The Best Snorkelling in Tongatapu: 8 Best Places to Snorkel

Where to Snorkel on Tongatapu + Where to Get Snorkelling Gear

Tropical getaway: that has to mean some snorkelling! Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, offers a good selection of snorkelling spots even if there are fewer than in Tonga’s other island groups. Nevertheless, you’ll find some fantastic snorkelling beaches along the western side of the island, while the best snorkelling is arguably around the outer islands and lagoon accessible by boat from Nuku’alofa. Find out more about the top place to snorkel in this guide to snorkelling in Tongatapu.

Note that Tonga is a religious country where it can be seen as disrespectful to not wear modest clothing even when swimming at the beach. If there are locals around, have a rash vest or sarong handy. Learn more about respecting local customs in our guide, Tonga Etiquette: Local Customs & Traditions.

7 Quick Tips for Snorkelling in Tongatapu

Always snorkel with someone else
Wear reef shoes and/or fins
Don’t touch marine life
Wear reef-safe sunscreen and/or wear a rash vest even on cloudy days
Avoid snorkelling near the reef’s edges and passages; they have strong currents
Assess the conditions; high swells and snorkelling don’t mix
Respect the local culture; some snorkelling spots are near villages where wearing modest clothing (even when swimming) is important.

1. Malinoa Island

A likely stop on a whale swimming tour, Malinoa Island is a piece of Pacific Island paradise. The small sandy island with a tuft of vegetation in the centre is a photo opportunity in itself, but surrounding the island offers fantastic and safe snorkelling. Explore the coral bommies protruding from the sand and admire the array of coral and fishy residents. Malinoa Island is a popular stop on tours listed in the 5 Best Whale Swim Tours on Tongatapu.

Location: Off-shore island north of Nuku’alofa. Whale tours depart from Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.

2. Tau Island

Another island that is a likely stop on Tongatapu whale swimming trips is the quaint Tau Island. This is a slightly smaller island than Malinoa but provides more options for snorkelling among the coral and tropical reef fish.

Location: Off-shore island north of Nuku’alofa. Whale tours depart from Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.

3. Pangaimotu Island

An island you can take a day trip to, Pangaimotu Island is well worth considering for snorkelling. Pangaimotu Island day trips are some of the cheapest from Nuku’alofa and an excellent option for Sundays when there are more boat rides between the island and Faua Wharf in the city. Snorkelling gear can be hired for a fee if you don’t have your own. Reef shoes are recommended.

Location: Boats depart from Faua Wharf (behind Ngutulei Restaurant), Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa. Learn more about getting to the island in 10 Best Island Day Trips & Tours from Nuku’alofa.

4. ‘Atata Island

‘Atata Island is another one of Tongatapu’s off-shore islands that is very viable to get to, especially on snorkelling and scuba diving trips from Nuku’alofa. Take a day trip to ‘Atata Island with Deep Blue Diving. Although the island and surrounding reef have suffered some tsunami damage in recent years, marine life is protected as part of the ‘Atata Special Management Area (SMA) allowing life to regenerate so that it’s still one of the best places to snorkel in Tongatapu. Note that trips to the island are not available during the whale season. Learn more about snorkelling tours to ‘Atata in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours in Tongatapu & Nuku’alofa.

Location: Trips depart from Deep Blue Diving’s office, Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa. See the link above to learn more.

5. Katea Beach

Lining the southernmost tip of Tongatapu, Katea Beach is not only a great snorkelling spot but features photo-worthy cliff formations such as an archway right across its golden sands. This is one that you’ll have to pay for (approximately TOP$20 per person), but the beach offers some of the best swimming and snorkelling from the mainland, as well as the benefit of the resort restaurant at Katea Retreat to refuel throughout the day. Needless to say, guests at the retreat get free access to the beach throughout their stay – see the 20 Best Hotels & Resorts on Tongatapu.

Location: Nakolo (access road off Liku Road, just south of Nakolo village), southeast coast of Tongatapu.

6. Ha’atafu Beach

Located on the northwestern tip of Tongatapu, Ha’atafu Beach is not only a great surf spot, but it has fantastic snorkelling at high tide (note that the reef here was damaged during the 2021 tsunami but there’s some interesting regrowth). The beach is a marine reserve in Tongatapu, allowing the marine life to regrow. Check out more amazing beaches on the island in the 25 Best Beaches on Tongatapu.

Location: Ha’atafu (access road off Hihifo Road at the southern end of Ha’atafu village), west side of Tongatapu.

7. Kanokupolu Beach

Next door to Ha’atafu Beach, Kanokupolu Beach might be in the marine reserve’s shadow and also suffered tsunami damage but it’s still a fantastic beach for snorkelling at high tide and even spotting whales in the distance between July and October. Just rock up with your snorkelling gear and enjoy.

Location: Kanokupolu (there are several beach access roads from the village), west side of Tongatapu.

8. Fafa Island

A little harder to get to since the resort was destroyed during the 2022 tsunami, Fafa Island still offers fantastic snorkelling for anyone who can charter a boat there. Accessible from shore is the island’s very own protected marine reserve, where the coral and marine life are left to thrive for years to come.

Location: Boats can be chartered from Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.

Where to Rent and Buy Snorkel Gear on Tongatapu

It’s all well and good knowing the snorkelling spots of Tongatapu, but if you haven’t got your own gear, what do you do? Unfortunately, there are limited options for gear hire on Tongatapu but you can purchase snorkelling gear from shops in Nuku’alofa.

Some of the snorkel rentals and shops on Tongatapu include:

Pangaimotu Island Day Trips – Snorkelling gear is available to hire for a fee
Deep Blue Diving – Snorkelling gear is included on all snorkelling tours
JeZAmi Hotel – The hotel owns a watersports shop downstairs with gear available to purchase
OE Home Centre – Has snorkelling gear for sale (Fatafehi Road, Nuku’alofa).

More About Snorkelling in Tongatapu

That’s it for our list of the best places to snorkel in Tongatapu, as well as our guide to snorkelling in Tongatapu. For more handy tips to plan the ultimate trip to Tonga’s main island, take a look at the following:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Tongatapu.

Author

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page