11 days in Tonga looking for adventure in early september

dpromany00:36 UTC10 Jul 2008

Hiya!

I'm going to be backpacking solo in tonga from sept 4 to 15 and I was just wondering what I should not miss out on.

Im keen to do some hiking, adventure sports, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, etc. so any recommendations would be much appreciated.

I understand that it is the prime whale season so my plans are to definitely go to Vava'u to see the whales. Can anyone tell me how much it costs to go diving/snorkeling with them and any reputable companies that I should contact.

Would it be a good idea to possibly fly one way and take the boat back to the main island. How long and often does the boat go back and forth from Vava'a?

From reading the guidebook I think it sounds like I should spend most of my time in Eua and Vava'u but if anyone has any other places that they particularly loved I would love to here more about them.

Cheers,

Dave

I'm also looking for people to travel with if your going to be around then.

raro01:53 UTC10 Jul 2008

As far as places to stay, check out Adventure Backpackers and Port Wine house on Vavau.
The whale watching and dive places were not cheap, e.g., no backpacker-level version.

Not much snorkeling on Vavau's main island, you need to get to one of the islets, but they are more costly. You can rent a little boat w/ a small engine for a day, not sure what it costs.

Do NOT go snorkeling off the wharf in Neiafu. A Peace Corps volunteer got killed by a shark a couple of yrs ago.

I'd fly both ways if you can afford it. boats have tentative schedules, and you may not be able to get back for certain to meet your int'l flight unless you have a few days' window.

api04:59 UTC10 Jul 2008

It is usually no cheaper to hire your own boat - but it does allow you to reach some different islands - Foelifuka and Kenutu are nice places to explore. If that is too costly then the north coast of the main island (by Utula'aina Point) will allow you some space to explore. Vaka'eitu is also good, but if you don't have a good sense of direction the island is really confusing to be in the middle of! Vaka'eitu also has some reasonable off shore snorkelling.

Someone nearly got killed by swimming with whales too (another shark attack).

Eua is nice - the national park has some good trails through it.

11 days in Tonga looking for adventure in early september Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
dpromany00:36 UTC10 Jul 2008	Hiya! I'm going to be backpacking solo in tonga from sept 4 to 15 and I was just wondering what I should not miss out on. Im keen to do some hiking, adventure sports, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, etc. so any recommendations would be much appreciated. I understand that it is the prime whale season so my plans are to definitely go to Vava'u to see the whales. Can anyone tell me how much it costs to go diving/snorkeling with them and any reputable companies that I should contact. Would it be a good idea to possibly fly one way and take the boat back to the main island. How long and often does the boat go back and forth from Vava'a? From reading the guidebook I think it sounds like I should spend most of my time in Eua and Vava'u but if anyone has any other places that they particularly loved I would love to here more about them. Cheers, Dave I'm also looking for people to travel with if your going to be around then.
raro01:53 UTC10 Jul 2008	As far as places to stay, check out Adventure Backpackers and Port Wine house on Vavau. The whale watching and dive places were not cheap, e.g., no backpacker-level version. Not much snorkeling on Vavau's main island, you need to get to one of the islets, but they are more costly. You can rent a little boat w/ a small engine for a day, not sure what it costs. Do NOT go snorkeling off the wharf in Neiafu. A Peace Corps volunteer got killed by a shark a couple of yrs ago. I'd fly both ways if you can afford it. boats have tentative schedules, and you may not be able to get back for certain to meet your int'l flight unless you have a few days' window.	1
api04:59 UTC10 Jul 2008	It is usually no cheaper to hire your own boat - but it does allow you to reach some different islands - Foelifuka and Kenutu are nice places to explore. If that is too costly then the north coast of the main island (by Utula'aina Point) will allow you some space to explore. Vaka'eitu is also good, but if you don't have a good sense of direction the island is really confusing to be in the middle of! Vaka'eitu also has some reasonable off shore snorkelling. Someone nearly got killed by swimming with whales too (another shark attack). Eua is nice - the national park has some good trails through it.	2