5 Best Dive Resorts in Tonga

The Best Resorts for Scuba Diving in Tonga

Imagine waking up to a new day of scuba diving on some paradise island in Tonga, getting into your gear moments away from your fale (Tongan bungalow) and either diving from shore or hopping on the boat to the next amazing underwater world. Well, in Tonga, there are certainly a few resorts that offer just that, either through their own dive centre or by working closely with a local dive operator. Below, we’ve listed some of the top dive resorts in Tonga. Note, however, that there are other resorts where you can dive in Tonga, they just use external operators – for those, it’s best to start with The Guide to Scuba 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 (Ha’apai)

A boutique resort and activity hub at the sandy tip of Foa Island, Matafonua Lodge has its own PADI dive operation to help you explore the waters of Ha’apai. Dive the Ha’apai caves, reefs and other dive sites by day and stay in one of the resort’s elevated wooden and woven fales on the beach by night at this popular resort in Tonga’s central island group. The resort offers PADI courses and recreational dives with the boat departing metres from your fale, or there are affordable beach dives available at the resort’s marine reserve. Learn more about this accommodation and others in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.

Check Matafonua Lodge out:

2. Sandy Beach Resort (Ha’apai)

The sister resort of Matafonua Lodge, Sandy Beach Resort has access to the same PADI dive centre as Matafonua, giving you an alternative dive resort experience in Ha’apai. Stay in one of the modern fales on the beach with ensuite bathrooms, hot high-pressure showers and other luxuries that Matafonua doesn’t offer. There is an on-site restaurant serving gourmet seafood dishes, cocktails and Tongan beers to reward yourself after a day exploring the stunning pinnacles, coral arches and bommies of Ha’apai’s underwater world. Get your bearings with our guide, Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Accommodations.

Check Sandy Beach Resort out:

3. The Reef Resort (Vava’u)

Although not featuring a dive shop of its own, The Reef Resort works closely with PADI-affiliated dive shops in Vava’u to offer resort transfers in between dives. All-inclusive dive holidays can even be booked through PADI. Your stay? One of the most contemporary and upmarket resorts in Tonga! The resort on Kapa Island is an ample choice for travellers who prefer modern comforts, with five contemporary bungalows scattered among the gardens and directly on the beach, providing a tranquil retreat for guests. Dining is easily the main event here as European Polynesian cuisine is prepared by decorated German or Swiss chefs. Learn more about the resort and where it is in Where to Stay in Vava’u: The Best Accommodations.

Check The Reef Resort out:

3. [UPDATE] Ha’apai Beach Resort

[Update: Ha’apai Beach Resort no longer offers scuba diving as an activity. They still run whale swimming and snorkelling tours, so check out the 10 Best Resorts for Snorkelling in Tonga to learn more.]

Your alternative dive resort in Ha’apai is the Ha’apai Beach Resort, which runs its own SSI dive operation and the only one in Tonga! Get your scuba diving certificate at this boutique resort on Lifuka Island or join them for one of their recreational dives, whether it’s from the boat or straight from the resort. They also offer exciting night dives. As for the accommodation, the Ha’apai Beach Resort has five bungalows lined up in manicured beachfront gardens. Double rooms have a private bathroom, while single rooms have shared facilities. There is also a restaurant on-site.

5. [UPDATE] Tongan Beach Resort

[Update: Dive Tonga is no longer operating in Vava’u and therefore, no longer provides diving affiliations with the Tongan Beach Resort. Alternative Vava’u dive operators can provide transfers from the resort, so check out The Best Dive Shops & Operators in Vava’u.]

An example of a resort in Tonga that is affiliated with an external dive centre, the Tongan Beach Resort in Vava’u works with Dive Tonga to provide dive trips for guests straight from the resort. Learn how to dive from the resort’s beach, where you can also experience night diving, or head out on the boat to discover some of the amazing dive sites in Vava’u, from China Town to the Clan MacWilliam wreck dive. The three-star resort offers 12 beachfront guest rooms for families and couples, as well as an on-site restaurant with a creative cocktail menu. Check out more resorts nearby in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.

Check Tongan Beach Resort out:

More About Dive Resorts in Tonga

That’s it for the best dive resorts in Tonga. For more about planning a dive getaway to the islands, check out the following guides:

Finally, see more amazing stays in The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga and Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.

Author

Laura (Lola) 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.

Contact Laura via our contact page