Things to Do on an Adult-Only Getaway to Tonga
Looking to set the right tone for a peaceful romantic getaway or somehow you’ve managed to get away from your own kids for a week? Adventure and relaxation await in the off-the-beaten-track islands of Tonga, which offers an awesome array of experiences that are best enjoyed with your fellow adult. We’re talking scuba diving, reeling in huge fish, sipping on cocktails in the sun or drinking kava with the locals, and, of course, the life-changing experience of swimming with whales. Check out more things to do on your adults-only getaway in this list of adult-only activities in Tonga!
For more advice on planning your trip, take a look at The Adult-Only Guide to Tonga.
1. Snorkel with Humpback Whales
Swimming in the open water with some of the world’s largest mammals… Needless to say, you won’t find many families on the whale-swimming boats of Tonga. Each year between June and October, humpback whales make an amazing migration from the Antarctic to the tropical waters of Tonga. During this time, visitors have the unique opportunity to snorkel with these gentle giants on licenced whale swimming tours. Learn more about the experience in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.
2. Scuba Dive Among Cave, Corals and Shipwrecks
Providing kids can’t learn to dive until they are at least 10 years old, you can rest assured that you won’t be sharing the dive boat with too many little devils. Besides, it often feels like it’s just you and the amazing marine life around you as you enter the silent world of coral reefs harbouring tropical fish, nudibranch, starfish and much more. Tonga is home to some incredible seascapes, from the largest cave dive in the South Pacific to the exciting Clan MacWilliam wreck dive. Find out more in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga.
3. Indulge in an Island Spa Treatment
Escape from the chaos of life and enter a world of utter bliss with one of the island spa treatments in Tonga. Some of the island resorts have therapists on hand to tend to your aches, pains or simply to help you relax with a soothing massage. Even if you’re in Nuku’alofa, you’ll find some fantastic spas in the small city, which offer an array of body wraps, massages and beauty treatments. Check out 6 Best Spas in Tonga for more information.
4. Drink and Be Merry at Tonga’s Bars
There’s nothing like watching the sun go down behind the silhouette of coconut palms as you sip on a fresh fruit cocktail. In fact, there are many refreshing drinks to try in Tonga, from Tongan beers to a refreshing fruit drink called ‘otai. You can also try kava, a drink made from the ground-up roots of a pepper plant, which is the real drink of the islands. Guesthouses and resorts can often arrange for you to join a kava circle or experience a kava ceremony. For more on drinking, take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Tonga.
5. Jump on a Fishing Charter
Almost 100% of the time, it’s just you, your holiday companions and the skipper/fishing guide on a fishing charter in Tonga. Head out to the bluewater to reel in some of the South Pacific’s largest species of fish, including marlin, tuna, mahimahi, giant trevally and much more. Nothing beats the adrenaline of fighting in these strong pelagics, while nothing beats the taste of the fruits of your labour! Learn more in The Complete Guide to Fishing in Tonga.
6. Hike in the ‘Eua National Park
It’s unlikely that you’ll come across anyone on the secluded yet stunning tracks of the ‘Eua National Park. Located on Tonga’s oldest island, ‘Eua is a nature lover’s paradise with its large tract of ancient tropical forest full of giant banyan trees and the sound of the red shining parrot. On your journey, you’re likely to come across large sinkholes, caves, rock gardens, natural archways and stunning lookouts across the island. Learn more about experiencing ‘Eua on an adult-only getaway in the 5 Adult-Only Activities in ‘Eua.
7. Kitesurf Across Ha’apai’s Tranquil Lagoons
Although a bit of a watersports niche, if you have ever had any interest in kitesurfing, then you have to try it out on the lagoons of Ha’apai. The central island group of Tonga is renowned for its consistent tradewinds and flat lagoon waters ideal for harnessing the elements on a wakeboard. There are also a few resorts in Vava’u which have good lagoons for kitesurfing too, which you can learn more about in The Guide to Kitesurfing in Tonga. Plus, check out more things you can do on an adult-only getaway in the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Ha’apai.
8. Hit the Surf Breaks at Ha’atafu Beach
Intermediate to advanced surfers will find some amazing reef breaks off the shores of Ha’atafu and Kanokupolu Beach on the western side of Tongatapu. Just a 100m (330ft) paddle from the beach is some rolling barrels across the reefs, with different breaks to try out between summer and winter. For those feeling really adventurous, there are some epic waves to surf on the shallow reefs of Vava’u, only accessible by boat. Learn more about surfing in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Tonga, while you can check out more things to do on Tonga’s main island in 8 Adult-Only Activities on Tongatapu.
9. Do a Yoga Session in Ha’apai or Vava’u
The private island resorts across Ha’apai and Vava’u provide ideal surroundings to relax and rejuvenate with a yoga session. Some resorts in these island groups have their own yoga pavilion or shala where you can take part in daily yoga sessions. Check out 5 Beautiful Places to Experience Yoga in Tonga for more inspiration. Plus, see more adult-only attractions in the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Vava’u.
10. Get a Tongan Tattoo
Ok, so this might not be something for everybody, but if visiting Tonga was an experience you never want to forget, then make a piece of it stick with you forever by getting a Tongan tattoo! It’s no secret that Polynesian cultures make the best tattoo designs. There are a couple of fantastic tattoo studios in Nuku’alofa which design stunning pieces of art from the islands. What’s more, some even offer free consultations, so it doesn’t hurt to give them a go… Check out How to Get a Tattoo in Tonga TTD375 for more information. Plus, see the 5 Adult-Only Activities in Nuku’alofa for more things to do in the city.
More Adult-Only Activities in Tonga
- Tonga Adult-Only Itinerary: 7 Days
- 5 Best Adult-Only Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Adult-Only Accommodation in Tonga for You
That’s it for the best adults-only activities in Tonga. Inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Tonga.
Author
Laura 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.