Scuba Diving Companies in Tonga
We admit when it comes to water experiences in Tonga, the humpback whales kind of take all of the limelight. One of the biggest mistakes visitors make when jetting off to Tonga is overlooking the scuba diving. Stunning coral gardens, tunnels, swim-through, caves, pinnacles and wrecks make up the seascape of Tonga, which combined with the 30m (100ft) visibility and warm sea temperatures (21-28C / 69.8-82.4F) make for some idyllic diving. Not to mention the biodiversity here seems almost out of this world, ranging from the tiniest colourful nudibranchs to (did we mention?) the 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 in this list of scuba diving tours in Tonga.
For more scuba talk, take a look at the 6 Tonga Scuba Diving Tips.
1. Dive Tonga
A five-star PADI dive centre in Vava’u, Dive Tonga is a well-established dive company. Dive Tonga offers a range of PADI dive courses, intro dives and recreational dives to suit a range of skills and qualifications. Unlike some of the other dive companies in Vava’u, Dive Tonga are open year-round, taking you to some of their favourite dive sites in Vava’u – many of which are listed in the 10 Best Dive Sites in Vava’u. Recreational dive trips typically include two dives, the gear as needed, light refreshments and resort pick-up.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism2. Deep Blue Diving
The main dive operator from Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, and the only dive operator with departures from ‘Eua, Deep Blue Diving gets you exploring the amazing underwater world of southern Tonga. The PADI dive operator offers Intro and Bubblemaker courses for beginners, as well as two-tank recreational dives to wrecks, coral reefs and the famous Cathedral Cave of ‘Eua island. Learn more about Deep Blue Diving in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours on Tongatapu and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in ‘Eua.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism3. Beluga Diving
A popular option in Vava’u is Beluga Diving, conveniently located at the wharf in Neiafu. Beluga Diving is a PADI operator offering two-tank recreational dives and one-tank dives to the Clan McWilliam wreck. Trips include light refreshments to keep the energy levels up between dives. You can learn to dive with the folks at Beluga Diving too with their range of PADI courses available. See how they compare to other dive operators in Vava’u with the 5 Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com4. Matafonua Lodge
A fantastic diving option in the Ha’apai island group, Matafonua Lodge is Ha’apai’s only PADI dive resort. Their powerful dive boat gets you out to far-flung and lesser-visited dive sites in the northern reaches of the island group, such as some magnificent pinnacles. They offer all of the expected PADI dive courses, as well as a range of recreational dives either from shore at their own marine reserve or by boat. Learn more about diving in Ha’apai with The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Ha’apai.
(c) Matafonua Lodge5. Dolphin Pacific Diving
Certified divers looking for their next adventure, look up Dolphin Pacific Diving in Vava’u. The dive operator specialises in two-tank recreational dive trips taking you to the most appropriate site for your experience and ability. They pride themselves on making trips feel relaxed – no rushing – with divers getting to know each other over the included lunch and snacks between dives.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism6. Ha’apai Beach Resort
An SSI dive operator, Ha’apai Beach Resort is based on the main island of the Ha’apai group, Lifuka. Join them for a range of recreational dives, whether from shore by day or night, on their boat to some amazing sites just 20 to 45 minutes away, or something else. They offer a wide range of SSI courses, as well as gear rental and air fill up to 200BAR should you have your own gear.
(c) Pixabay7. Tongan Expeditions
Tongan Expeditions are the Swiss army knife of water activities in Vava’u. Part of their offering is scuba diving, which is certainly taken seriously with their five-star PADI affiliation. PADI diving courses, two-tank dives, whale swimming tours, fishing charters: you name it, they do it. Their recreational dives include the full rental equipment, as well as hot drinks and snacks to keep you going.
(c) Pixabay8. Riki Tiki Tours
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, based by the Mango Cafe in Neiafu, offers boat transport and gear rental for diving in Vava’u all year round. The boat holds up to six people only.
(c) tongapocketguide.com9. Blue Water Explorer
For something a little more specialised, try freediving with Blue Water Explorer. Based in Tongatapu, Blue Water Explorer offers freediving trips to Cathedral Cave at ‘Eua providing the conditions are suitable. Jump on one of their two custom-built charter vessels for an epic day our, which you can also mix with spearfishing.
(c) Blue Water ExplorerMore About Scuba Diving Tours in Tonga
- The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga
- 5 Best Places to Scuba in Tonga
- 9 Best Snorkelling Tours in Vava’u
That’s it for the best scuba diving tours in Tonga. Inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
