Lots of question, Tonga

Hello,

my wife and I (25-28yo) will be in Tonga for 3 weeks in August. After reading the Tonga lonely planet and a lots of forum, I still have a lot to ask, So here are my unanswered questions;

1- How long should I stay in each Island group and in what order should I visit them. Tongatapu, Hapai and Vavau. I'd like to do some diving, some fishing, volcano climbing, sea kayaking, whale swimming, stay on nice beaches and feel some culture.

2- Does the diving at Eua island and his superb cave worth it?

3- For fishing, blue marlin, anyone has tried target one in Vavau, or any recomandation?

4- Any dive sites I should'nt miss in Tonga.

5- As for whale swimming, can I book when I will get there, if not, when should I book, and any recommandation for a cheap and reliable operator?

6- Any suggestion about anything I'm missing or I should know?

Thank you very much

Alex

1-Tongatapu-As little time as possible-it's flat dusty/boring and stinks of garbage fires.
Hapai-an hour was lots for me
Vava'u-where it all happens

2-no idea Sorry

3-Vava'u is the place to be
use Ika lahi if you have the dosh or
The Dora Malia

owned/operated by Captain Paul Mead
contacted through Ikapuna Tackle store downtown Neiafu

4-Only snorkel myself

5-book upon arrival no worries on that point

6-take a large box of patience and a big bag of good humour you'll need it.

Vava'u is gorgeous and well worth any trials or tribulations involved in reaching it.

Edited by: makaira nigricans

#1 must have had a bad trip once.

1. you can spend nearly a week here. There is golf, Captain Cook's landing site, the trilithon and plenty of good restaurants. For snorkeling and whale watching and surfing etc, you are better off in Ha'apai or Va'vau. Certainly Va'vau for the whal;es, although I didi once watch a mother and calf near Fafa heading away.

2. some like it, some don't. It's a day out to the locals.

3. va'vau, but good fish have been caught off Tongatapu. I ate a few of them. your hotel can arrange something no matter where you stay.

4. let your hotel help. Diving is bvetter off Va'vau than Tongatapu.

5. let your hotel help.

6. Ignore hardnosethehighway here. Tongans are a lovely friendly people. They will go out of their way to help you. Tonga, however, is NOT New York, or Sydney. It is a l;aid back pleasant place to chill out and have a good time.

here is a link: Tonga holiday

Edited by: Leo_Walsh

Perhaps I was a tad harsh-many local cabbies offer fine little tours of the island

Click Here for the Highlights of Tongatapu Tour

I wish #1 would just stick to the good things that happened to her, instead of sticking on the bad. Leo has it right at response to #6 at #2.

yes, Harry, don't be so harsh. ;-)

"yes, Harry, don't be so harsh...."

I'm not Harry Mudd either(!)

1. I always find 2 days in Tongatapu enough and would plan it towards the end of your trip in order to have at least one day between your domestic and your international flight. Domestic airline reliabilty has improved a lot, but it´s still a good idea.
   Vava'u indeed is where it all happens if you like it a little livelier and want to have different restaurants and bars to chose from. Also for the fishing this is the place to go. Regarding diving, snorkeling and yes, even whale whatching/swimming Ha'apai can keep up with Vava'u. It is quieter and more relaxed in Ha'apai, not so many tourists, great beaches and it has the active volcano Tofua you can climb if conditions permit it. So, depending on what you prefer, 1 week Vava'u and a few days Ha'apai or the other way round.

2. Haven´t been to Eua yet, sorry.

3. no idea

4. In Vava'u: Split Rock and the wreck of the Clan Mc William
   In Ha'apai: The Arch of Ofalanga, Eden Rock, Akoteu and Fale Anga
   I don´t know about Tongatapu.

5. In Vava'u probably no problem without prebooking, in Ha'apai necessary as there are only two operators who like having small groups to give a personal experience and August is the best and busiest month for Whale Watching/Swimming.
   See link in my signature.

6. I have to agree with #1. Tongans are very friendly and open, but still patience is a virtue here.

#6, he knows you're not me, dope. he was telling me not to be so harsh about you, but your insults in another thread were over the top.

ciao.

yes. I was chastising harry.

and I just read that other thread, too.

why do you do it?

sorry but i'd have to agree mostly with #1. Don't waste too much time in Tongatapu and head to Vavau which is stunning. Haapai is picturebook Pacific islands. I wouldn't travel to Tonga for the trilithon and the golf and Captain Cook's landing site (he landed in a lot of places during his career - is each one a tourist attraction?). The Tongan people are very friendly and hospitable and patience is well rewarded.