What are the Best Sunscreens for Tonga?© TongaPocketGuide.com
What are the Best Sunscreens for Tonga?

The Best Sunscreens for Tonga + Sun Protection Tips

© TongaPocketGuide.com

Sunscreens to Use in Tonga (That are Also Kind on the Environment)

We don’t need to tell you that sunscreen is essential for a trip to Tonga. However, you may need help choosing a sunscreen that’s right for you and that’s right to use in Tonga. Due to its fragile marine ecosystem, it’s always recommended to wear reef-safe sunscreen. In this guide to sunscreens for Tonga, we list a whole range of sunscreens made for different people, environments and levels of sun protection. The UV index in Tonga can be 5 to as high as 12+, so lather up and slap on the sunscreens that we recommend in the guide below!

5 Sun Protection Tips for Tonga

While sunscreen is a must for sun protection in Tonga, here are a few ways to make sure your sunscreen is effective, as well as more ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun.

  1. Lather sunscreen thickly all over exposed skin
  2. Reapply sunscreen every three hours and soon after getting out of the water
  3. Wear a sunhat to protect your head from getting burnt
  4. Go extra heavy on the sun protection on children, especially those under five years old – use sunhats and sunscreen, stay in the shade when possible and don’t expose them to the midday sun
  5. Use extra protection out on the water, such as Sharkskin‘s UV-protective shirts and rash vests.

What to Do if You Get Sunburnt

If you feel your skin burning or notice skin going red, avoid staying in the sun any longer. Keep drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and use soothing aloe vera lotion on the affected skin. If you have a strong headache and/or start vomiting, then it’s likely that you have heatstroke. Alternate between drinking electrolytes and water. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.

For more ways to protect yourself from common illnesses or injuries in Tonga, check out our Tonga Safety Tips.

What are the Best Sunscreens for Tonga?© TongaPocketGuide.com

Natural Sunscreens for Tonga

As you’ll see from all of our sunscreen listings, the sunscreens chosen are natural sunscreens containing no oxybenzone. This is because oxybenzone found in standard sunscreens has a toxic effect on young coral, causing endocrine disruption, DNA damage, exacerbated coral bleaching and death.

With Tonga being an amazing place to see coral and marine life, needless to say, we’d rather admire it than harm it. What’s more, natural sunscreen is better for your skin too. So when packing for Tonga, be sure to look out for “reef-safe” sunscreen. If you’re unsure, all of the recommendations in this entire article have been chosen in part because they are reef-safe.

The Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens

For more options and details on each sunscreen, see the 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Tonga.

What are the Best Sunscreens for Tonga?© Pexels

Children’s Sunscreens for Tonga

Young skins not only need more protection from the sun, but they are more sensitive to skin products. With that in mind, it’s essential to get your little ones lathered up in sunscreen that has been specially formulated for young sensitive skin. These natural sunscreens, using natural active ingredients, are ideal for sensitive skin. Always read the labels to see the recommended ages to use the sunscreen.

The Best Sunscreens for Kids and Babies

For further details about each of these sunscreens, check out the 5 Best Kids & Babies Sunscreens for Tonga. Plus, you might also be interested in the 25 Tips for Your Family Tonga Vacation with Kids.

What are the Best Sunscreens for Tonga?© TongaPocketGuide.com

High SPF Sunscreens for Tonga

You see the SPF ratings on sunscreens but what does it all mean? For Tonga, SPF 30 is recommended as a minimum, which offers around 97% protection from UVB rays if applied correctly. Upping the ante to SPF 45 or 50 (50 is typically the highest you can go with natural sunscreen) and you’ll only add an extra 1% of protection. Because of this minimal difference, we recommend not getting too hung up on getting the highest SPF possible. But if that extra 1% is what you’re looking for, here are some recommendations.

The Best High-Factor Sunscreens

What are the Best Sunscreens for Tonga?© Pexels

Easy Application and Easy-to-Carry Sunscreens for Tonga

Swap bulky bottles and lotion running all over your hands and staining your clothes with some easy-application sunscreens in travel-friendly containers. From bottles and tins that can fit in your pocket to face sticks where you don’t even need to get the lotion all over your hands, there are quite a few clever designs available.

The Best Easy-to-Apply Sunscreens

What are the Best Sunscreens for Tonga?© TongaPocketGuide.com

Water-Resistant Sunscreens for Tonga

We’re no Sherlock, but we’re betting you’re going to be spending some time in the water in Tonga. Because of the water’s magnifying effect on UV rays, it’s essential to keep yourself protected from the sun while you’re in the water. Although wearing a UV-protection rash vest (we like Sharkskin) is an easy option, you’re going to want to also apply water-resistant sunscreen for any exposed skin.

Note that natural sunscreens typically have water resistance for up to 80 minutes.

The Best Water-Resistant Sunscreens

More About Health and Sunscreens for Tonga

That’s it for our lists of the best sunscreens for Tonga but it’s by no means the end of our travel health tips! Just browse our other guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Tonga Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Tonga?

Author

Robin (Lopini) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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