Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Ha apai Budget accomodation and whale snorkel options Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
astrokat 20:19 UTC 15 Mar 2010 | hi ill be in tonga around August/september Im mainly looking for a whaleswim experience. I checked out alot of package tours from vavau, and even though they seem nice the price is just too much for 9 days tours. I know boats are expensive and all, but the included hotels are, lets say abit more luxurius than I would need. I wonder if its cheaper to do from Ha apai, getting there yourself booking a hotels yourselves and reserving whaleswim operators on location. Anyone can recommend this approach in ha apai? |
finsnflukes 02:09 UTC 16 Mar 2010 | Hi astrokat, Ha'apai is generally cheaper than Vava'u and there is excellent inexpensive accommodation around. If you want to stay in Pangai town on the main island Lifuka, Langilangi (Fanongovainga) Guesthouse is great with rooms from approx. US$8 to US$20. If you prefer to stay on the beach, then Taiana´s Resort on Uoleva is the place to be. Beachfront fales at US$15 per night. Both places are simple, but very clean and with very friendly and welcoming hosts. Other options on Lifuka are Evaloni Guesthouse in town or Billy´s Place a bit outside of town on a beach on the East coast (a bit pricier though and relatively deserted). Fins 'n' Flukes in Pangai do whale watching/swimming and also do pick-ups from Uoleva. While there might be a chance to get a seat on a boat at short notice, you should be aware that August/September are the busiest months and booking in advance is recommended. | 1
haroldinho 16:59 UTC 21 Mar 2010 | Have you considered doing it in Eua? Travel should be a lot cheaper than to Ha apai or Vavau, and acco is relatively cheap as well. http://www.hideaway-eua.com/ | 2
finsnflukes 19:52 UTC 21 Mar 2010 | Eua is great, but you´re not allowed to swim with the whales there. | 3
haroldinho 13:52 UTC 23 Mar 2010 | Really? Sorry, my mistake. | 4
bigronn 23:09 UTC 01 Apr 2010 | We stayed in februar at Fifita guesthose in Pangai. We paid 50 pa'anga (20 Euro) for a simple room. It's the same building as Mariner's Cafe'. The only ones serving beers on the Island. There is an internetcafe' nextdoor. At Uoleva we stayed at Captain Cooks. We paid 30 pa'anga (12 Euro) for the rustic hut. They serve great food! Uoleva is more or less a must if you spend more then a few days on Ha'apai and like nice deserted beaches, of course. Enjoy! | 5