Fishing Trips on Tongatapu
Up your fishing game in some of the most exciting fishing grounds in the South Pacific! Ok, we might be biased, but the fishing around Tongatapu is incredible due to massive seamounts attracting a wealth of pelagic fish. Plus, the charter skippers from Tongatapu know where the major hotspots are, helping to target species you’ve always dreamed of catching. All of Tongatapu’s fishing charters depart from the capital, Nuku’alofa. However, wherever you stay is never really an issue, as transfers are often included. So check out our top recommended fishing tours on the island in this guide to the best fishing charters in Tongatapu.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Luxury Guide to Nuku’alofa and The Luxury Guide to Tongatapu.
What Types of Fish Can You Fish for From Tongatapu?
What can you expect on your hook after a likely ferocious battle? Here are some of the fish species commonly caught in Tonga:
- Pacific Sailfish
- Wahoo
- Blue Marlin
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Mahimahi
- Giant Trevally
- Dogtooth Tuna
- Coral Trout
- Job Fish
- Maori Wrasse
- Snapper
- Grouper
Find out more about the fish in Tonga’s waters in What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Tonga?
Blue Water Explorer
One of the most comprehensive fishing tour offerings on Tongatapu, Blue Water Explorer is well worth considering for getting out on the water. Hire out one of the operator’s custom-built charter vessels for sports fishing or spearfishing from Nuku’alofa.
The fishing charter is operated by a former nine-times Australian Open Spearfishing champion and has come to learn some major “hotspots” around Tongatapu.
A likely catch includes Sailfish especially, as well as wahoo, blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahimahi and dogtooth tuna.
Blue Water Explorer offers seven-day sports fishing packages and spearfishing charters.
Learn more about spearfishing in Tonga in The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in Tonga.
Deep Blue Diving
Try your luck on the reefs surrounding Tongatapu with Deep Blue Diving. The well-established water activities operator in Nuku’alofa offers a more relaxed fishing experience from Tongatapu.
Join Deep Blue Diving for their reef fishing charters for up to four people. Forget the exhausting sports fishing, this a day to relax yet still feel the excitement of reeling in some tropical fish.
The full-day charters include fishing equipment rental and a light lunch.
South Seas Charters
Hop in on a comfortable 9m (30ft) catamaran for a day out on the water with an expert guide who has been working the waters around Tongatapu for some 25 years.
Part of South Seas Charters offerings is game fishing, where your guide will take you to the key spots for catching the big ones! You’ll head some 40-50km (25-30 miles) from Nuku’alofa to a seamount known for attracting large pelagic fish.
So far, South Seas Charters holds three national records for fish caught on board.
See how these fishing charters compare to the rest of Tonga’s offerings in the 10 Best Fishing Tours in Tonga.
Whale Swim, Fish & Dive
[UPDATE] Due to a major safety incident this operator has seen its license revoked and is no longer operating. If you have booked a tour with this company, please consider one of the other options mentioned in this article.
A popular choice from Faua Wharf in Nuku’alofa, Whale Swim, Fish & Dive offers charters in their 7m (22ft) charter boat, “Tau”. The charter boat is set up for a great day out fishing, including a rocket launcher, six rod holders, a game chair, outrigger poles and more.
Whatever your ability, Whale Swim, Fish & Dive will provide all the guidance necessary to catch the likes of different billfish, tuna, Giant Trevally, Grouper, Wahoo, Snapper and Mahimahi.
Trips are small-group with four anglers on a boat at a time. Lunch and refreshments are included in the full-day fishing charters offered.
More About Fishing Charters in Tongatapu
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.