|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Tonga Tonga is in the south Pacific Ocean comprising 169 islands, 96 of them inhabited, stretching over a distance of about 800 kilometres (500 miles). The islands lie south of Samoa and are about a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. Tonga is the only surviving monarchy among the island nations of the Pacific Ocean, The islands are also known as the Friendly Islands because of the friendly reception accorded to Captain Cook on his first visit in 1773. Only 45 of its islands of the 171 islands are inhabited. About two thirds of the islands' inhabitants live on the island of Tongatapu in the south. The other main islands are the Vava'u Group a little further south, the Ha'apai Group in the middle and Niuas in the far north. Note - Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited) to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Regardless of your destination, check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave. When to go Tonga's climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 25C - 29C year-round. December to May is nevertheless considered the warm season with water temperatures around 24C/75F, whereas May to December is the cool season with water temperatures around 21C/69F Diving is done year-round but is best between May and November. October to May is the cyclones season. Diving in Tonga Tonga is one of only two places in the world where you can see humpback whales in the water. From July to October humpback whales pass through the islands. They are often spotted from the boat, and, if you're really lucky, you just might encounter them during a dive. They come to mate and give birth before heading off to their feeding grounds in the Arctic, Tongatapu has a magnificent lagoon and reef, with five marine reserves and two island parks protected by government legislation. Ha'apai Group - great reef geography. There are caves, canyons, caverns and tunnels with vertical walls, fast flowing passes and colourful coral gardens. Hard corals dominate the reefs but there are also gorgonian fans and soft corals to be found. Vava'u Group - excellent drift dives along walls and drop offs, as well as the interesting wreck of a copra steamer right off Neiafu. There are also some good coral reefs with lots of fire coral and several areas with large gorgonian fan grottos. Visibility is usually excellent, often exceeding 40m. Source: PADI |
| DiveGuide.com Scuba Diving Vacations & Dive Holidays - Book direct dive travel with scuba diving operators, resorts, dive liveaboard yachts and dive travel representatives worldwide. We provide free scuba diving information for the traveling diver on vacation and holiday in and to scuba diver destinations around the world. |
|
|