Where to See Whales From Land in Tonga
Tonga is made up of 170 islands split into five island groups, but where can you see whales from shore? Well, luckily, just about anywhere if it’s the right season. Whales migrate to Tonga’s waters between June and October (sometimes November) each year to mate and calve. They can be seen in the waters in all of the island groups, but we’ll give you a rundown of which locations are the best for whale watching from land.
Watching whales from shore in Tonga means you don’t have to get in and out of the ocean on whale swimming tours, nor pay the big bucks for these experiences. Sometimes, watching these majestic creatures from afar can be just as exciting. We’ll guide you through it in our list of the best places to see whales in Tonga from shore.
While you’re here, don’t forget to bookmark our complete bible on whale watching; The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.
1. Tufuvai Beach, ‘Eua
A beach that many travellers become familiar with if staying on the island of ‘Eua and its waterfront accommodations, such as Blue Water Retreat, Tufuvai Beach is easily accessible and well worth checking out for whale watching. Whales swim so close to shore here, spotted just beyond the reef every day throughout the day during the whale season. Learn more about staying at this prime whale watching location in Where to Stay on ‘Eua and find out more about the unusual historical sites of this beach in the 20 Fascinating Historical Sites in Tonga.
Location: Tufuvai, central west coast of ‘Eua.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Uoleva Island, Ha’apai
The resorts lining the northern beaches of the idyllic Uoleva Island have the privilege of being right on the edge of some of Ha’apai‘s most magnificent whale grounds. Kick back on the white sands and watch the horizon during the whale season to undoubtedly see a range of whale behaviours several times throughout your stay! Check out resorts to base yourself in our guide, Where to Stay in Ha’apai.
Location: Northern beaches of Uoleva Island, Ha’apai.
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Foeata Island, Vava’u
There are several island resorts in Vava’u where you can make whale watching a part of your morning ritual (typically before jumping on the whale swimming tour). Foeata Island is the base of Blue Lagoon Resort which exclusively opens for the whale season to show visitors their piece of paradise on the edge of whale-ville! Learn more about the resort’s whale swimming tours in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.
Location: Foeata Island, west side of Vava’u.
© Tonga Ministry of Tourism4. Southeastern Beaches of Tongatapu
Tonga’s largest island, Tongatapu can be a challenge for whale watching from land. Your best whale watching locations from shore, however, are luckily where two of Tongatapu’s resorts are located. From the elevated decks of Katea Retreat and ‘Oholei Beach Resort, you can kick back with your morning coffee or afternoon cocktail and watch the whales undulate back and forth on what locals describe as a “whale highway”. Learn more about these resorts in the 20 Best Hotels & Resorts on Tongatapu.
Location: Oholei Beach and Katea Beach, southeast coast of Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. ‘Eueiki Island, Vava’u
Another excellent island to base yourself not only for whale watching but swimming in Vava’u, ‘Eueiki Island is the private island home of Treasure Island Eco Resort. Guests are fortunate to see whales passing close to shore from this boutique island retreat, which also offers its own unique whale swimming excursions in a traditionally inspired outrigger. Learn more about the resort in The Top 25 Resorts in Tonga, as well as whale swimming tours in the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga.
Location: ‘Eueiki Island, east side of Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Euakafa Island, Vava’u
A larger island right next door to ‘Euaiki, Euakafa Island is another worthy spot to watch whales frolicking close to shore for all of the same reasons stated above. Although the on-island resort, Dream Island Resort, doesn’t offer whale swimming tours, there’s no denying the magical experience of watching whales from such a location as its pristine white-sand beaches. Learn more about the resort in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
Location: Euakafa Island, east side of Vava’u.
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Matamahina Hopo Lookout, ‘Eua
‘Eua is renowned for its clifftop lookouts, which provide the perfect vantage point for watching whales. Our top pick for whale watching is the Matamahina Hopo Lookout which looks out towards the Tonga Trench, the second deepest ocean in the world at 10.8 km (6.7 mi) deep. Also due to its position close to the International Date Line, this point on ‘Eua is one of the first places to see the sunrise of the new day.
Location: Matamahina Hopo Lookout is located along a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) rough dirt road starting from the graveyard at the northern end of Houma village, northeast coast of ‘Eua. Continue past the Fangatave Beach sign to a lookout platform. The journey from the main road takes approximately 35-45 minutes on foot one way.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. ‘Utula’aina Lookout, Vava’u
The main island of Vava’u, ‘Utu Vava’u, has its own share of elevated lookouts too. With that, the ‘Utula’aina Lookout is one of the islands’ best photo stops and whale watching lookouts. After a drive down a long but well-maintained gravel road, and looking out for the tomb hidden in the bushes as you drive, you’ll reach the ‘Utula’aina Lookout with breathtaking views over Vava’u’s rugged cliffs, turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. The interpretation sign also explains how this site was once the residence of the 10th Tu’i Tonga – find out more about the country’s fascinating line of kings in A Brief History of Tonga.
Location: Well signposted from the north of Holonga village, ‘Utu Vava’u, north side of Vava’u. From Holonga, follow the gravel road north for approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) and turn left at the fork. The lookout is another 650 m (710 yards) down this road.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Ha’atafu Beach, Tongatapu
If you decide to take a beach day along the southwestern shores of Tongatapu during the whale season, chances are that you’ll spot a whale or two or more from shore! Ha’atafu Beach is an idyllic sandy spot to do all of your usual beach activities, as well as spot whales. Keep an eye on the horizon while you’re indulging in your beach picnic! For more about the beach, check out 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. Lokupo Lookout and Lau’ua Lookout, ‘Eua
A last couple of island lookouts from ‘Eua for good measure, the Lokupo and Lau’ua Lookouts are for those willing to explore into the depths of the ‘Eua National Park. The Lokupo Lookout tends to be the most favoured with its wooden platform to “elevate” your chances of spotting whales in the ocean below, while the Lau’ua Lookout is a little tougher to get to. Either way, The Best Guided Island Land Tours of ‘Eua are the easiest way to explore these attractions.
Location: ‘Eua National Park, east coast of ‘Eua. A guided tour of this area is highly recommended as not all of the appropriate turn-offs are signposted the entire way. Otherwise, follow signposts at the intersection from the main road in Kolomaile/Ha’atu’a villages (same as the ‘Ovava Tree). From the intersection, follow the logging road for approximately 3.3 km (2 mi) and turn right at the crossroads. In 400 m (440 yards) turn right, then left in another 300 m (330 yards). After approximately 500 m (550 yards), look out for remnants of signs on the right-hand side and walk the rest of the way.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Where to See Whales in Tonga From Shore
That’s it for our list of the best places to see whales in Tonga from shore and land. For more about the whale season in The Kingdom, take a look at more of our useful guides:
- Where to Swim with Whales in Tonga: The Best Islands
- Is it Safe to Swim with Whales in Tonga?
- 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Tonga
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.
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