Island Tours from Nuku’alofa
Explore the island of Tongatapu or discover its idyllic off-shore islands with one of the island day trips from Nuku’alofa. A six-hour excursion can take you to see all of the main hotspots around Tongatapu or you can jump on a boat from Faua Wharf to one of the nearby island resorts to spend the day however you like. The great thing is, most of these tours operate on a Sunday when the rest of the country closes down. Some islands even do more boat departures on a Sunday – see more Tongan Sunday inspiration here. So, see the sights and explore the gorgeous islands around Tongatapu by taking one of these island tours from Nuku’alofa.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Guide to Nuku’alofa on a Budget.
1. Day Trip to The Royal Sunset Island Resort
Take a Day Trip to Royal Sunset Island Resort on Atata Island to get a taste of the idyllic islands of Tonga. After a 15-20-minute boat trip from Faua Wharf, you’ll arrive on the island to a welcome drink before having the whole day to enjoy the island as you like, whether it’s kayaking, swimming in the outdoor pool, walking to the island’s village and meeting the locals, sunbathing on the beach or snorkelling at the nearby reef. Learn more about the accommodation on the islands in 10 Best Resorts on Tongatapu.
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(c) Royal Sunset Island Resort
2. Day Trip to Pangaimotu Island Resort
Catch the Pangaimotu Island boat from Faua Wharf for a day of sand, sea and (hopefully) sun! Also known as King’s Island, Pangaimotu Island is home to the Pangaimotu Island Resort where you can spend the day snorkelling at the reef, playing beach volleyball, walking along the beach, having lunch at Big Mama’s Yacht Club or trying out the rope swing into the ocean. You can book the boat trip or simply catch the boat from Faua Wharf at 10am. On Sundays, the boat departs at 10am, 12pm and 1pm and returns at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Check the Tour to Pangaimotu Island Resort out:
(c) Pangaimotu Island Resort
3. Day Trip to Fafa Island Resort
There’s no need to get up too early, as the trip to Fafa Island Resort doesn’t depart until 11am! After a 30-minute scenic boat ride, you’ll arrive on Fafa Island where you can enjoy an island walk and safe swimming and snorkelling guarded by coral reefs. As a protected marine area, the snorkelling here is excellent. The Fafa Island Resort Day Tour also includes lunch with two choices on the island resort’s board menu and an ice cream dessert. Bottled water is also provided on the boat transfer. The boat returns to Nuku’aloda at 4pm.
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(c) Fafa Island Resort
4. Tongatapu Highlights Tour
For a day exploring the main sights of Tongatapu, join Jones Travel for one of their Tongatapu Highlights Tours. The six-hour experience combines royal sites, natural attractions, flying foxes, historic sites and more around the island. After a hotel pick-up at 10am, you’ll get a comprehensive city tour of Nuku’alofa before heading across Tongatapu’s western and eastern sides. Pick-ups and drop-offs can also be arranged from the western and eastern sides if you’re not staying in Nuku’alofa. Learn more about the sights in Tongatapu with our 10 Things to Do in Tongatapu.
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(c) Jones Travel
5. Tongatapu Island Tour
One of the most affordable Tongatapu island tours is available with Tonga Holiday Villa Island Tours. Half-day and full-day tours are available with a local guide taking you to see highlights, such as the Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon, Captain Cook’s Landing Place, ‘Anahulu Cave, Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes, as well as sights across Nuku’alofa if you choose. The tour also includes bottled water and tropical fruits and refreshments throughout the tour.
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(c) Tonga Holiday Villa Island Tour
6. Tongatapu Top 10 Sights Tour
The Tongatapu Top 10 Sights Tour with Tonga Travel Troupe is a six-hour tour of the main sights of the islands. See the Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, the Ancient Royal Tombs of Lapaha, Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon, Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge, the Three-Headed Coconut Tree, Tsunami Rock, Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes, Abel Tasman Landing Site and Ha’atafu Beach. The tour also includes hotel pick-up, as well as a local Tongan lunch!
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(c) Tonga Travel Troupe
7. Whale Swimming Tours
Finally, get out on the water for the day on one of the many whale tours available from Faua Wharf in Nuku’alofa. During the whales season, July to October, there’s the opportunity to go on a boat trip in search of humpback whales to snorkel with them. Part of the itinerary is stopping on a small island, usually Tau Island or Malinoa Island, for snorkelling at coral bommies and for lunch. Check out the whale tours in our 8 Best Whale Tours from Nuku’alofa.
(c) tongapocketguide.comMore About Island Day Trips from Nuku’alofa
