Accommodations with Kayaks in Tonga
A good indication for a place to stay in Tonga where you can sleep, eat and play is whether there are kayaks available. Kayaks are often a standard of accommodations with fantastic coastlines to explore, shallow reefs to glide over and often places to stop off for a snorkel. So when it comes to resorts for kayaking in Tonga, what are your best options? We go through some of our favourites in the list below!
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country with some services that accommodations provide changing with little notice. While we try to keep our accommodation listings up-to-date, know that some services may have changed. If you have an update, feel free to reach out.
For a more complete list of accommodations with kayaks, check out The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga.
1. Mounu Island Resort
Not only is the Mounu Island Resort a stunning piece of paradise in Vava’u, but it’s a place to stay where you can kayak to destinations with a purpose. The boutique resort has two standard single kayaks and one double kayak, which guests can make use of to paddle around Mounu Island or even venture to the neighbouring Ovalau Island which takes around 20 minutes. The resort can even arrange a picnic to take with you. When you get back, there will be the resort’s elevated restaurant on the beach waiting for you, as well as a comfortable bed in your island-style Tonga fale. Check out more resorts in the area in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
(c) Pixabay2. Matafonua Lodge
Located on the sandy tip of Foa Island in the Ha’apai island group, Matafonua Lodge is a water sports paradise. Aside from stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and whale swimming, Matafonua Lodge is also excellent for kayaking. Kayak hire is free for guests, which is an enjoyable way of exploring the resort’s house reef that spans 400m (1,310ft). A great trip also awaits with a paddle across to the uninhabited Nuku Nuku Island. As for the accommodation, Matafouna Lodge has a small selection of elevated freestanding fales with shared bathroom facilities. Learn more about Matafonua Lodge in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
Check Matafonua Lodge out:
(c) Matafonua Lodge3. Ha’atafu Beach Resort
On the idyllic beaches of western Tongatapu, Ha’atafu Beach Resort offers guests free use of their sea kayaks to explore their lagoon. Ha’atafu Beach is a marine reserve and a popular surf beach, so there are lots going on here that you can explore on the single and double kayaks available. They are also one of the few resorts with children’s lifejackets available. Other features that make this resort a good family option is their Family Fales, while groups and couples will also find their own piece of paradise in the Standard Fales in tropical gardens or Premium Fales on the beach. Check out more resorts in the area in the 10 Best Resorts in Tongatapu.
(c) Pxhere.com4. Fanifo Lofa Kitesurf Tonga
Another fantastic boutique resort in Ha’apai, Fanifo Lofa Kitesurf Tonga might mainly focus on kitesurfing but the kayaking is pretty exceptional too. Kayaks are available for guests free of charge to make the most of the nearby uninhabited islands from Uoleva Island. Kayaking at Uoleva Island’s lagoon, a short paddle away from the resort, is another fun option on Ha’apai’s calm waters. In between kayaking excursions, relax in your eco-friendly fale made with natural timers and using solar power.
(c) Pixabay5. The Reef Resort
In Vava’u, stay on Kapa Island at The Reef Resort with just four exclusive fales, two in their own quiet corner of a hillside and two on the beach. You’re in one of the best places to kayak to top snorkelling spots in Vava’u, such as Swallows Cave and the Japanese Coral Gardens. You might also want to venture to the stunning bay of Port Mourelle with one of the complimentary sea kayaks for guests.
Check The Reef Resort out:
(c) Pxhere.com6. Tongan Beach Resort
A beachfront resort easily accessible by road from the main island of Vava’u, the Tongan Beach Resort is a good choice for doing a bit of kayaking. They have a selection of double and single kayaks to make use of where you can explore the Port of Refuge. They also have snorkelling gear and bicycles for guests to use too. As for accommodation, there are 12 guest rooms all facing the beach with options for couples to families. The central resort restaurant is also a popular hangout for guests.
Check Tongan Beach Resort out:
(c) tongapocketguide.com7. Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers
A locally-run resort for those on a budget, the Beautiful Ofu Island Backpackers also offers kayaking, as well as affordable island tours. Ofu Island is well located for kayaking to some of the surrounding islands where there are places to snorkel along the way. Resort fales are basic, but you’ll hardly complain about the location on a stunning island with tropical gardens and sweeping beaches. Check out more budget options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Vava’u.
(c) Pixabay8. Heilala Holiday Lodge
Back to Tongatapu, Heilala Holiday Lodge offers another option for kayaking at Ha’atafu Beach and the neighbouring Kanokupolu Beach. Paddle across the lagoon, taking your snorkel set with you to check out the fish and coral in the marine reserve. While snorkel gear and bike rentals, for instance, are free for guests, there is a small fee for kayak hire. You’ll likely have the budget for it if you stay in one of their affordable standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Alternatively, there are private ensuite fales, apartments and a holiday home.
Check Heilala Holiday Lodge out:
(c) Heilala Holiday Lodge9. Sea Change Eco Retreat
Whale swimming, private island excursions, yoga sessions, scuba diving, massages and snorkelling are all part of the experience at the Sea Change Eco Retreat on Uoleva Island in Ha’apai. Part of the offering also includes the use of complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the crystal clear waters surrounding the resort. It’s just one way to connect with nature, not that staying in one of their off-the-grid eco-fales and glamping tents nestled in coastal forest doesn’t already help with that.
(c) Pixabay10. Mystic Sands
Another easy-to-reach accommodation in Vava’u, Mystic Sands has you all set up for watersports, with snorkelling gear and double and single kayaks available free of charge. The resort has a good selection of affordable modern guest rooms with self-catering options available to also help keep the costs low. Kayaking in the harbour takes you to some interesting snorkelling spots.
Check Mystic Sands out:
(c) Mystic SandsMore About the Best Resorts for Kayaking in Tonga
- The Best Kayak Tours in Tonga
- 10 Best Resorts for Snorkelling in Tonga
- 10 Tips for Your First Time Kayaking in Tonga
That’s it for the best resorts in Tonga for kayaking. See more amazing stays in The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
