Tonga Detailed Itinerary
Tonga Detailed Itinerary
Tonga Whales, Reefs, Beaches and Culture
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Detailed Itinerary
13 Day Adventure To The South Pacific
Day One-Two: En route to Tonga
For those traveling on Fiji Air, it’s recommended to be at the San Francisco International Airport by 8:00pm at the Air Fiji Ticket Counter on TBA.
Your flight departs at 11:00pm with an arrival into Fiji on August 5th at 5:10am.
Your flight to Nukualofa, Tongatapu departs at 7:00am on TBA with arrival into Tonga at 10:05am on TBA where we will meet you at the Nukualofa Airport after clearing customs.
Day Three~: Matafonua Lodge, Ha’apai Island Group
Our domestic flight on RealTonga departs Nakualofa, Tongatapu for the Ha’apai Island group at 2:30pm with an arrival at 3:20pm on TBA. We will have lunch together before departing. Our destination is Matafonua Lodge situated at the far end of Foa Island. Matafonua Lodge is renown for its long stretches of white sandy beaches lined with lush coconut trees and coral gardens just offshore from our cabanas.
British ex-pats Darren and Nina Rice who manage the lodge are raising their 3 children surrounded by sun, sand and whales.
Their fascinating story and superb photography can be reviewed here: Island Life.
Your afternoon will be free to enjoy our island paradise which we will call home for the next 3 nights.
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Four~ Matafonua Lodge, Ha’apai Island Group
We have planned a leisurely morning with the option to sleep in after our long journey across the globe to the South Pacific.
Mid morning we will offer a check out snorkel and introduction to the array of marine resources that abound in the Tongan waters. Just steps away from our cabanas exists a flourishing coral reef ecosystem that supports an array of species such as hawksbill sea turtles, Spanish dancers, leopard sharks and massive corals.
Join us in the water as your Blue Water Ventures naturalists share their knowledge of coral reef ecology and the behaviors of reef fish. Certified divers may arrange for a shore dive with the island dive master.
Our beach front accommodations provides bikes as well as kayaks for use, free of charge.
Small traditional village communities are nearby and an uninhabited island paradise is within kayaking or snorkeling distance.
Exploring Ha’apai, Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Five~ Whale Watch/Snorkel Excursion, Ha’apai Island Group
Today we have planned our first of six Humpback Whales swim encounters.
Pregnant females give birth to a single calf every 2-3 years in the protected lagoons of Tonga with both the Ha’apai and Vava’u Island groups known as a nursery area.
Swimming among the humpback whales is highly regulated with only 4 people and a guide permitted near a whale at a time.
We will take turns between our group members and others in the area.
Patiently, we wait to slip into the turquoise blue water and have an extraordinary encounter with a marine mammal that may exceed 50 feet in length and weigh 80,000 pounds! People have described this experience as life altering.
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Six~ The Hideaway, Eua Island
We will get an early start today as we travel to Eua Island in the southeastern corner of the archipelago forming Tonga.
Our flight departs Ha’apai at 10:40am with arrival into Nukualofa, Tongatapu at 11:30amFrom there we will take a charter flight to Eua Island. From there we will take a charter flight to Eua Island.
Our hosts from the Hideaway will meet us at the airport and take us to our accommodations. Located on the western coast of Eua Island, The Hideaway is an ocean front property situated near the village of Tufuvai.
Known as the Forgotten island, Eua is by far the least developed of all the inhabited Islands in Tonga.
The people of Eua are proud of their heritage and many cultural practices are still intake. For the next five nights we will be staying at the quaint and comfortable accommodations provided by The Hideaway with double occupancy rooms, planned activities and all meals provided.
On one of our nights here you may join the local people for traditional Kava Drinking at the “Kalapu”, Tongan for club or drinking hall.
Whether you sample the Kava or not, we highly recommend that you join us for this highly unique cultural opportunity.
Day Seven~ Whale Watch/ Snorkel Excursion
Our experience with the Humpback whales may be quite different departing from Eua Island, an area less visited by tourist.
Kiko, known in guide books as ” the whale whisperer” will join us on the water as a local expert with the whales.
We have planned 2 days to swim and view humpback whales from our Hideaway base, Day 7 and Day 10.
While on Eua Island, some wonderful cultural activities will be offered. For those who would like to learn the art of Tongan weaving, you may join the women of Tufuvai Village as they share this ancient ritual.
Others may choose to rent bikes or hire a private guide to explore more of the island (all activities are on your own and you will pay our hosts directly).
There are beautiful beaches within walking distance of our hotel. During our stay, we plan to visit the nearby lower division school, always a memorable exchange.
Day Eight~ Hike and Island Exploration
Today we plan to explore the mountainous and rugged terrain of Eua Island where the country’s most expansive tropical rainforest is found.
Our adventurous day will include scrambling over rock formations and exploring caves where eerie stalactites and stalagmites have formed.
We plan to visit the farm of a local family who make a living harvesting kava, taro and vanilla. Our day will include snorkeling at a remote beach before we make our way back to the Hideaway passing through a variety of tropical habitats.
For certified divers, there may be an opportunity to go scuba diving rather than hiking on this day. We can help you arrange this experience but this will be an activity that you do and pay for on your own.
We have heard reports that the diving around Eua Island is spectacular. Additionally, there are snorkeling and beachcombing beaches within walking distance of the Hideaway.
Please contact Kim at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com if you are interested in diving.
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Nine~ Church and Tongan Feast
Sunday is considered a sacred day in Tongan culture with no guided activities permitted around Eua Island. Your morning will be free to relax around The Hideaway or you may join us at church known for its elaborate singing and cultural exchange.
Later in the day, bikes are available for use and a magnificent beach worth exploring is near by.While on the isolated island of Eua, we hope to catch a glimpse of the The Koki or red shining parrot, a species endemic to Eua Island.
Our day will include learning how to prepare the traditional Tongan Feast prepared in a Umu, an underground oven.
Day Ten~ Whale Watch/Snorkel Excursion
Before dawn, we plan to offer a guided exploration of the inter tidal world a few steps away from our accommodations. Many of the invertebrates that hide during the day emerge at night.
After breakfast, we will join Kiko on another whale swim excursion.
Humpback whales are known for their complex songs which are sung by males in the breeding grounds.
The songs are repeated across 100’s of miles and each year a new song is composed which may incorporate parts of the previous year’s song.
East of Eua between the Tongan islands and Fiji lies the world’s second deepest trench that measures 35, 700 feet at its deepest point.
The marine resources around Eua Island combined with its rich tropical flora makes for an outstanding ecological experience.
Our afternoons will include happy hour on the whale observation deck followed by dinner and recap of our daily adventures.
Snorkeling among the islands of Vava’u, Photo Credit Kim Powell
Day Eleven~ Eua Island to Mala Island, Vava’u Island Group
We will depart Eua island by charter plane for Nakualofa, Tongatapu and continue on RealTonga airlines to the Vava’u Island Group.
Our plan is to then transfer by van then motorboat to our private 20 acre island with accommodations at the Mala Island Resort.
For the next 3 nights we are staying at Mala island Resort with double occupancy rooms, planned activities and all meals provided.
Day Twelve-Thirteen ~ Whale Swim, Vava’u Island Group
We have had some of our most dramatic whale encounters while exploring the incredibly scenic Vava’u Island Group.
Our last three days will be devoted to above and below water whale experiences.
Humpback Whales are the most acrobatic of the baleen whales. Positioned in our skiffs we can watch for behaviors such as breaching and tail slapping.
With their eyes located on the side of their heads, Humpback Whales are known to spy hop. Raising much of their head out of the water they are able to look around.The level of interaction is entirely up to the whales. Each day is uniquely different and some days viewing is best done above water than below.
With 6 days of whale swims planned, we hope that everyone has an unforgettable encounter with the benevolent humpback whales.
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Fourteen~ Morning Whales~ Explore Vava’u Island Group
Our morning will be spent enjoying a final swim with the whales of the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga.
We’ll find a secluded beach for lunch then explore superb snorkeling and beach combing areas such as the renowned Coral Gardens and Nuku Beach.
We plan to visit the spectacular underwater formations at Mariners or Swallows Cave.
Using an underwater light, snorkelers may swim through the eerie limestone formations where nocturnally active marine species are found.
On our final night together, we will gather to recap our adventures in the South Pacific. Our plan is to spend our last night at The Vava’u Villa in town and near the airport, allowing us to explore some of the local nightlife.
Day Fifteen~ The Journey Home
We will catch a morning flight back to Tongatapu departing at 10:30am and arriving at 11:30am We will then catch our connecting international flights.
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
2023 Itinerary to Tonga Fiji
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Detailed Itinerary
14 Day Adventure To The South Pacific
Day One: En route to Tonga
Our adventure begins in Tongatapu, the Capital of Tonga on August 7th. This requires that you depart your USA mainland airport on Saturday, August 5th. We will meet you at the airport in Tonga and get settled into our accommodations for the evening ( Double -Triple Occupancy rooms and dinner included). Our 2023 program is our first offering to Fiji where as our history in Tonga began the summer of 2014. We may have a few kinks to iron out in Fiji, but we will strive to offer the activities as described in the itinerary below, though subject to some minor tweaks. Bula!
Day Two~ Matafonua Lodge, Ha’apai Island Group~August 8th
Our domestic flight departs Nakualofa, Tongatapu for the Ha’apai Island group at TBA on August 8th. Our destination is Matafonua Lodge situated at the far end of Foa Island. Matafonua Lodge is renown for its long stretches of white sandy beaches lined with lush coconut trees and coral gardens just offshore from our cabanas. British ex-pats Darren and Nina Rice who manage the lodge are raising their 3 children surrounded by sun, sand and whales.
Their fascinating story and superb photography can be reviewed here: Island Life. Your afternoon will be free to enjoy our island paradise which we will call home for the next 7 nights ( (quad occupancy cabanas, continental breakfast and dinners included for the next 7 nights). Please review the description of accommodations here: More Info
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Three~ Whale Watch~Snorkel Excursion, Matafonua Lodge~ Ha’apai Island Group ~August 9th
Today we will offer a check out snorkel and introduction to the array of marine resources that abound in the Tongan waters. Just steps away from our cabanas exists a flourishing coral reef ecosystem that supports an array of species such as hawksbill sea turtles, Spanish dancers, leopard sharks and massive corals.
Join us in the water as your Blue Water Ventures naturalists share their knowledge of coral reef ecology and the behaviors of reef fish. During the week, certified divers may arrange for a dive with the island dive master. Our day will also include our first chance to observe and possibly swim with humpback whales! Please contact Kim at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com if you are interested in diving.
Our beach front accommodations provides bikes as well as kayaks for use, free of charge.
Small traditional village communities are nearby and an uninhabited island paradise is within kayaking or snorkeling distance
Exploring Ha’apai, Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Four~ Whale Watch~Snorkel or Kayak Excursion, Matafonua Lodge~Ha’apai Island Group~ August 10th
Today, we plan to offer a guided exploration of the intertidal world a few steps away from our accommodations. Join your naturalist as we walk the beaches exploring the rich invertebrate life that flourishes in the South Pacific. Hiding in rocky nooks and crannies we may find sea cucumbers, brittle stars, ribbon worms and colorful nudibranchs. Later today. we will drop our hydrophone into the water to listen to the melodious song of the male humpback whales, known for their complex songs which are sung in the breeding grounds.
Pregnant Humpback whales give birth to a single calf every 2-3 years in the protected lagoons of Tonga with the Ha’apai region known as a nursery area.
Swimming among the humpback whales is highly regulated with only 4 people and a guide permitted near a whale at a time. Each day that we swim, we will offer a morning session for 1/2 our group and and an afternoon session for the other 1/2 of our group, taking turns as we share the experience. During your down time, your Blue Water Ventures naturalist will offer snorkeling, beach combing, hikes or kayaking excursions.
Patiently, we wait to slip into the turquoise blue water as we hope for an extraordinary encounter with a marine mammal that may exceed 50 feet in length and weigh 80,000 pounds! People have described this experience as life altering.
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Five ~ Whale Watch~School and Villages, Matafonua Lodge~Ha’apai Island Group~August 11th
Today we will offer another chance to swim among the humpback whales and their offspring. We have also made arrangements to visit the local elementary school where we can donate school supplies brought from the States. Such gestures are greatly appreciated as supplies are very limited. The children are always excited to meet us and may share songs, games and curriculum. Tonight we will offer a night walk to discover what nocturnal species are active at night.
Day Six~ Whale Watch~Cultural Day, Matafonua Lodge~Ha’apai Island Group~August 12th
Our day will include another opportunity to observe whales from above and below water. We have also arranged an opportunity to learn the art of Tongan weaving, You may join the women of Faleloa Village as they share this ancient ritual. Later in the evening, we plan to have our first taste of Kava, another long standing ritual among the Tongan and Fijian cultures although each culture has its unique practices around Kava. Whether you sample the Kava or not, we highly recommend that you join us for this incredibly unique cultural opportunity.
Day Seven ~ Church~Snorkeling and a Tongan Feast, Matafonua Lodge~Ha’apai Island Group~August 13th
Sunday is considered a sacred day in Tongan culture with no guided whale watching permitted.. Your morning will be free to relax around our island paradise or you may join us at church known for its elaborate singing and cultural exchange.
Later in the day, bikes are available for use and a magnificent beach worth exploring is near by. Our day will include learning how to prepare the traditional Tongan feast prepared in an Umu, an underground oven. Your Blue Water Ventures Guides are always available to lead an interpretive snorkeling trip discussing the delicate ecology of coral reefs.
Day Eight ~ Whale Watch/Snorkel or Kayak Excursion, Matafonua Lodge~Ha’apai Island Group~August 14th
We will offer our final whale swim today. Humpback Whales are the most acrobatic of the baleen whales. Positioned in our skiffs we can watch for behaviors such as breaching and tail slapping.
With their eyes located on the side of their heads, Humpback Whales are known to spy hop. Raising much of their head out of the water they are able to look around.The level of interaction is entirely up to the whales. Each day is uniquely different and some days viewing is best done above water than below.
With 5 days of whale watching and swimming planned, we hope that everyone has an unforgettable encounter with the benevolent humpback whales.
Photo Credit: Kim Powell
Day Nine~ Onward to Fiji, Crusoe’s Resort on the Coral Coast~August 15th
We will catch a flight back to Tongatapu where we will connect with Air Fiji arriving into Nadi, the Capital of Fiji. Participants arrange for the international flight from Tonga to Fiji. Traveling by shuttle along the Coral Coast we arrive at the beautiful beach front Crusoe’s Resort where we base for the next 5 nights. Crusoe’s Resort is known for magnificent sunsets exploding with color across the South Pacific. It is located next to the village of Namaqumaqua. (Double occupancy rooms, continental breakfast and dinner included for five nights).
Day Ten~ Rafting~Hiking~Waterfalls, Crusoe’s Resort on the Coral Coast~August 16th
We have an incredible first full day planned in Fiji. Traveling by both motorized long canoe and bamboo raft, the traditional mode of transportation among the Fijians, we will explore the lush tropical scenery of the Navua River. Hiking through a dense forest we reach the spectacular Magic Waterfalls, plunging several 100 feet into a deep pool. Join your Blue Water Ventures Naturalist as we search for the Nopili Goby, a tiny saltwater fish species that migrates up freshwater rivers and literally climbs waterfalls. Our day will include visiting a Fijian Village where the locals will share a cultural presentation and the history of Kava.
Day Eleven~ Snorkeling~Fishing~Village & Schools~ Crusoe’s Resort on the Coral Coast~August 17th
Join us for an intertidal beach exploration after breakfast. Miles of sandy beaches stretch along the Coral Coast in front of our resort. In the early morning, the local Fijians are often found fishing, repairing nets or collecting edibles from the sea by hand. During the Global Pandemic, the villagers shared how grateful they were to have such rich marine resources, as well as land to harvest their ground provisions. Our day will be spent based at Crusoe’s Resort where a variety of activities will be offered such as beach combing, kayaking, hiking and cultural activities including a lesson in Fijian cooking! Our day will include a visit to the local school in the village of Namaqumaqua. Tonight we will return to the village for Kava, a cultural opportunity not to be missed.
Day Twelve~ Explore Bega Island Mangroves and Beaches by Kayak~ Snorkel Adventure ~Crusoe’s Resort ~August 18th
Today we will travel to Pacific Harbor to meet our island shuttle. Our destination is Beqa Island where kayaks will glide us through the islands interior lined by a mangrove forest. Birding is excellent as the intricate mangrove foliage provides critical habitat for an array of bird species as well as “flying foxes”, the noticeably large bats found in both Fiji and Tonga. Clinging to the submerged mangrove roots are an array of cryptically colored invertebrates. Our day will include snorkeling and beach combing around this stunning island in the South Pacific.
Day Thirteen: Snorkeling~Kayaking ~ Hike Crusoe’s Resort on the Coral Coast~August 19th
We will have another layover day at Crusoe’s Resort. Among the activities we may offer today is learning the traditional method of fishing using a hand line as well an a spear pole. For those who would like to hike the forest, we will hire a local guide to share their knowledge of medicinal plants found in the jungly terrain. For certified divers, we suggest arranging a soft coral dive that the Fijian waters are noted for. More details at the More Info Page. On our final night we have arranged a sunset cruise followed by a poolside farewell dinner and gathering.
Day Fourteen: Church & Village, Evening Flight Home ~ August 20th
On our final day, we hope you will join us at the local village Church service, an entirely different experience than what we experienced in Tonga. Relax by the pool or take a final swim as we wait to catch our afternoon shuttle back to the Nadi International Airport for our flight back home.
Swim Back to the South Pacific
Check Our Reviews On Yelp
Blue Water Ventures
Naturalist-led field trips and adventures. We specialize in sea kayaking field trips for schools and adventures for women in the Monterey Bay, Baja, Belize, Tonga and beyond.
