tonga
Tonga is the only Pacific nation never colonised, and it still has its own king. Its 170 islands are quiet and uncrowded, and very few visitors make it here.
The big draw is the humpback whales that come to Vava’u every winter, where swimming alongside them is one of the great wildlife experiences.
where to go
Sheltered waters, sailing and whale watching.
The main island and the capital, Nuku'alofa.
Remote islands with empty beaches.
Hundreds of blowholes along the coast.
An ancient stone trilithon.
A sea cave on Vava'u.
when to go
Tonga is warm all year. July to October is whale season.
May to October
Sunny, cooler and less humid. The best time to visit.
November to April
Hot and humid, with tropical showers and a cyclone risk.
July to October
Humpback whales visit the islands to breed.
where to stay
Vava'u
A tiny island with just a few fale, close to the whales.
Ask us about this hotelLooking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in Tonga, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
Swim alongside humpback whales with licensed guides.
Explore the sheltered waters by yacht.
See the blowholes along Tongatapu's coast.
Hear the singing at church and join a feast.
Swim in Swallows Cave and Mariner's Cave.
Explore reefs and coral gardens.
From July to October, with licensed operators in Vava’u.
Via Auckland or Fiji.
Yes, for families who enjoy wildlife and simple island life.
No. Tonga has small, simple resorts and a real sense of remoteness.
pair it with
Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Centre and wine country, with wildlife you won't find anywhere else.
Explore
Mountains, fjords, lakes and vineyards across two islands, best explored at an unhurried pace.
Explore
Warm, welcoming and easy with children, with private-island resorts and wonderful reefs.
Exploreget in touch
Tell us your dates and we'll plan whale season in Tonga.
Start a conversationDiscreet. Personal. No obligation.
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