Everything You Need to Know About Kitesurfing in Tonga
Steady trade winds blow alongside Tonga’s scattering of islands fringed with reefs that form sheltered lagoons ideal for kitesurfing. Kitesurfing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding… whatever you want to call it, the sport with a board strapped to your feet and a paragliding-style kite powering you along the water is one of Tonga’s specialities. You’ll skim across crystal-clear waters, either cruising around with the steady elements or catching the occasional wave for some air time. Either way, find out how to organise an epic kitesurfing getaway with this complete guide to kitesurfing in Tonga!
4 Tips for Kitesurfing in Tonga
Before we get into the details of incorporating some kitesurfing into your holiday, here are some quick tips to get you started:
- Set your sights on the island groups of Ha’apai and Vava’u if you want to kitesurf
- Aim to kitesurf in Tonga between May and September for the prime conditions and southeast trade winds
- It’s best to have your own kitesurfing gear, as most resorts don’t offer rentals
- Want to learn to kitesurf or hone your skills? Be sure to let your chosen resort know, as they can often provide instructors with advanced notice.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismThe Best Time to Kitesurf in Tonga
The best time to go kitesurfing in Tonga is when it is the best time for you. You can kitesurf in Tonga, especially in the Ha’apai Group, all year round. However, there is a season when the trade winds provide the most prime conditions for kitesurfing, as well as open up the opportunity to kitesurf in Vava’u.
The Best Season to Kitesurf in Tonga
The best time to kitesurf in Tonga is between May and September when Tonga experiences southeast tradewinds. These conditions are ideal for kitesurfing with wind speeds averaging 15-25 knots with a few 30-knot days. May to September is also in Tonga’s dry season, which is often considered a more idyllic time to visit Tonga for travellers seeking fewer days of rain and low humidity.
In the summer season, northeast winds are more prominent. Wind speeds are usually around 12-20 knots in Ha’apai, while the conditions are often less than ideal for kitesurfing in Vava’u. As for the weather in general, Tonga is hotter and humid between November and April with more rainy days.
Learn more about the seasons in Tonga in Tonga Weather by Month: What is the Weather Like in Tonga? We also go through other factors to consider for deciding when to visit in The Best Time to Visit Tonga.
(c) Stephen Kleinlein - Tonga Ministry of TourismWhere to Kitesurf in Tonga
There are two island groups that stand out from the rest when it comes to kitesurfing in Tonga: Ha’apai and Vava’u. Both island groups are a scattering of around 50+ islands, many with sheltered lagoons and tightly compact islands creating butter-flat waters ideal for skimming on!
Kitesurfing in Ha’apai
Arguably the best island group in Tonga for kitesurfing, visitors can kitesurf from most of the resorts and accommodations on the beaches of these islands. While most islands in Ha’apai are uninhabited, the islands that visitors can access include Lifuka, Foa and Uoleva Islands. Foa and Uoleva are as if they were made for kitesurfing, with sandbars at the tip of both islands allowing for kitesurfing in any wind direction. What’s more, there are very few accommodations in these areas guaranteeing no crowds. Learn more about visiting Ha’apai in The Complete Guide to Ha’apai.
Kitesurfing in Vava’u
Vava’u also contains a selection of small islands with lagoons and tradewinds sweeping alongside islands and resorts begging for some kitesurfing action. The islands of Fetoko, Mouna and Euaiki all have their own lagoons and shallows for kitesurfing, while the islands of Hunga and Fofoa surround the kitesurfing playground of the Hunga Lagoon. Learn more about visiting Vava’u in The Complete Guide to Vava’u.
(c) Matafonua Lodge - Tonga Ministry of TourismTonga Kitesurfing Resorts
The easiest way to organise a kitesurfing holiday in Tonga is to stay at one of the kitesurfing resorts. Selected resorts in Ha’apai and Vava’u provide varying services for kitesurfers, from boat transfers/support to gear rentals. Note that only a couple of resorts offer gear rentals, so it’s essential to bring your own gear in most cases.
Resorts That Offer Kitesurfing in Ha’apai
- Kitesurf Tonga – Kitesurfing instructors, lagoons, day trips and gear rental
- Matafonua Lodge – Kitesurfing instructors and kitesurfing lagoons
- Sandy Beach Resort – Kitesurfing instructors and kitesurfing lagoons
- Serenity Beaches Resort – Kitesurfing lagoons that are ideal for independent kitesurfing.
Resorts That Offer Kitesurfing in Vava’u
- Mouna Island Resort – Kitesurfing lagoons, instructors, rental gear and gear purchases
- Treasure Island Eco Resort – Kitesurfing lagoons that are ideal for independent kitesurfing
- Mandala Resort – Kitesurfing lagoons that are ideal for independent kitesurfing.
Sailing Charters That Offer Kitesurfing
- Whale Discoveries – Kitesurfing, wind foiling and paddleboarding packages are available.
We go into much more detail on each accommodation provides for kitesurfing in the 10 Best Kitesurfing Resorts in Tonga.
More About Kitesurfing in Tonga
That’s it for the complete guide to kitesurfing in Tonga. For more about wind sports and watersports in the islands, check out the following:
- 10 Best Kitesurfing Resorts in Tonga
- The Complete Guide to Surfing in Tonga
- 10 Sports in Tonga You Can Get Stuck Int
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.
