15 BEST Dive Sites in Tonga

Last Updated: 8 January, 2026

Amazing Dive Sites in Tonga

Uncrowded untouched underwater magic awaits in Tonga. The dive sites in this South Pacific kingdom are certainly something for the experienced diver who wants to see something new.

From wreck dives to crazy coral formations to pinnacles, the dive sites in Tonga are almost as diverse as its marine life which thrives in the tracts of healthy coral, from the tiny nudis to the majestic humpback whales.

Take a look at what you’re in for when diving in Tonga with this list of the best dive sites in Tonga!

While you’re here, don’t forget to bookmark your complete bible to scuba in this island archipelago, The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga.

1. Clan McWilliam, Vava’u

Tonga’s best wreck dive, the Clan McWilliam is an upright ship that was sunk by a fire more than 50 years ago.

The wreck is just 30 m (98 ft) deep in Vava’u’s Neiafu Harbour, making it relatively accessible for a range of certified divers. The wreck is awash in soft and hard coral which attracts all sorts of colourful reef fish.

Learn more about Clan McWilliam and book your experience directly with AX-Factor Dive’s website.

Check out more popular dive sites in this island group in the 10 Best Dive Sites in Vava’u.

2. Arch of Ofalanga, Ha’apai

Another adventure in Ha’apai awaits at the Arch of Ofalanga, a 20 m (66 ft) wide and 15 m (49 ft) tall arch that is amazing to explore.

The dive begins at a depth of 20 m (66 ft), taking you along the South Pacific’s biggest known coral arch that leads to “The Shark’s Mouth”, an opening into a dark tunnel inhabited by hundreds of lobsters and shrimps, followed by a three-cavern cave system. This atmospheric dive is weather dependent and only suitable for advanced divers.

Matafonua Lodge can also take you to other favourites amongst the approximately 30 known dive sites in Ha’apai, including Atlantis, a huge reef system with beautiful hard coral gardens, The Bank, a seamount with garden eels and a resident leopard shark) and Blake’s Reef, pristine hard coral cascades with iconic species sightings.

Check out the dive operators who can take you to the Ha’apai dive sites in The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Ha’apai.

3. Coral Garden, Vava’u

Coral Garden is one of Vavaʻu’s most relaxed and visually rewarding dive sites, making it a favourite for both newer divers and those wanting a slower-paced dive.

Starting right from the surface and descending to around 15-20 m (49-66 ft), this site is perfect for extended bottom time and easy exploration.

The reef is densely packed with healthy hard and soft corals, creating a colourful underwater landscape that feels alive at every depth. Thanks to its conditions, Coral Garden is also suitable for colder water diving, making it a comfortable and enjoyable option year-round.

To explore Coral Garden safely and get the most out of the site, dive with AX-Factor Dive, whose local knowledge ensures you hit the best sections at the right time.

4. Fingers, Vava’u

Fingers is a dramatic dive site known for its canyon-like underwater formations and varied terrain. Ranging from 5-25 m (16-82 ft), it offers something different at every depth, from coral-covered ridges to narrow swim-throughs and small caves.

As you weave through the “fingers” of reef, keep an eye out for large Napoleon wrasse cruising past and white-tip reef sharks resting along the sandy patches.

The mix of structure and marine life makes this an exciting dive for intermediate and advanced divers.

For the best experience at Fingers, dive with AX-Factor Dive, who know how to navigate the site’s topography while maximising wildlife encounters.

5. AX-Factor Dive House Reef, Vava’u

Starting with a sandy bottom dotted with isolated coral, the AX-Factor Dive House Reef slopes gradually westward to 33 m (108 ft), where dense and delicate coral formations create a stunning underwater landscape.

At night, these coral glow with fluorescent colours, making this the home of the famous “Disco Night Dive“.

You’ll encounter nudibranchs, sea snakes, butterfly and angelfish, Picasso triggerfish, anemones with their clownfish companions, barracuda and moray eels.

The healthy coral and diverse marine life make this an excellent dive for spotting the smaller creatures that often go unnoticed.

This site is best dived with AX-Factor Dive, who operate directly from the reef and are known for delivering one of Vavaʻu’s most memorable night diving experiences.

6. Playground, Vava’u

Playground lives up to its name with a fun, shallow layout full of swim-throughs, coral bommies and sandy channels. It’s an excellent site for divers who enjoy exploring nooks and crannies without going too deep.

One of Playground’s standout features is its high likelihood of white-tip reef sharks, earning it the nickname “shark house.” Juvenile sharks are often spotted here, adding to the excitement while still keeping the dive relaxed and accessible.

With its mix of structure and marine life, Playground is ideal for underwater photographers and anyone wanting a visually engaging dive.

AX-Factor Dive regularly dives this site and knows exactly where to find its most photogenic corners.

7. Cathedral Cave, ‘Eua

This cave under the island of ‘Eua is something else! An underwater cathedral extends 100 m (330 ft) long and 50 m (165 ft) wide at 30 m (100 ft) deep below the island.

Join one of the dive operators from Tongatapu to reach this amazing cave to explore with healthy corals and schools of cardinalfish, butterflyfish, sweetlips and more.

Check out operators to dive with to this location in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours on Tongatapu.

8. China Town, Vava’u

Coral has been inspired by Chinese architecture at this dive site near Tu’uangasika Island in Vava’u! This intriguing dive site is home to all sorts of colourful critters, from multi-coloured tubeworms to bright red anemones.

Clownfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish and more and calling anemone home, while the tunnels and crevices hide more amazing marine life to spot along the way.

Check out dive operators that go to this site in The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.

9. Hot Spring Cave, Ha’apai

The island group of Ha’apai also holds an array of amazing dive sites, starting with Hot Spring Cave. With an underwater hydrothermal vent gushing into the cooler cavern waters, this is a dive you’re unlikely to forget!

Aside from temperature changes, the dive site also offers sponges and corals just before diving into the 22 m (72 ft) cave entrance which then has a depth of 15-30 m (49-98 ft).

See more Ha’apai dive sites in our list of the 5 Best Dive Sites in Ha’apai.

10. J-Caves, Ha’apai

Ha’apai’s other epic dive site is J-Caves with a depth of 28 m (92 ft). Enjoy amazing swim-throughs, huge overhangs and winding tunnels at this diverse dive site.

An array of coral can be admired along the way, where it’s possible to spot eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks, as well as critters like whip coral shrimps and bubble coral orangutan.

11. Hunga Magic, Vava’u

You might just be lucky enough to experience some real magic at this reef amidst humpback whale calving grounds between July and October.

Otherwise, Hunga Magic in Vava’u offers a pretty reef dive site with all sorts of coral, including leather coral, carnation corals, stone corals and more.

12. Twin Caves, Vava’u

Twin Caves is a more dramatic dive site, starting at around 10 m (32.8 ft) before dropping off to depths of 30 m (98 ft) or more. The twin cave entrances, combined with coral-covered walls, create a striking underwater scene.

Reef fish are abundant throughout the site, and lucky divers may spot pelagic species cruising past the drop-off. The changing depths and terrain make this a rewarding dive for confident, experienced divers.

To dive Twin Caves safely and confidently, go with AX-Factor Dive, whose experienced guides ensure you explore the site’s best features while managing depth and conditions.

13. Hunga Magic, Vava’u

You might just be lucky enough to experience some real magic at this reef amidst humpback whale calving grounds between July and October.

Otherwise, Hunga Magic in Vava’u offers a pretty reef dive site with all sorts of coral, including leather coral, carnation corals, stone corals and more.

14. Outer Reef, Tongatapu

In comparison to Tonga’s other island groups, Tongatapu certainly has fewer options when it comes to dive sites.

Nevertheless, if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Nuku’alofa, hop on a dive boat to the Outer Reef where you’ll get the opportunity to check out beautiful underwater canyons, caves and drop-offs with a wide array of large fish, whether it’s trevallies, barracuda or even reef sharks.

Rays, turtles, and bright schools of parrotfish, damsels and butterflyfish are also often seen.

Operators to dive with to this location can be found in the 5 Best Dive Shops & Operators in Tonga.

15. Swallows Cave, Vava’u

Finally, a popular spot for both snorkelling and scuba diving, Swallows Cave is a cool dive site in Vava’u.

Join thousands of small fish creating amazing patterns in the cave with a few larger fish in the mix. Beams of light shine through the entrance and a depth of only 18 m (59 ft), making for some amazing dive photography.

More About the Dive Sites in Tonga

That’s it for our list of the best dive sites in Tonga but it’s by no means the end of our advice on scuba diving in The Kingdom. Take a look at the following articles for more essential scuba tips:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Tonga and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tonga Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Tonga Ministry of Tourism (FAQs about visiting Tonga - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Revenue & Customs (Customs and immigration contacts - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Forests and Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Infrastructure (Land and aviation transport info - Updated [2025])
Tonga Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Tonga Statistics Department (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Tonga Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Lopini) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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