The Best Resorts in Tonga for Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Anyone that knows anything about Tonga knows about the incredible underwater experiences The Kingdom has to offer. From snorkelling with Humpback Whales to diving under huge coral arches, a snorkelling or scuba diving holiday in Tonga certainly takes these watersports to the next level. If your main goal when coming to Tonga is to spend your days snorkelling and/or scuba diving, then these are the best resorts to choose from. We’ve compiled our top picks in this list of the best resorts for snorkelling and diving in Tonga.
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.
1. Matafonua Lodge
Matafonua Lodge provides the best of both worlds with its own PADI dive centre and snorkelling at a marine reserve right on its doorstep. Stay in one of the timber-constructed fales with woven panelling on the beach where you’ll step straight onto your playground each morning, whether it’s to snorkel from the beach or jump on the diving boat to the next exciting Ha’apai dive site. The boutique resort at the sandy tip of Foa Island also features a cafe/restaurant and a wealth of other watersports and cultural activities.
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(c) Matafonua Lodge2. Sandy Beach Resort
The sister resort to Matafonua Lodge, the Sandy Beach Resort is more for the discerning traveller with its modern bungalows on the beach. They use the same PADI dive centre as Matafonua, while also giving guests the opportunity to snorkel at another side of the marine reserve just off the beach. The resort has a fine dining restaurant, while it also has access to all of the SUP, cultural tours, bike hire and fishing charters that are offered at Matafonua. Check out more resorts in the area in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
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(c) Sandy Beach Resort3. The Reef Resort
Just five exclusive fales scatter the hillside and beachfront of The Reef Resort on Kapa Island. Guests at this resort in Vava’u not only have snorkelling straight off the beach and at the nearby hotspots like Swallows Cave and the Japanese Coral Gardens, but the resort also works closely with Dive Tonga to bring you diving lessons and recreational dives in Vava’u’s vividly clear waters. Between dives, you can enjoy gourmet dining from internationally-acclaimed chefs, a variety of watersports or simply relaxing. Check out more resorts in the area in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
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(c) The Reef Resort Vava'u4. Tongan Beach Resort
Another resort in Vava’u that works closely with Dive Tonga is the Tongan Beach Resort. Set on the sandy shores of the Port of Refuge, there is some interesting snorkelling off the beach which also provides a setting for lessons and night dives with Dive Tonga. Alternatively, jump on a dive boat straight from the resort to explore some of Vava’u’s exciting dive sites, including China Town and the Clan MacWilliam wreck. As for the accommodation, stay in one of the 12 beachfront units with options for couples and families.
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(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Ha’apai Beach Resort
Home to an SSI dive centre, the Ha’apai Beach Resort is a fantastic base for a dive holiday in Ha’apai. Dive lessons, recreational dives and night dives are all on the menu, while snorkelling can also be enjoyed either from shore or on a boat trip. The resort have five bungalows, each with several guest rooms for a more affordable stay in Ha’apai. Dine at the resorts on-site restaurant or venture into town using the resort’s free bike hire.
(c) Pixabay6. Fafa Island Resort
An island resort conveniently close to the main island, Tongatapu, Fafa Island Resort is a good base for both snorkelling and scuba diving. Snorkelling can be enjoyed directly from the beach or with one of the resort’s snorkelling boat trips. Alternatively, dive operators in Tongatapu can pick you up from the resort should you want to amp up your underwater experience. As for accommodation, stay in one of the 13 fales scattered across the palm-filled island, each constructed and decorated with island elegance. Check out more resorts nearby in the 10 Best Resorts in Tongatapu.
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(c) tongapocketguide.com7. Mounu Island Resort
A private island resort in the island group of Vava’u, the Mounu Island Resort offers both spectacular snorkelling from the beach and scuba diving with dive operators in Vava’u. Whether you’re an experienced diver looking for the next exciting site or want to get your diving qualification straight from the beach, the resort will find an operator to suit. Alternatively, if you want to remain on the water’s surface, the resort can arrange boat tours to snorkelling hotspots around Vava’u. Meanwhile, you’ll also stay in one of the resorts four high-ceiling fales and dine at their restaurant elevated over the beach.
(c) tongapocketguide.com8. Mala Island Resort
Mala Island Resort is one of the best islands for a snorkelling holiday in Vava’u, especially at there are some amazing reefs just 3m (10ft) off the beach. It’s also one of the closest resorts to the Japanese Coral Gardens. The resort can also arrange scuba diving with one of the local dive operators. Stay in one of the five fales on the island, each traditionally decorated with Tongan tapa paintings and woven panels.
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(c) tongapocketguide.com9. Ha’atafu Beach Resort
An easy beach resort experience to get to in Tonga, the Ha’atafu Beach Resort sits on the western shores of Tongatapu. Not only that, but the resort has a marine reserve on its doorstep ideal for snorkelling and making use of the complimentary snorkelling gear provided. The resort offers a selection of modern fales, from standard to premium to family options. The all-inclusive resort has food sorted for you, while additional activities like surfing and fishing can also be arranged.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism10. Ovava Tree Lodge
While the Ovava Tree Lodge might not offer scuba diving or snorkelling straight from the shores of the rugged island of ‘Eua, it is run by Tongatapu dive company, Deep Blue Diving, who can take you whale swimming and scuba diving as part of your stay. Dive into the gargantuan Cathedral Cave and stay in one of the lodge’s quaint timber-lined guest rooms, connected to the dining fale by an elevated boardwalk in the trees. Check out more accommodation nearby in the 6 Best Resorts in ‘Eua.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismMore About the Best Resorts for Snorkelling and Diving in Tonga
- 10 Best Resorts for Snorkelling in Tonga
- 5 Best Dive Resorts in Tonga
- The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga
That’s it for the best resorts for snorkelling and diving in Tonga. 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.
