The Top Scuba Diving Companies in Tonga
Practical Advice from Our Personal Experiences
We admit when it comes to water experiences in Tonga, the humpback whales kind of take the limelight. One of the biggest mistakes visitors make when jetting off to Tonga is overlooking scuba diving. Stunning coral gardens, tunnels, swim-throughs, caves, pinnacles and wrecks make up the seascape of Tonga, which combined with the 30 m (100 ft) visibility and warm sea temperatures (21-28°C/70-82°F) make for some idyllic diving. Not to mention, the biodiversity here seems almost out of this world, ranging from the tiniest colourful nudibranchs to the most magnificent whales! So, if you’re dreaming about diving in Tonga, who should you go with? We go through some of the top scuba diving companies, dive shops and operators in Tonga in this list!
While you’re here, don’t forget to bookmark your complete bible to scuba in this island archipelago, The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga.
Side note: Our tips come from travel writers who have genuinely visited Tonga, not copied or generated by AI. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.
Table of Contents
1. Matafonua Lodge (Ha’apai)
The only dive operator in Ha’apai, Matafonua Lodge (also operating its sister resort, Sandy Beach Resort), is well worth considering for your dive holiday in Tonga.
From affordable beach diving amidst the resort’s 400 m (1,300 ft) house reef and marine reserve to boat dives to the rarely-visited pinnacles in the northern reaches of the island group, Matafonua Lodge has plenty of options for all levels of divers.
They also offer PADI dive courses, which you can learn more about in The Best Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Tours in Ha’apai.
Location: Top of Foa Island, Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. AX-Factor Dive (Vava’u)
Dive into adventure with AX-Factor Dive, the only SSI Dive Center in Tonga! Located just 220 m (241 yards) from the historic dive wreck “Clan McWilliam” in Vava’u, this boutique dive operation offers a unique underwater experience.
They emphasise customised tours and personal service, with groups limited to four divers max.
Don’t miss their night diving speciality, especially with UV lights – it’s like discovering a whole new fluorescent world!
Their custom-built Ally Cat, “Red Dog”, is the perfect diving platform for exploring the harbour and inner islands. With your dive master, Axel, being an instructor for 25+ years, you’re in experienced hands.
Location: Tours depart from Toula, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u. Approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of Neiafu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Deep Blue Diving (Tongatapu)
The main dive operator from Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, Deep Blue Diving gets you exploring the amazing underwater world of southern Tonga.
The 100% locally owned and operated dive shop offers two-tank recreational dives to the inner and outer reefs with all gear supplied, including wetsuits, tanks and BCDs (but it’s always best to bring your own if you have it).
Lunch is provided throughout the day, with options varying between curry, chicken nuggets and other meals, along with refreshments to keep you going.
Note that Deep Blue Diving focuses solely on recreational diving and does not offer certification courses. Also, scuba tours only operate outside of the whale season (so no diving between July and October).
Learn more about Deep Blue Diving in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours on Tongatapu, as well as the sites they hit in the 10 Best Dive Sites in Tonga.
Location: Faua Wharf, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Riki Tiki Tours (Vava’u)
Certified divers, if you need transport and some local knowledge, Riki will take you on a tiki tour to the best dive sites for the conditions. Riki Tiki Tours in Vava’u, offers boat transport and gear rental for diving in Vava’u all year round (even during the whale season).
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!
See how they compare to other dive operators in Vava’u with The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com5. Beluga Diving (Vava’u)
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, and they only operate scuba diving trips outside of the whale season.
Otherwise, they also run whale tours as listed in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Blue Water Retreat (‘Eua)
For something a little more specialised, try freediving with Blue Water Retreat. Based on the island of ‘Eua, the accommodation and adventure tour specialist offers freediving trips to Cathedral Cave providing the conditions are suitable.
Otherwise, there are plenty of amazing sights to be seen across 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.
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.comMore About Scuba Diving Tours, Dive Shops and Operators in Tonga
That’s the end for the best scuba diving tours, dive shops and operators in Tonga but it’s by no means the end of our advice on scuba diving in The Kingdom. Take a look at the following articles for more essential scuba tips:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Scuba Diving in 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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