim with whales. Here, we have chosen the Matafonua Lodge because we liked a lot their concept of eco-friendly structure, perfectly integrated in the surrounding environment and without any man-made "luxury" at all (only nature!).