Known as the Friendly Islands, Tonga is an archipelago of more than 170 islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
It’s no cheesy tourist destination, Tonga is low-key and absolutely beautiful, with a rich local culture and laid back resorts. Show off your trip in a great Tonga Instagram photo at these seven spots.
1. Ha’atafu Beach
Ha’atafu Beach is a long sandy stretch of paradise where some of Tonga’s best surf spots can be found.
If you visit here from June to November, you might even spy some humpback whales swimming near the shore.
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2. Mapu’a Vaea Blowholes
The Mapu a Vaea or “Whistle of the Noble”, are natural blowholes on the island of Tongatapu.
When the surf is strong from the ocean below, the blowholes spurt jets of water up to 30m high.
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3. Fafa Island
A real Robinson Crusoe hideaway spot, this island resort is on an 18 acre palm covered atoll surrounded by coral reef.
You can pay to visit the resort as a day guest, but we recommend staying overnight in the resort’s traditional Polynesian beach bungalows.
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4. Tofua
Tofua is a flat volcanic island, that once had a cone-shaped volcano top which blew off during an eruption. It’s now a crater with a stunning freshwater lake.
Hike up the rim of the crater and peer down into the waters below.
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5. Anahulu Cave
Anahulu Cave is made up of a network of large limestone caverns, as well as Tongatapu’s only freshwater pools. Check out the glistening stalagmites and then hop in for a swim.
It’s on Haveluliku and is the ultimate Tonga Instagram location.
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6. Nuku’alofa
Nukuʻalofa is the capital of Tonga, on the island of Tongatapu.
Nuku’alofa’s Talamahu market is a proudly local affair, selling fresh tropical produce and authentic Tongan arts and crafts.
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7. Vava’u
Vava’u is one of the only few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales.
It’s made up of 61 different islands, with coral reefs, dramatic hills and amazing sea kayaking routes. It’s also a renowned destination for yachts to moor, so you can explore hidden caves and swimming spots.
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