Thanks Amaile, Euglena, Copperspoon, Raro

Hi Amaile, Euglena, Copperspoon and Raro,

Thank you all so much for such speedy and informative replies to my plea for help.

We plan to visit Tonga for 2 weeks somewhere between mid Sept to mid October this year.

Thanks Amaile for the offer to take us to a funeral should one occur while we are there. Would you suggest we split up our days in Tongatapu at either end of our holiday or spend our days there before flying home?

Euglena, thanks for the suggestions on islands, accommodation and whale swim options. I saw the amount of research you did on this site prior to your visit and am so pleased it paid off for you, it sounds like you had a great experience in Tonga.

Copperspoon, appreciate the suggestion to bring our own snorkelling gear. If we bring our own mask and snorkel, will be be able to hire fins when we get there? Also any idea how many companies offer swims with the whales and will we be able to book on arrival or would you suggest booking before we leave home? Also my sister doesnt drive or ride scooters, so is there any type i can hire and double her on?

Thanks again for all your help you are certainly great ambassadors for Tonga.

Sandy

We really had a great time. Just open your heart and allow yourself to relax.

I can also say only about Ha'apai - you can hire fins. I know you want to save luggage space.

No scooters of my knowlidge. Bicycles almost everywhere.

I think you better book swimming with whales upon arrival.

Thank you for an opinion. Indeed we became nicest forum bunch, I guess!

Try to come in September. The earlier the better. Or the number of whales drops.

Splitting your days will all depends on the availability of seats on domestic flights. But plan to be back to Tongatapu 2 days before your international connection, to play it safe.

Whale swim operators come and go, every year. Some non-licenced, some licenced. As others suggested, just book when you get there with the best available one.

You're welcome! As suggested above, you'll need to plan to get back to TBU a couple of days before your int'l flight. Domestic flights can be sporadic despite their listed schedules.
I don;t know of scooter rentals on TBU, but you can rent a car for the day for anout $t50. I think Roger ---- has a place called FAB rentals, he'll meet you at the airport if you arrange it in advance. This would be good for the couple of days at the end of your trip.
PS--Do NOT go even one km above the speed limit, there are speed traps all over the island! Must be a good source of revenue!

There is no scooter rentals on TBU.

Yes, you're right. Roger and Lee Miller has FAB Rentals.

FAB Rentals

Yes, to all of you going to Tongatapu, I highly recommend Roger and Lee's FAB Rentals. They have lived there for several yrs, and their cars are in good shape. Plus, it's a 40-minute drive to the airport, and Roger will arrange to pick you up on arrival (usually), so it's a good way to learn a bit about the island as you head into town. Very nice people!