Tonga Travel Guide 2024
Stunning islands, blue water, whale swimming, friendly locals, and no one else around - Welcome to Tonga!
One of the most underrated islands in the Pacific and mostly known for its whale season is the Kingdom of Tonga. In fact, the only Kingdom of the Pacific Islands.
In this guide, you find all the necessary information for your trip to the paradise of Tonga, including but not limited to:
The best time to visit Tonga
Tonga is stunning all year round, but there might be different factors to consider when you book your trip, such as the weather, the costs, and most importantly the whale season.
The weather
Tonga has two seasons: the dry and wet season.
Dry Season
lasts from May, June, July, August, September, October and November
highest prices for flights and accommodation
whale season falls into dry season
Wet Season
lasts from December, January, February, March and April
barely any tourists around
not the whale season
great deals on flights and accommodations (however more flights might be canceled due to bad weather)
To get the best of both worlds travelling in shoulder season (at the start and end of the dry season) is a great choice. Here the flights already decreased in prices. And while Tonga is never really filled with tourists, you will most likely encounter less palangi (Tongan for white people/foreigners).
weather in the shoulder season can quickly change from cloudy to blue sky and vice versa
Do you need a visa to visit Tonga?
As always it depends which country your passport is from. However, most travelers actually don’t need a visa before coming to Tonga and can stay 30 days, free of charge.
Visitors from the Schengen member states, such as Germany and Finland get a visitor visa for 90 days.
To find out if you need a visa check here.
passport stamp for visa on arrival
The islands of Tonga and how to get there
Tonga is a country with many islands, aka an island nation. The biggest island groups are Vava’u, Ha’apai, the main island Tongatapu, and the neighboring island ‘Eua.
Uoleva island which is part of Ha’apai
Most travelers arrive by plane on the main island of Tongatapu. Here also lies the capital of Tonga - Nuku’alofa.
If you spend some time on the main island read our guide on What to do in Tongatapu.
Flights
From Tongatapu you can take flights to Tonga’s own Airline: Lululai Airlines. Here you can find the times and prices online but actually need to visit their office to pay for your flight.
We also met Travellers who booked their flight with Lulutai through Facebook Messenger and paid at the airport before departure.
Airport Tongatapua
Be aware that a flight ticket in Tonga does not always mean you get to depart on that specific day. Schedules change due to weather, no pilot around, the King traveling, or other reasons. Therefore plan at least one extra day for travelling.
Flight Tickets prices vary but you can expect them to be around 240-340 TOP pp. Included is a 15kg checked luggage and 5kg hand luggage. P.S. Our friend’s luggage was 16kg and no one cared. ;)
Ferry
Another way to get around is by ferry.
From Tongatapu to ‘Eua the ferry takes about 2 hours and is currently priced at 25 TOP pp.
You can also take the ferry to Ha’apai and Vava’u. The estimated times are 12 hours to Ha’apai and 24 hours to Vava’u.
However, we spent 18 hours to get to Ha’apai because the ferry stopped at many small islands to deliver goods. While sleeping on the ferry was possible it was not comfortable. However, you can wake up with the sunrise and even spot some whales.
Slow ferry from Tongatapua to Ha’apai
The ferry is very attractive for budget travellers since one-way tickets cost 80 TOP p.p. Keep hold of your ticket for the entire ferry journey, as they check tickets when you disembark.
For the ferry to Ha’apai and Vava’u try to get your ticket a few days before. The office is not open on weekends and boats often depart in the evening when the office is closed.
Important:
To find out the ferry schedule it’s best to check their Facebook pages. And even though the ferries run on a schedule, it’s best to reconfirm departure times – either by phone through your guest house or at the ferry ticket offices.
Tonga Impressions
Whale Swimming in Tonga
Now the most popular reason people come to Tonga is the humpback whale season.
You can swim with whales all over Tonga, including in the island groups of Vava’u and Ha’apai. However, be aware that the whales travel south and therefore the whale season in Tongatapu is longer than the more northern islands.
The whales migrate to Tonga due to the warmer months and mothers raise their calves in the shallow protected waters.
When can you see the whales?
The whales are in Tonga from July - October. However, you have the best chance to see them in August and September. That is when the calves are a little older already and moms tend to be less protective.
Will I absolutely swim with them?
It’s nature and it all depends on the whales. We booked a whale swimming twice. Once we swam with them, the other time we were only able to see the animals from the boat. Why? There might be days when the whales are too active (jumping, swimming fast) and sometimes they dive just as you were about to get into the water. Therefore tour operators promise whale watching and not swimming, however most times you will be able to get in the water with them.
Is it worth the price?
ABSOLUTELY! Whale watching and swimming is not a cheap activity, but it is so worth it. We found trips with different budgets ranging from 400 TOP to 800 TOP.
What tour operator is the best for me?
No matter who we talked to their tour operator was best. Why? Because the experience is so breathtaking and the guides so friendly that you just enjoy yourself and end up having the best day. We’ve heard and experienced the best tours with the following operators:
Whale Swim with Kiko in Eua
Tunamoana in Tongatapu
Whale Swimming with Diana Resort in Ha’apai (Uoleva)
Be aware that only a certain amount of businesses are allowed to operate each year. So there might be a chance tour operators change.
Phrases to know in Tongan
You do not need to become fluent in Tongan in order to travel around. Locals of all ages speak very good English due to the fact that both Tongan and English are the official languages of the Kingdom.
However, knowing a few things will make the locals appreciate your efforts and can serve as a conversation starter and help make new friends.
Malo e lelei = Hello
Malo e lava mai = Welcome
Malo = Thank you
Malo ‘aupito = Thank you very much
Fefe hake = How are you?
‘lkai = No
‘lo = Yes
Nofo a (if staying) or ‘Alu a (if leaving) = Goodbye
Noa = 0
Taha = 1
Ua = 2
Tolu = 3
Fa = 4
Nima = 5
Ono = 6
Fitu = 7
Valu = 8
Hiva = 9
Hongofulu = 10 (hoh-ngoh-foo-loo)
Teau = 100 (teh-ah-oo)
PS. Copy these to your notes app and have them with you even offline!
What to pack for Tonga
Tonga is beautiful and warm all year round and you can pack your things accordingly. Some things we found especially helpful to bring with us as they were difficult to find, such as
sunscreen
snorkel and mask - usually you can get them from your whale swimming operator but we also snorkel from the shore and it is always great to have your own equipment
chlorine tablets or water bottle with filter
for everyone who loves their hair - A GOOD CONDITIONER!
You can find a more detailed description of what to pack in our pack list for the tropics.
Good to know - Travel tips for Tonga
Everything is shut down on Sunday. Transport, groceries, and stores. It is your chance to visit a church and experience first-hand Tongan culture and hospitality.
ATMs are rare outside of Tongatapu. Get your cash either in the airport or the capital.
Whale season is from July to Oktober but the best time to go is August and September. Remember you can experience whale swimming in almost all island groups.
There is more to Tonga than their whale season.
Tonga is never extremely busy with tourists.
Local Sim cards are a great way to be connected and work from even the smallest islands with a hotspot. The TCC Network worked extremely well even for online calls.
Tourist Plans with UCall (TCC).
Tonga is stunning for everyone who wants to enjoy the Pacific Islands without the tourist masses and as authentic as possible.
We felt so welcome and will visit Tonga again!
The question is - will you? ;)
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