Where to Snorkel in Tonga
Things like humpback whales, historical sites and game fishing take most of the limelight in Tonga. But taking the time to put on a snorkel mask and discover the underwater world is beyond rewarding! If you know where to go, you can find yourself floating over valleys of coral, exploring clusters of coral bommies like cities for fish, and into amazing caves carved into the sides of islands. In short, snorkelling in Tonga is amazing, so get an idea of what you could be in for on a snorkelling experience in “The Kingdom” with this list of the best places to snorkel in Tonga.
Note that Tonga is a religious country where it can be seen as disrespectful to not wear modest clothing even when swimming at the beach. If there are locals around, have a rash vest or sarong handy. Learn more about respecting local customs in our guide, Tonga Etiquette: Local Customs & Traditions.
7 Quick Tips for Snorkelling in Tonga
- Always snorkel with someone else
- Wear reef shoes and/or fins
- Don’t touch marine life
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and/or wear a rash vest even on cloudy days
- Avoid snorkelling near the reef’s edges and passages; they have strong currents
- Assess the conditions; high swells and snorkelling don’t mix
- Respect the local culture; some snorkelling spots are near villages where wearing modest clothing (even when swimming) is important.
1. Swallows Cave, Vava’u
Possibly the most popular snorkelling spot in the Vava’u Group, or in the whole of Tonga for that matter, Swallows Cave is an outstanding snorkelling spot. At the entrance of this huge sea cave, look out for colourful reef fish before you swim inside to find hundreds of fish swirling in a school creating magnificent patterns in the water. This snorkelling spot can be reached with most snorkelling boat tours in Vava’u, as listed in the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in Tonga.
Location: Northwestern tip of Kapa Island, Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com2. Matafonua Lagoon Reef, Ha’apai
Easy to discover thanks to a buoy set up at Houmale’eia Beach in Ha’apai, Matafonua Lagoon Reef is the house reef of the Matafonua Lodge. Guests can borrow snorkelling equipment to explore this 400 m (1,300 ft) reef or casual visitors are welcome to make the most out of this beautiful marine reserve. Learn more about this snorkelling spot and others in Ha’apai in the 5 Places to Snorkel in Ha’apai.
Location: The northern end of the main road, Loto Foa Road, Foa Island.
© Matafonua Lodge & Ministry of Tourism Tonga3. Coral Gardens, Vava’u
Gorgeous coral gardens are waiting to be explored at this snorkelling site in Vava’u aptly named Coral Gardens. Some snorkel tours in Vava’u will take you to this wonderful snorkelling spot where you will drift with the current over the valleys of coral.
Location: Between Vaka’eitu Island and Nuapau Island, Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com4. Pangaimotu Island, Tongatapu
An island you can take a day trip to, Pangaimotu Island is well worth considering for snorkelling. Pangaimotu Island day trips are some of the cheapest from Nuku’alofa and an excellent option for Sundays when there are more boat rides between the island and Faua Wharf in the city. Snorkelling gear can be hired for a fee if you don’t have your own. Reef shoes are recommended. See more snorkelling spots on Tonga’s main island in the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Tongatapu.
Location: Boats depart from Faua Wharf (behind Ngutulei Restaurant), Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu. Learn more about getting to the island in 10 Best Island Day Trips & Tours from Nuku’alofa.
© Pixabay5. Outer Islands and Reef, Tongatapu
Speaking of Tongatapu, snorkelling boat tours are well worth hopping onto in this part of Tonga, whether it’s an island-hopping boat tour, a whale swimming tour, or an island day trip. Either one will take you out to some stunning islands and snorkelling spots to swim with a variety of tropical fish and see some amazing coral. Highlights include, ‘Atata Island, Malinoa Island and Tau Island.
Location: Boats depart from Faua Wharf, Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu. Learn more about getting to the island in 10 Best Island Day Trips & Tours from Nuku’alofa.
(c) tongapocketguide.com6. Uoleva Island, Ha’apai
Uoleva Island is a large island in Ha’apai with a few boutique resorts and fales, snorkelling spots, beaches… and not much else for a true Robinson Crusoe vibe! Many of the accommodations here have good snorkelling outside or within walking distance, such as Sea Change Eco Retreat, Serenity Beaches Resort and Diana Beach Resort. Check out the 5 Places to Snorkel in Ha’apai for more details.
Location: All around Uoleva Island, Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Katea Beach, Tongatapu
Lining the southernmost tip of Tongatapu, Katea Beach is not only a great snorkelling spot but features photo-worthy cliff formations such as an archway right across its golden sands. This is one that you’ll have to pay for (approximately TOP$20 per person), but the beach offers some of the best swimming and snorkelling from the mainland, as well as the benefit of the resort restaurant at Katea Retreat to refuel throughout the day. Needless to say, guests at the retreat get free access to the beach throughout their stay – see The Top 25 Resorts in Tonga.
Location: Nakolo (access road off Liku Road, just south of Nakolo village), southeast coast of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Euakafa Island, Vava’u
An island that you’ll want to be a castaway on (and you pretty much can at Dream Island Resort), Euakafa Island hides many cool snorkelling spots from its encircling beach in Vava’u. What’s more, it even has caves you can swim in – definitely one of the least-visited snorkelling caves in Vava’u so you’re likely to have this piece of paradise all to yourself. Also, ask about tours to the island from the nearby Treasure Island Eco Resort. Again, learn more about these resorts in The Top 25 Resorts in Tonga.
Location: Euakafa Island, southern part of the Vava’u Group next to ‘Euaiki Island.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Ha’atafu Beach, Tongatapu
Located on the northwestern tip of Tongatapu, Ha’atafu Beach is not only a great surf spot, but it has fantastic snorkelling at high tide (note that the reef here was damaged during the 2021 tsunami but there’s some interesting regrowth). The beach is a marine reserve in Tongatapu, allowing the marine life to regrow. Check out more amazing beaches around the islands in the 20 Stunning Beaches in Tonga.
Location: Ha’atafu (access road off Hihifo Road at the southern end of Ha’atafu village), west side of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Mariner’s Cave, Vava’u
Another popular cave for snorkelling and scuba diving in Vava’u is Mariner’s Cave. With a short underwater tunnel to swim through to get into the cave, snorkelling at Mariner’s Cave is only recommended for seriously strong swimmers/snorkellers. Those who make the dive will be rewarded with emerging in an airtight chamber known for making a strange fog due to the wave action and the pressure in the cave.
Location: Northwestern coast of Nuapapu Island, Vava’u.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismMore Places to Snorkel in Tonga
That’s it for the best places to snorkel in Tonga. For more tips to plan the ultimate snorkelling holiday, take a look at the following:
- The Guide to Snorkelling in Tonga
- 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in Tonga
- 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga
Finally, inspire yourself with more experiences with the 101 Best Things to Do in Tonga: The Ultimate List. Plus, get even more tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
