Resorts in Tonga with Stand-Up Paddleboard Hire
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an idyllic way to explore the tranquil waters of Tonga, where gliding over shallow coral reefs and even riding some fun little waves are all part of the experience. But with SUP hire only really being available in resorts, where do you need to stay to be able to paddleboard in Tonga? We go over your options in this list of the best resorts for paddleboarding and SUP in Tonga.
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country with some services that accommodations provide changing with little notice. While we try to keep our accommodation listings up-to-date, know that some services may have changed. If you have an update, feel free to reach out.
1. Matafonua Lodge (Ha’apai)
Matafonua Lodge in the Ha’apai island group offers the most comprehensive array of SUP hire in Tonga. Not only do they offer a range of SUP boards for hire, from sturdy inflatable boards for beginners to fibreglass boards in a range of sizes for the enthusiast. Throw their kayaks, snorkelling gear and even kitesurf hire into the mix and you have one of the best hubs for watersports in Tonga. Between all of the action, you’ll be staying in one of the resort’s attractive elevated wooden fales (bungalows) on the beach with shared (but stylish) bathroom facilities. Learn more about Matafonua Lodge in our guide of Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Accommodations.
Check Matafonua Lodge out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Sandy Beach Resort (Ha’apai)
The sister resort of Matafonua Lodge, Sandy Beach Resort has access to all of the SUP hire offered at Matafonua. The difference is that this resort offers more upmarket rooms with ensuite bathrooms and a holiday designed for couples and adult groups. The resort has 12 bungalows just a few steps from an unspoiled beach, the views of which you can enjoy from your private terrace. Plus, experience more “fine dining” than the cafe available at Matafonua. Find out more about the resort in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
Check Sandy Beach Resort out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. The Reef Resort (Vava’u)
Situated on the island of Kapa in Vava’u, The Reef Resort has a wealth of toys for guests to play with, including a Hobie Cat, kayaks, a clear-bottom kayak and, of course, paddleboards! Stay in one of the five exclusive modern bungalows, all in their own separate space across the hilltops and on the beach. They also have high-quality inflatable stand-up paddleboards with windsails. The resort is also renowned for its cuisine, which you can find out more about in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u. Plus, get your bearings with Where to Stay in Vava’u: The Best Accommodations.
Check The Reef Resort out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Kitesurf Tonga (Ha’apai)
While Kitesurf Tonga is a hotspot for kitesurfing, the placid conditions surrounding Uoleva Island in Ha’apai that make kitesurfing so awesome here are also ideal for paddleboarding. Luckily, they have paddleboards available for guests! In between taking part in all of the amazing watersports here, you’ll be staying on one of their timber-constructed fales with the comforts of a memory foam bed, a huge ensuite bathroom with compost toilets, and a private verandah nestled in coastal forest and gardens. Learn more about the resort in the 10 Best Eco-Resorts in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Sea Change Eco Retreat (Ha’apai)
Also on the peaceful island of Uoleva in Ha’apai, Sea Change Eco Retreat offers a range of experiences for guests including complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards. The quiet lagoon nearby is ideal for paddling around, where you might also want to make use of the complimentary snorkelling gear. You’ll stay in either one of the off-the-grid wooden fales within walking distance of the beach or one of the glamping tents. Learn more about the resort in the 10 Best Romantic Resorts in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Mala Island Resort (Vava’u)
Set on 20 acres (8 ha) of a stunning private island, Mala Island Resort provides an idyllic stay in Vava’u. You’ll have access to a white sandy beach to launch one of the provided SUP boards or kayaks with fantastic snorkelling just 3 m (10 ft) from the shore. The eight fales are decorated with beautiful tapa-cloth and woven panel walls with bed layouts of either two queens or one king bed. The ensuite bathrooms have hot water, while outside is your private deck boasting amazing island and ocean views. Learn more about the resort in the 10 Best Island Resorts in Tonga.
Check Mala Island Resort out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Ha’apai Beach Resort (Ha’apai)
Conveniently located on Lifuka Island between the airport and Pangai, yet still on the beachfront, Ha’apai Beach Resort is a more affordable offering in Ha’apai well worth considering. The resort has a snorkelling reef to paddle to which, luckily, they have paddleboards and kayaks to get you there! For accommodation, each of the five bungalows has either double rooms with a private bathroom or single rooms sharing bathroom facilities. Breakfast is included and served at the communal fale each morning (including barista-style coffee – a rarity in Ha’apai), while an a la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner and free WiFi is available.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. The Harbourview (Vava’u)
Far enough away from the hustle and bustle yet close enough for convenience, The Harbourview is well situated in the quiet village of Toula just outside of Vava’u‘s main hub, Neiafu. The resort provides a retreat in tropical gardens with glorious views of the Port of Refuge and access to the water with SUP and snorkelling gear available to make the most of it. The accommodation has a selection of queen and twin ensuite rooms, as well as a self-contained two-bedroom family bungalow and a bungalow with interconnecting rooms and a kitchenette. The resort also has a very popular restaurant, which you can learn more about in the 20 Best Restaurants in Tonga.
Check The Harbourview out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Serenity Beaches Resort (Ha’apai)
A tranquil retreat on Uoleva Island, Serenity Beaches Resort is an idyllic choice in Ha’apai. Choose from unique open-air or fully-enclosed fales each nestled in a private section of forest and each with an outside garden bathroom. Either way, guests spend their time here doing yoga in the pavilion, dining on healthy meals made from fresh local ingredients in the homely dining fale, and making use of SUP boards, kayaks and snorkelling gear to explore the wonderful underwater world from beaches accessible from the front and back of the resort.
Check Serenity Beaches Resort out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com10. Treasure Island Eco Resort (Vava’u)
Get the real island experience at Treasure Island Eco Resort and its eight traditionally thatched fales. The resort on Eueiki Island in Vava’u has 48 acres (19 ha) of private island for its guests, offering an off-the-grid experience with solar power and a rainwater filtration system. Enjoy unique whale swimming experiences from the resort’s outrigger or enjoy complimentary use of kayaks, SUP boards, snorkelling gear and volleyball equipment. Meals are available as part of a meal plan at the on-site restaurant, and note that children under 12 are only allowed under special arrangements.
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Resorts for Paddleboarding and SUP in Tonga
That’s it for the best resorts for SUP in Tonga. For more about paddleboarding in Tonga, check out The Guide to Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Tonga. Otherwise, here are more ways to incorporate paddling and watersports into your Tongan getaway:
- The Guide to Kayaking in Tonga
- 10 Best Resorts for Kayaking in Tonga
- 10 Best Water Activities in Tonga
Finally, if you’re still struggling to find the perfect place to stay, start from scratch with Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga.
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