Romantic Activities and Experiences in Tonga
The swaying coconut palms, sandy shores and azure lagoons of Tonga make for a stunning setting for your romantic getaway. Whether you’re visiting the islands of Tonga for a special occasion or simply a couple’s escape, there are a few activities that are effortlessly romantic for couples. From unforgettable wildlife encounters and active adventures to tackle together to simply romantic picnics on the beach, there is a range of experiences to suit any couple’s style. Check out our suggestions in this list of romantic things to do in Tonga for couples.
1. Buddy Up in a Scuba Diving Trip
Scuba diving is an activity best done in pairs, not only for safety reasons but because it’s an experience that extends well beyond after your dive when you can properly communicate about the amazing underwater world you’ve seen together. Tonga is a top destination for diving even if so few people know about it (and it prefers to keep it that way). See stunning seascapes, from caves to coral arches along with its vast array of corals, fish and tiny sea critters through waters with usually no less than 30 m (100 ft) visibility. Incorporate some diving into your holiday using The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga.
Location: All over Tonga! See the 10 Best Dive Sites in Tonga to get an idea of the best locations.
2. Test Your Teamwork in a Double Kayak
Nothing tests teamwork quite like paddling together in a kayak. From casual paddles using your resort’s complimentary kayaks to island-hopping missions on day tours to even multi-day kayaking excursions, there are many ways to experience Tonga in these simple crafts. You’ll experience the beauty of gliding over crystal clear waters, discovering the islands’ hard-to-reach-places and possibly encountering amazing marine wildlife along the way. Check out The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga for more ways to experience Tonga on a kayak.
Location: All over Tonga! See the recommended locations in the link above.
3. Indulge in a Couples Massage
Lay side by side as you are transported into a state of bliss with a couples spa treatment. Island Glow is one of the fabulous day spas in Nuku’alofa offering rejuvenating treatments for couples. Their “Orange Blossom Couples Retreat” is a 2 hrs 30 mins experience, which includes a raw sugar cane body scrub followed by a relaxing massage. The final touch is a facial to leave you both feeling refreshed. Learn more about pampering yourself in the 5 Best Spas in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu. Plus, discover more experiences in the capital in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Nuku’alofa.
Location: Island Glow, upstairs in the Post Office Building, Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
4. Sail the Ocean in a Luxury Yacht
A special occasion calls for a special experience, like journeying the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific! There are a handful of sailing charters available in Vava’u and Ha’apai, taking couples on multi-day excursions. Nothing compares to the joys of tranquilly sailing over tropical waters, finding exciting snorkelling spots each day and anchoring at new secluded coves each night. Check out your sailing options in the 5 Best Sailing Charters in Tonga. Plus, check out more experiences in Vava’u in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Vava’u.
Location: Vava’u and Ha’apai. See the link above for recommendations and their locations.
5. Go Horse Riding in Ha’apai
Seeing your partner riding a noble steed? We know you’re blushing at the thought! How can it get more romantic than riding a majestic horse across a stunning beach in Tonga? Horse riding might be a way of life on the islands of Ha’apai, as a way of getting around, but it’s also a romantic way to explore some of Foa Island. Sandy Beach Resort and Matafonua Lodge offer guests the opportunity to for an island-style horse trek (i.e. bareback) or they have saddles if you prefer. Embark on a journey through tropical forests or across sandy beaches, even taking your horse for a swim. Learn more about the experience in The Guide to Horse Riding in Tonga.
Location: Matafonua Lodge and Sandy Beach Resort, northern Foa Island, Ha’apai.
6. Have a Life-Changing Experience Together Swimming with Whales
If you know anything about Tonga, then it’s probably that you can swim with humpback whales here. Needless to say, being in the water with some of the ocean’s giants is a humbling yet life-changing experience that you’ll be talking about with your partner for years and years. Whale swimming tours can be done in the four main island groups of Tonga, which you can get more information about in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.
Location: All over Tonga! See the Where to Swim with Whales in Tonga for recommended destinations.
7. Have a Private Island Experience
Especially in the islands of Ha’apai, where most islands are uninhabited, resorts can organise for couples to be boated out to a secluded island for the day! Sea Change Eco Retreat offers guests the opportunity to amp up their dining experience on Uoleva Island, free of charge! Dine under the stars as they organise a private candlelit dinner for you on the beach. Alternatively, both Sea Change and neighbouring Kitesurf Tonga can prepare a picnic for you to enjoy while exploring the island on foot among the myriad of trails and discovering secluded beaches. See more experiences like this in the 10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Ha’apai.
Location: Sea Change Eco Retreat and Kitesurf Tonga, Uoleva Island, Ha’apai.
8. Do Some Stargazing
Simply looking up at the stars is a beautiful way to end another amazing day in each others’ lives. Stargazing in Tonga, however – with its vividly clear night skies and limited light pollution – is something else. You can enjoy amazing stargazing just about anywhere in Tonga, but we list some of the best in the 5 Best Places for Stargazing in Tonga.
Location: All over Tonga! See the link above for recommended locations.
9. Go on an Island Hike
Adventure together, exploring the tropical forests, beaches and intriguing land formations on an island hike in Tonga! The island of ‘Eua is arguably the best place to explore on foot, especially in the ‘Eua National Park with its magnificent banyan trees and the cackling of the red shining parrot. Learn more about hiking in ‘Eua, as well as more experiences, in the 10 Romantic Things to Do in ‘Eua.
Location: All over Tonga! See some recommended walks in the 15 Best Walks & Hikes in Tonga.
10. Discover Secret Cave Pools Together
Ok, so some of the swimming holes in Tonga aren’t so secret, but many times that the Tonga Pocket Guide have visited, they’ve been secluded – so they might as well be! ‘Anahulu Cave on Tongatapu is a large limestone cave lit up to emphasise the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites that line the cave. At the end of a short walkway is a freshwater pool, which makes for a refreshing swim. Other swimming holes can be checked out in The Most Beautiful Swimming Holes in Tonga, while more experiences on the main island are listed in the 10 Romantic Things to Do on Tongatapu.
Location: All over Tonga! See cave locations in the 10 Best Caves in Tonga.
More Romantic Things to Do in Tonga for Couples
That’s it for our list of the most romantic things to do in Tonga for couples. For more advice on planning a romantic trip, check out the following guides:
- The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Tonga.
- 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Tonga
- 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List
Finally, plan your whole getaway surrounding romance with the Tonga Romance Itinerary: 14 Days, Tonga Romance Itinerary: 7 Days, Tonga Romance Itinerary: 5 Days and Tonga Romance Itinerary: 3 Days.
Author
Laura (Lola) 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.