Guided Snorkelling Adventures in Tonga
Don’t settle for mediocre snorkelling from your resort’s beach. Get to the good stuff by jumping on one of the snorkelling tours in Tonga! Float over shallow coral reefs, swim into incredible caves and hop from island to island as part of one of the many snorkelling boat tours available in “The Kingdom”.
Most of the time, snorkelling tours provide the gear so you just need to bring some reef-safe sunscreen and a sense of adventure. Check out some of our top picks for Tonga snorkelling tours in the list below.
Note that some of the operators listed below do not provide their standard snorkelling tours during the whale season. On the other hand, many whale swimming tours still visit snorkelling spots with lots of coral and fish.
See the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga, should you be visiting Tonga during the whale season.
Table of Contents
1. Riki Tiki Tours (Vava’u)
Join Riki for a personalised snorkelling tour in Vava’u. Departing from the wharf outside of the Mango Cafe, Riki Tiki Tours offers snorkelling trips to Swallows’ Cave and the Coral Gardens or wherever else you like – he’s a pretty relaxed guy.
It’s best to head down to the wharf to book face-to-face (before 9 am or after 4 pm) or with one of the local accommodations when you arrive, as he doesn’t check his emails.
Wetsuits and snorkelling gear are included in the tour but bring your own snacks/lunch. Riki operates his tours all year round – even during the whale season!
Book your adventure today through Riki Tiki Tours’ website and explore the best sites with ease, comfort and expert guidance!
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com2. Deep Blue Diving (Tongatapu)
Outside of the whale season, Deep Blue Diving offers snorkelling tours to the breathtaking ‘Atata Island within Tongatapu‘s inner reef.
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.
These flexible half-day tours stop at several reefs around the island, giving you plenty of opportunities to spot colourful marine life in different spots. Deep Blue includes all the snorkelling gear you’ll need, as well as snacks and lunch (which varies between curry, chicken nuggets and other tasty options).
See more snorkelling opportunities from Tonga’s main island in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours on Tongatapu.
Location: Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Ha’apai Beach Resort (Ha’apai)
On the shores of the main island of Ha’apai, Ha’apai Beach Resort provides snorkelling tours from Lifuka. Join the crew for one of their snorkelling trips by boat with all of the snorkelling gear and snacks included.
No two trips are the same, so there’s plenty of scope to see different spots if you happen to want to join a snorkelling trip multiple times during your visit.
Tours depart from the main wharf in Pangai, making this a good option for travellers staying on Ha’apai’s main island (or Ha’apai Beach Resort itself).
Note that snorkelling trips are only available outside of the whale season.
Location: Taufa’ahau Wharf, Pangai, Lifuka, Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Sea Change Eco Retreat (Ha’apai)
Another option for snorkelling tours in Ha’apai is with Sea Change Eco Retreat on Uoleva Island. Not only do they offer complimentary use of snorkelling gear to explore the waters directly outside of the resort, but they also do snorkelling boat trips when boats are available.
Only a minimum of two is needed for this snorkel tour to go ahead, which also includes tea/coffee and biscuits to keep you going.
Note that snorkelling tours are only available during May and June before the whale season.
Learn more about snorkelling tours in this island group in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours in Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Pangaimotu Island Day Trip (Tongatapu)
Catch the boat from Faua Wharf to Pangaimotu Island (also known as King’s Island) for a laid-back day of snorkelling, beachcombing and relaxing under the palms. This family-run operation keeps things simple, providing boat access and bathroom and seating facilities, but the beauty of this trip is in its flexibility.
Bring your own food, drinks and snorkelling gear (limited gear is available, but we recommend bringing your own). The island can be walked around in about 45 minutes, but the real highlight is the snorkelling. Head to the shipwreck, the mabe pearl farm or the reef on the southwest side at mid to high tide, just ask the operators for directions when you arrive.
Boats depart on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Wednesday and Saturday departures leave at 11 am, while Sunday times are flexible between 10 am and 12 pm. Return times are flexible throughout the day, a bell rings when it’s time to head back.
For weekday visits or guaranteed trips, book in advance through the Tonga Tourism Authority at the Visitor Information Fale to meet minimum numbers.
Location: Boats depart from Faua Wharf (behind Ngutulei Restaurant), Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Blue Water Retreat (‘Eua)
For something a little more specialised, try snorkelling or freediving with Blue Water Retreat. Based on the island of ‘Eua, the accommodation and adventure tour specialist offers snorkelling trips to the outer reefs of this ancient island.
Jump on one of their custom-built charter vessels for an epic day out, which you can also mix with spearfishing.
Note that trip availability may be limited during the whale season, but snorkelling outside of the reef can be incorporated into whale tours on request.
Learn more about their whale tours in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga, as well as their accommodation in The Top 25 Resorts in Tonga.
Location: Tufuvai, west coast of ‘Eua.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Hakula Lodge (Vava’u)
When they’re not running one of their popular fishing charters, Hakula Lodge takes their guests onboard the Monu’la for scenic cruises and snorkelling.
Visit highlights like the Coral Gardens and Swallow’s Cave, which both offer awesome snorkelling as described in the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Tonga.
You’ll also stop by gorgeous island beaches, such as Port Maurelle on Kapa Island and Nuku Island.
Note that you may need to bring your own snorkelling gear, so be sure to inquire first.
Plus, learn more about the accommodation in the 10 Best Lodges in Tonga.
Location: Tours depart from Hakula Lodge, Toula village just south of Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Puataukanave Hotel (Vava’u)
Outside of the whale season, Puataukanave Hotel runs snorkelling tours in Vava’u. Their snorkelling tours hit the hotspots, like the already mentioned, Swallows’ Cave and Nuku Island, while also taking you to a few “hidden treasures”.
They also offer island picnics and the option to do some longline fishing along the way, so be sure to let them know if you want to experience these additions. Snorkelling gear, including wetsuits, can be provided.
What’s more, their modern boats are some of the most comfortable on this list, with luxuries like a toilet and shower onboard.
For more tours in the same island group, check out the 5 Best Snorkelling Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from outside Puataukanave Hotel, on the waterfront between the small boat marina and Fangafoa Marina, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Beluga Diving (Vava’u)
Providing snorkelling tours exclusively as private charters outside of the whale season, Beluga Diving is worth considering only if your trip meets certain conditions.
The whale-watching and dive operator has all the equipment for a comfortable snorkelling experience.
All the gear is provided on their boat tours out to their favourite snorkelling spots. Snorkelling trips require a minimum of six to eight paying customers and only operate from November to June.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Tanoa Expeditions (Tongatapu)
Finally, as mentioned, another way to experience a guided snorkelling tour in Tonga is on a whale swimming tour. A fantastic location to mix whale swimming and snorkelling over coral from uninhabited islands is Tongatapu.
Whale swimming tours with Tanoa Expeditions are full-day adventures (approximately seven hours), departing at 8:30 am after you meet at the office at 7:30 am to get fitted for wetsuits and fins. With a crew of three people, including a guide, captain and deck hand, you’ll have more support than most whale swimming tours in Tonga.
The boats accommodate a maximum of eight to nine people, ensuring an intimate experience. Between whale encounters, there’s often time for island-hopping and snorkelling stops, plus lunch served on a deserted island. All snorkelling gear, wetsuits, fins, towels, snacks, water and sunscreen are included.
Learn more about their whale swimming tour in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga.
Location: Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Snorkelling Tours in Tonga
That’s it for the best snorkelling tours in Tonga. For more tips to plan the ultimate snorkelling holiday, take a look at the following:
- The Guide to Snorkelling in Tonga
- 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga
- 5 Best Dive Shops & Operators in Tonga
Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to 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.
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