The Top Scuba Diving Companies in Vava’u
Practical Advice from Our Personal Experiences
Crystal clear waters, stunning reef systems, drop-offs, swim-throughs, caves, tunnels, wrecks… Vava’u has variety. Mix it with unbelievable visibility and you have the perfect blend of conditions for scuba diving.
There are around 170 marine species in Vava’u’s waters, including turtles, sharks, large pelagics, parrotfish, eagle rays, manta rays, moray eels, nudibranchs and much much more!
Although most dive operators in Vava’u have switched to focusing solely on whale swimming during the whale season, there are still a couple of dive operators eager to show you this place in paradise. Compare your options with this list of scuba diving tours in Vava’u.
Note that Vava’u currently does not have operators who can provide dive courses. See The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga to learn more about alternative options in Tonga.
Side note: Our tips come from travel writers who have genuinely visited Vava’u, not copied or generated by AI. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.
Table of Contents
AX-Factor Dive
Dive into adventure with AX-Factor Dive, the only SSI Dive Centre in Tonga! Their dive shop overlooking the sheltered waters of Koko Bay provides direct access to Tonga’s premier wreck dive and UV-light night dive experiences.
They offer three distinct dive experiences: explore the impressive 100-year-old “Historic Clan MacWilliam Wreck” (perfect for experienced divers and advanced certifications), enjoy “Two Tank Island Dives” with a choice of stunning reefs, walls and coral gardens, or discover a whole new fluorescent world with their specialty “UV Light Night Dive”.
They emphasise customised tours and personal service, with groups limited to four divers max. With safe diving practices and flexible dive sites tailored to your interests and certification levels, you’re in experienced hands with dive master Axel, an instructor for 25+ years.
Book your dive on AX-Factor Dive‘s website.
Location: Tours depart from Toula, ‘Utu Vava’u. Approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of Neiafu.
© TongaPocketGuide.comRiki Tiki Tours
The only dive operator available all year round (even taking divers out during the whale season), Riki Tiki Tours offers boat transport and equipment hire for divers. Found at the wharf by the Mango Restaurant and Bar, Riki can take you to the best scuba diving sites to suit your abilities (for certified divers only) and that are best suited to the conditions.
Riki offers small group tours of up to six people on the boat at one time. Bring your own water, lunch, etc.
Book your adventure today through Riki Tiki Tours’ website and explore the best sites with ease, comfort and expert guidance!
His snorkelling trips are also very popular, which you can learn more about in the 5 Best Snorkelling Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Restaurant and Bar), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.comBeluga Diving
A long-established dive centre in Vava’u, Beluga Diving provides a number of exciting dive trips for certified divers. They offer two-tank boat dives with equipment rental as required, as well as a one-tank wreck dive.
Diving trips include light refreshments of tea, coffee and fruit. However, tours require a minimum of five people on the boat for trips to go ahead.
Beluga Diving only operates scuba diving trips outside of the whale season. Otherwise, they also run whale tours and accommodation at the Flying Annie Moa, which you can learn more about in Where to Stay in Vava’u: The Best Accommodations.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Restaurant and Bar), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.comDive Tonga
Based at Tongan Beach Resort, Dive Tonga operates a five-star PADI dive shop and is well worth considering for your dive trip in Vava’u.
Each day includes two-tank fun dives exploring caverns, reefs, pinnacles, northside spots and wall dives at sites including No Worries, Split Rock, China Town, Sea Fans, Swallows’ Cave and Pelagic Pinnacle. All dive gear is provided as required, and light refreshments are served during the surface interval.
PADI courses are available year-round, along with try dives for beginners and refresher courses for returning divers. Shore dives and night dives with UV lights are also on offer.
With a maximum of four divers per guide and on-water pick-up from local resorts available, you’ll receive personalised attention throughout your experience. Group discounts are available for parties of three or more on selected activities.
Check out more snorkelling tours in Vava’u here.
Location: Tongan Beach Resort, ‘Utungake, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Dive Shops and Scuba Diving Operators in Vava’u
That’s it for our list of dive shops and scuba diving operators in Vava’u. Learn more about scuba diving in Vava’u in the following guides:
- 5 Best Dive Shops & Operators in Tonga
- The Best Scuba Diving in Vava’u: Top 10 Places to Scuba Dive
- 10 Best Dive Sites in Tonga
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Vava’u.
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.
