The Top Scuba Diving Companies in Tonga
We admit when it comes to water experiences in Tonga, the humpback whales kind of take the limelight. One of the biggest mistakes visitors make when jetting off to Tonga is overlooking the scuba diving. Stunning coral gardens, tunnels, swim-throughs, caves, pinnacles and wrecks make up the seascape of Tonga, which combined with the 30 m (100 ft) visibility and warm sea temperatures (21-28°C/70-82°F) 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, dive shops and operators in Tonga in this list!
While you’re here, don’t forget to bookmark your complete bible to scuba in this island archipelago, The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga.
1. Matafonua Lodge (Ha’apai)
The only dive operator in Ha’apai, Matafonua Lodge (also operating its sister resort, Sandy Beach Resort) is well worth considering for your dive holiday in Tonga. From affordable beach diving amidst the resort’s 400 m (1,300 ft) house reef and marine reserve to boat dives to the rarely-visited pinnacles in the northern reaches of the island group, Matafonua Lodge has plenty of options for all levels of divers. They also offer PADI dive courses, which you can learn more about in The Best Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Tours in Ha’apai.
Location: Top of Foa Island, Ha’apai.
© Tonga Ministry of Tourism2. Riki Tiki Tours (Vava’u)
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, offers boat transport and gear rental for diving in Vava’u all year round (even during the whale season). Riki offers small group tours of up to six people on the boat at one time. Bring your own water, lunch, etc. See how they compare to other dive operators in Vava’u with The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com3. Deep Blue Diving (Tongatapu)
The main dive operator from Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, Deep Blue Diving gets you exploring the amazing underwater world of southern Tonga. The 100% owned and operated dive shop offers two-tank dives to the inner and outer reefs with all equipment hire (but it’s always best to bring your own if you have it), as well as a homemade lunch in reusable containers and refreshments throughout the day. Although PADI-affiliated, Deep Blue does not currently offer dive courses. Also, note that scuba tours do not run during the whale season (between July and October). Learn more about Deep Blue Diving in The Best Snorkel & Scuba Dive Tours on Tongatapu, as well as the sites they hit in the 10 Best Dive Sites in Tonga.
Location: Faua Wharf, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Beluga Diving (Vava’u)
A long-established dive centre in Vava’u, Beluga Diving provides a number of exciting dive trips for certified divers. They offer two-tank boat dives with equipment rental as required, as well as a one-tank wreck dive. Diving trips include light refreshments of tea, coffee and fruit. However, tours require a minimum of five people on the boat for trips to go ahead and they only operate scuba diving trips outside of the whale season. Otherwise, they also run whale tours as listed in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Blue Water Retreat (‘Eua)
For something a little more specialised, try freediving with Blue Water Retreat. Based on the island of ‘Eua, the accommodation and adventure tour specialist offers freediving trips to Cathedral Cave providing the conditions are suitable. Otherwise, there are plenty of amazing sights to be seen across the outer reefs of this ancient island. Jump on one of their custom-built charter vessels for an epic day out, which you can also mix with spearfishing. Note that trip availability may be limited during the whale season. Learn more about their whale tours in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga, as well as their accommodation in The Top 25 Resorts in Tonga.
Location: Tufuvai, west coast of ‘Eua.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Scuba Diving Tours, Dive Shops and Operators in Tonga
That’s the end for the best scuba diving tours, dive shops and operators in Tonga but it’s by no means the end of our advice on scuba diving in The Kingdom. Take a look at the following articles for more essential scuba tips:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Tonga.
