Tongatapu
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Positives
- Uncrowded spots
- Perfect reefs
- Great climate
- Laid-back vibe
Negatives
- Live coral reef dangers
- Cooler winter waters
- Lack of variety in orientation
- Expensive location
- Short rides
Tongatapu surf travel guide
Lying about 3,000km (1,875mi) to the east of Australia, Tongatapu is Tonga’s main island, including the capital Nuku’alofa. Tongatapu is made up of a raised coral platform, where constant wave action has cut a shelf into the cliff bound south coast, but to the north there are some low lying reefs with many offshore islets. Most surf spots are all squeezed onto a remarkable reef bend on the W side of the island, where trade winds blow straight offshore. SW swells produce grinding lefts through the S hemisphere winter, (April-Oct), whilst less consistent N swells favour the shorter, shallow rights from Nov-March.
Surf spots in Tongatapu
Research the 10 surf breaks in Tongatapu and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in Tongatapu.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Tongatapu
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- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Tongatapu.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 54,000
- Population
- 105,695
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- TOP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 2.03 TOP TOP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +676
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Tongan, English
Electricity
- Plug Type
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Visas
Members of the EU do not need a visa to visit Tonga. The UK, USA, Canada, OZ, NZ, Brazil, Japan and many others get a free 31 day visa on arrival.
Getting There
From Tongatapu airport most hotels offer airport transfers. Otherwise, there are plenty of taxis available.
Getting Around
Most of the breaks lie within 10 minutes walk of each other and are rarely more than a 100m paddle from the shore. A boat trip to the offshore reefs costs from $20 per person. Rental cars are unnecessary ($25/d), and require getting a local license at the police station.
Accommodation
Aussie expat Steve Burling and his Tongan wife Sesika have excellent rooms available at the Ha’atafu Beach Resort (fr $75/n/p) including great breakfast and dinner. Outhaka do rustic huts, backpacker style from $30/n. Royal Sunset resort on Atata Island from $130/n/dbl.
UPDATE - Most if not all of the northwest coast surf camps and accommodation set-ups have been seriously damaged or destroyed by the Jan 2022 tidal wave caused by the eruption of nearby Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano. This comes directly on the heels of a particularly destructive cyclone season in 2020. It will take some time for resorts to rebuild.
Activities
Life in Tonga revolves around the beach and the sea. Easy snorkeling inside the reef and outside on flat days, but beware currents in the small channels on ebbing tides. Diving, excellent pelagic fishing and swimming with whales or watching from the boat. On land there are some old stone tombs and possibilities for caving. Eua Island has some good hiking. Ha’atafu is a 15km (10mi) Protected Beach Reserve. The clubs in Nuku’alofa can be pretty lively, but look out for street violence/theft if alone late at night.
Hazards & hassles
All of the reefs are live coral, so boots and a springy are a good idea. Reef cuts can be easily infected and medical help is rudimentary. There are a few locals and the atmosphere is usually cool as crowds spread out a bit along the Ha’atafu stretch, but more than a couple of boats at E.T.’s will put stress on the line-up. On inter-island flights, lock your baggage and carry all valuables as there has been a spate of thefts and corruption is endemic.
Handy Hints
Bring everything that you need with you, including spare boards. The Tonga Surfriders Association are based at Ha'atafu Beach Resort, but equipment is hard to find, so think about donating hardware. There are some inner reef reforms for kids or beginners. Tonga has a 15% GST which isn't always included in advertised costs. Respect local religious beliefs and try to adapt to the slow pace of life, especially on Sundays.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.