Kitesurfing & Surfing
Don’t expect to come to Tonga and take it easy, all day, every day. The Kingdom’s True South Pacific vibe and languid tropical climate certainly promotes an unhurried approach to life, but more adventurous holiday activities are also on offer, in the emerging adventure travel hub of the Vava’u group and the beautiful Ha’apai group of islands . Explore both island groups sheltered waters and scattered, untouched islands on a self-drive jet kayak, skimming across cobalt waters and coral reefs at an invigorating 30 km per hour. Harness the Kingdom’s dependable trade winds to kiteboard amid sheltered and uncrowded lagoons and atolls, getting a unique perspective on Tonga’s pristine landscapes.
Professional operators offer full training and equipment sales, and can advise experienced kiteboarders on the best locations. Take to four wheels on a self-drive kart safari, enjoying a rollicking jungle adventure on remote, back road trails, deserted beaches and ocean side cliff tops. Look forward to an entertaining infusion of hearty Tongan humour from the local guides.
After all this activity, most visitors to Tonga usually need some well-earned downtime in a well-shaded hammock. Don’t worry, that’s something the Pacific’s most authentic destination also does remarkably well.
PROVIDERS FOR KITESURFING & SURFING
Shallow, warm, uncrowded lagoons coupled with steady, dependable trade winds make Tonga a paradise for the exhilarating sport of kitesurfing. This sport offers a great opportunity for the more adventurous traveller to explore the warm waters and stunning coastlines of Tonga in an entirely different way. Simply enjoy skimming across the clear island waters, or try getting airborne if you’re seeking a real adrenaline rush. Take the chance to experience this unique sport in some of Tonga’s most remote and beautiful environments.
Most kitesurfing activities are based in the outer island groups of Vava’u and Ha’apai, where the southeast trade winds provide ideal conditions from May to late October. Professional operators offer kitesurfing holidays, including lessons tailored to the individual, equipment hire and everything that novices through to pro-kiters need to have the ultimate kitesurfing experience.
SURFING
The west-northwest facing coastline of the main island of Tongatapu is the home of some of Tonga’s best surfing. This coastline is perfectly situated to take advantage of the huge groundswells from winter storm activities in the southern Pacific. The steady east-southeast offshore trade winds create perfect surf conditions. The other two main island groups of Ha’apai and Vava’u also boast great surfing. However much of this is only accessible by specialist charter vessels.