- CapitalNuku'alofa
- CurrencyTongan pa'anga (TOP)
- LanguagesTongan, English
- Main hubFua'amotu (TBU)
- EntryVisitor visa on arrival for many nationalities
- Drives onLeft
Tonga is the only Pacific nation never formally colonised, and remains a constitutional monarchy. Most visitors come for Vava'u, a sheltered island group in the north famous for sailing and for swimming with humpback whales from roughly July to October.
Our whale swimming guide explains seasons, rules and how to choose an ethical operator.
Where to stay in Tonga
Compare hotels, resorts and guesthouses with free cancellation on many rooms. Via Booking.com.
Map
Tours & activities in Tonga
Day trips, cruises and guided experiences, many with free cancellation. Via GetYourGuide.
Guides & articles
What to Pack for Oceania: Packing Lists, Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Biosecurity Rules
Lagoons, alpine passes and outback heat in one trip. Here is what to pack for Oceania, which sunscreens to avoid, and how to stay on the right side of strict Australia and NZ biosecurity rules.
Swimming With Humpback Whales in Tonga: Vava'u Season, Ethics and Rules
Each winter humpbacks come to Tonga to breed and calve. Here is when to go, how whale swim tours work in Vava'u, the rules that protect the whales and how to choose well.
Samoa Travel Guide 2026: Upolu, Savai'i, To Sua and Beach Fales
Beach fales, the To Sua Ocean Trench, lava fields and blowholes: how to plan a trip across Samoa's two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, including the ferry.
The 12 Best Islands in the South Pacific, Ranked by Travel Style
From Bora Bora's lagoon to Tanna's volcano, these 12 South Pacific islands each do one thing better than anywhere else. Find the one that fits how you travel.
Staying Connected in Oceania: eSIMs, Local SIMs and Remote-Island Coverage
Fast 5G in Sydney, one bar on a Vanuatu beach. Here is how to pick an eSIM or local SIM for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands, and where coverage runs out.
Oceania Travel Budget 2026: What a Day Really Costs, Country by Country
From USD 40 a day in Samoa to USD 700+ in Bora Bora, here is what a day of travel really costs across Oceania, with budget, mid-range and luxury ranges by country.
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