Tonga

A Polynesian kingdom in the South Pacific, known for swimming with humpback whales, coral-reef islands and traditional royal culture.

Tonga is an island nation in the South Pacific, made up of island groups including Tongatapu, Haʻapai, Vavaʻu, ʻEua and the Niuas, and is the only Polynesian country in the Pacific to have retained a monarchy. Its capital, Nukuʻalofa, is on the island of Tongatapu, and highlights include the Royal Palace, the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui trilithon and the coastal blowholes. From about July to October, humpback whales come here to breed; Vavaʻu and Haʻapai are popular places to swim with them, and Vavaʻu is also a renowned sailing harbor. May to October is the cooler, drier season. The gateway is Fuaʻamotu International Airport on Tongatapu.

Destinations

Itineraries