The Best Scuba Diving in Ha’apai: 10 Best Dive Sites

1. The Arch of Ofalanga

Home to the South Pacific’s biggest known coral arch, The Arch of Ofalanga is an atmospheric dive site that sits 15 miles offshore and is best suited for advanced divers.

Beginning at a depth of 20 m (66 ft), the arch leads divers into “The Shark’s Mouth”, an opening into a dark tunnel inhabited by hundreds of lobsters and shrimps. From there, you’ll explore a three-cavern cave system that makes for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

This dive is very weather dependent, so conditions need to be just right. You can visit this incredible site, along with other five dive sites below, with Matafonua Lodge.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

2. J-Caves

This dive site is as diverse as its marine life, which features a swim-through, huge overhangs, winding tunnels and coral bommies to explore.

At a depth of 28 m (92 ft), most certified divers can give J-Caves a go. It is worth it to possibly see the likes of eagle rays, reef sharks, whip coral shrimps and much much more!

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

3. Hot Spring Cave

An interesting and unique diving experience, Hot Spring Cave is a dive site with a hydrothermal vent gushing hot water into the cooler waters of the cavern.

The cave entrance lies at 25 m (82 ft) with the main chamber taking you to 28 m (92 ft) with a 15 m (49 ft) high ceiling. It’s a cool place to check out, but you might also appreciate the sponges and corals near the entrance.

As one of the most unique sites, we also list this one in the Top 10 Sights in Ha’apai.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

4. Atlantis

A massive reef system that you can visit with Matafonua Lodge, Atlantis is a diver’s paradise stretching from 2 m (6.5 ft) down to 45 m (148 ft).

The site showcases a stunning hard coral garden teeming with life, where you’ll spot clownfish darting among anemones, colourful anthias, moorish idols and fusiliers weaving through the coral formations.

Keep your eyes peeled for midnight snappers, trumpetfish and the occasional tuna cruising by, while reef sharks add a thrilling element to your dive.

The site’s fascinating topography features swim-throughs, overhangs and channels that create an ever-changing underwater landscape, making this one of Ha’apai’s most beloved dive sites.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

5. Eden Rock

If you’re left wanting more in Ha’apai, which has been known to happen, then Eden Rock is sure to satisfy as a good all-round dive. Eden Rock offers an abundance of coral, as well as a few caves and canyons to explore.

Wildlife to observe includes barracuda, grey reef sharks, snapper, turtles and more. This dive has a maximum depth of 30 m (98 ft).

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

6. Benny’s Place

If you’re intrigued by the ocean’s smallest critters, then check out Benny’s Place. Among the gorgeous coral, you’ll be able to look out for mantis shrimps, scribbled pipefish, splendid gobies and more.

There are also some bigger fish to find along the way, from the rumoured leopard shark to the honeycomb moray.

For more dive sites to check out, dive into the 10 Best Dive Sites in Tonga!

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

7. The Bank

A fantastic seamount suitable for divers of all levels, The Bank offers diverse underwater terrain with depths ranging from 6 to 28 m (20 to 92 ft). On one side, you’ll find a sandy area dotted with a mesmerising field of garden eels, while the other features a beautifully overgrown coral bank teeming with life.

Keep an eye out for the resident leopard shark, often found resting in the rubbly channel between these two areas.

The site is also home to various species of butterflyfish, blue-lined snappers, parrotfish, goatfish, needlefish and wrasses, making it a colourful dive you won’t want to miss.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

8. Blake’s Reef

Located about 24 km (15 mi) south of Lifuka, Blake’s Reef is a pristine dive site that showcases why Ha’apai is such a special place to dive.

The uniquely preserved hard coral formations cascade from 5 m (16 ft) down to around 25 m (82 ft), with dramatic edges plunging to 60 m (197 ft).

This site has delivered some truly unforgettable encounters, including rare sightings of great hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

On a typical dive, you’ll regularly spot whitetip sharks, midnight snappers, tuna, barracuda and big schools of butterflyfish and groupers, along with sweetlips, blue trevally, fusiliers and batfish.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

9. Cliffhanger

A dramatic dive site featuring a massive 45° overhang that beckons you to explore its shadowy recesses, Cliffhanger is home to a resident school of goatfish alongside an abundance of Siboga trinchesa nudibranchs.

Wrasses, emperors, groupers, butterflyfish, parrotfish, damselfish, chromis and lizardfish dart energetically throughout the site, while cup corals play host to white-capped anemone shrimps and squat anemone shrimps.

Keep your eyes peeled for the pipefish that call this underwater haven home.

© TongaPocketGuide.com

10. Christmas Reef

This extensive coral garden is perfect for divers of all levels, gently sloping from 6 to 24 m (20 to 79 ft). You’ll find yourself surrounded by schools of goatfish, bigeye soldierfish and plenty of clownfish darting between the corals, along with groupers, red-breasted wrasses and butterflyfish adding splashes of colour.

Keep your eyes on the sandy patches between the reef fingers, this is where you might spot the resident leopard shark or whitetip reef sharks gliding by.

Napoleon wrasses have also been known to make an appearance here, making Christmas Reef a truly rewarding dive.

Matafonua Lodge can arrange visits to Christmas Reef along with Cliffhanger, Blake’s Reef, The Bank, Atlantis, and The Arch of Ofolanga.

© TongaPocketGuide.com