Tonga
Why
There are few places in the world that can boast the expression "once in a life time". Tonga
is one of those magical, distant places that unites travelers with the beauty and power of nature.
On August 15th , 2015 the WildDive team, with 14 divers lead by the guide and prize
winning photographer Noam Kortler, visited here on one of our diving trips on the NAI'A
boat, and had an unforgettable trip. After a diving trip in Fiji and a flight to Tonga, they
departed on one of the most desired excursions and sailed to watch the mothers and calf
Humpback Whales, migrate south. The meetings were captured and documented by photos
and film but were mainly carved in the hearts of the group.
When
There are only 4-5 sailing trips a year, between the end of July to the start of September.
During this short period you can spend time in the water, watch the whales who are curious
and come close to look at us humans and closely observe their newborn calves.
There are many places in the world to enjoy whale watching,
but the Tonga is classed as the most special of all.
How
Few ships have special permits from the government of Tonga, and operate under strict
restrictions that promise minimal disturbance to the sea life. Under these restrictions
and due to the short season, there is a short period each year in which nature addicts
receive the opportunity to take part in one of these excursions.
The best way is to combine a visit to Fiji that includes diving trips that combines
sailing trip with the whales in Tonga, which guarantee you enjoy one of the most
impressive nature and diving trips available in the world.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
בקרוב...
CloseTonga is a unique and interesting destination, that attracts not only divers. The Tonga
kingdom is an isolated island state in the Pacific Ocean. The trip focuses on the migrating
Humpback Whales and the number of annual trips are limited, in order to protect them.
Only true nature lovers have the opportunity to enjoy this fascinating sight.
There are 3 species of humpback whales, Southern Australian, North Pacific and North Atlantic.
This type of whale is a large species of the Baleen whale. They do not have any teeth and use
baleen plates as filters. They are able to swallow large quantities of water and filter approximately
one and a half tons a day of plankton, fish and crabs that they feed on! The Blue Whale, known as
the largest creature on earth, also belongs to this family of whales.
The females can reach a length of 18.5 meters! The males reach up to 17 meters. They weigh an
average of 27 tons! Their fins are huge, and can reach up to 5 meters in length. These whales,
despite their tremendous size, are very acrobatic and talented, and while jumping are capable of
pulling their entire body out of the water. They communicate by making sounds using a sophisticated
sonar system. During courtship, the males "sing" the most complex song of the animal kingdom.
Whales migrate and spend the summer months in colder water and in birthing season migrate to
warmer waters.
Tonga is a wonderful and safe place for female whales to give birth. During the trips you
can spend time in the water with the whales and have a close look at their newborn calves,
who are just as curious to meet you as you them!
Due to its hot climate, this region is abundant in rich and colorful coral reefs with hundreds of
species of fish. Whilst snorkeling you can see dolphins, turtles, Manta rays, barracudas etc.
International Time Zone
GMT + 13 hours.
The irrational + 13 time zone is due to the peculiar route of the International Date
Line. Tonga does not change dates but sets an irrational time zone of GMT +13
Entry Visa
Some nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa to visit the Tonga. 30
day visas may be obtained on arrival. Please update prior to your departure.
for more information please contact the nearest embassy in your country.
Vaccines
We recommend to keep up to date with vaccine requirements on your local
Ministry of Health website.
Personal Documents
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Travel insurance and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places (but only on some of
the boats) saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Photography
This is definitely a destination to photo and. The Fiji Islands and Tonga are one
of the most spectacular places to photograph above and below water! You do
not have to be an expert photographer in order to take spectacular photos and
capture some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments. In order to photograph
and save mirrors and experiences. Diving packages are available for most kinds of
cameras, for photography above and under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras are
also a popular choice suitable for photographing whales in their natural habitat.
Our talented team of photographers will be happy to advise and assist in purchasing
an underwater photography kit and training prior to the trip.
Clothing
Diving in tropical regions does not require you to bring much clothing.
Light cloth is recommended for between dives. One or two buttoned shirts
for the evening can be useful. Warm and comfortable clothing and socks are
recommended for flying. You can avoid bringing shoes and in most cases,
a comfortable pair of sport sandals are all you will need! Towels and bed linen
are provided by hotels and ships.
Medication and First Aid Equipment
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication. The chance of obtaining
specific drugs does not exist! Do not forget seasickness pills if necessary. Pack
a high factor sunscreen to protect you from prolonged exposure to tropical weather.
Flights
The flight duration from Nadi airport in Fiji to Tonga is approximately an
hour and a half east bound with Air Fiji. When booking your ticket, please
ensure that your name is spelled exactly as in your passport! You must check
in at least 3 hours before your international flight. The number of bags and
their weight should comply with airline restrictions to avoid overweight charges.
Transportation and Arrival Pick Up
One of our representatives will be waiting for you to coordinate transportation,
domestic flights, transfer to the ship, or hotel according to the itinerary. In the
"Reservation Details" file that you receive from us, you will find the itinerary
and the contact phone number of our representative.
Communication
The resorts and ships offer limited internet access that will probably not meet
the standard that you are accustomed to. We recommend that you on arrival you
purchase a local SIM card in the airport. They are not expensive and ensure you
are able to enjoy independent Internet access during your trip. In the arrivals hall
at the airport there is a local communications company store. It is recommended
to install the SIM in the store and check that it works!
Weather
Holidays in the Fiji Islands and Tonga are possible and convenient all year
round due to the pleasant tropical climate, open seas spaces and their location
being relatively close to the equator. May to October is classed as the dry season.
During these months it is not so hot, humidity is lower and less rain is expected.
Average temperatures reach approximately 25c degrees. The months of November
to April are classed as the rainy season and there is also a risk of cyclones that are
not dangerous due to the distance from the mainland. Whale watching is in August.
Sea Conditions
The ocean is the Fiji Islands and the Tonga Islands most valuable resource. The
populated areas and the sailing areas are protected by the islands. Most activity
takes place in a pleasant and calm sea, but sometimes seas are high due to winds
felt whilst sailing between islands and sailing to various diving sites. Use an
inflatable buoy to mark your position, until the dive boat arrives.
Visibility conditions under the water are good and range between 10-25c meters.
Keep at a distance that allows eye contact with the group leader according to the
site's visibility.
Electrical Supply
230V, we recommend to bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
There are different types of sockets and you should prepare for this in advance.
On most ships, you will find charging stations that suit a variety of electronical devices.
Money
Fiji: The local currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD).
Tonga: The local currency is called Pa'Anga (TOP).
In Fiji it is recommended to exchange money into the local currency, you will
need about $100 Fiji per day. You can exchange foreign currency in the banks
that are located in all tourist venues. In Tonga it is important to exchange money
at the designated desk at the airport that opens especially for those arriving on
flights from Fiji. If you have pre-booked a package deal, mostly all expenses are
included, so there is no need to exchange a large sum, just approximately $250 for
tips, souvenirs or drinks.
Local Taxes
Departure tax is 25 TOP, to be paid at the airport prior to your flight. Fuel taxes and
other taxes for tour operators, information will be provided in accordance with the service.
Tips
Tips are commonly paid to tourist service providers. In restaurants, a 10
percent tip is the normal going rate. For a few days stay at a resort or on a
boat, it is usual to leave between $60 and $100 per person, according to the
level of service. It is recommended to give the tip openly before departure
when the local team assembles to say goodbye.
Prohibited Items
Do not bring more than 200 cigarettes or tobacco weighing more than 250 grams,
alcoholic beverages- not more than one liter per person over the age of 25.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chambers
Tonga does not have a decompression chamber and if necessary evacuations are via
a low flying flight to Fiji. If there is any concern about injury or diving accidents, we
recommend you allow the local operations team inform and address the local practices.
Direct telephone contact with hospital and decompression chamber:
FIJI Dive emergency center: 903 4093
On-call Hyperbaric Doctor (CWM, Suva)
SUVA private Hospital : Dr. John Alfred / Mrs. Naina Marama : 92 9541 / 992 4047
Are cruises suitable for non-divers?
This is one of the most sought after sites in the world by marine mammal enthusiasts.
The most successful observations are made above the surface with a mask, snorkel
and fins. The cruise is suitable for anyone who loves nature, spectacular views, tasty
food and total relaxation. You should take in to account that the main activity and
nature of the trip are the whales and nature. Diving if at all takes place in Tonga, and
are not for whale watching purposes.
What is the best vacation option for a diver a resort or liveaboard vacation?
The answer to this question depends on the purpose of the vacation. If you are
planning a diving vacation, then a resort vacation is less suitable. The best dive
sites are only accessible by boat, ensuring that you arrive at the best site at the right
time to see marine life at its best.
If the purpose of your holiday is a romantic and relaxing holiday and diving is
secondary, a resort holiday is perfect and ensures you enjoy the best of both worlds,
with nice areas for local dives.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to participate in such a trip?
Tonga Islands are one of the destinations where non-divers enjoy an overwhelming
experience and there is no real need for a diving certificate to enjoy nature at its best
and whale watching. All activities are for small groups and all you need to enjoy the
views here are a mask, fins and snorkel.
Do we Disembark the Boat?
The boat is actually a floating base on which all dry activities are conducted including
resting periods between marine activities and watching whales and dolphins, sunbathing,
relaxing and sailing from site to site. The rooms onboard are air-conditioned and all meals
are served onboard. During the cruise, there are several initiated stops where you can visit
local villages, meet local residents, participate in a local party, take a tour, purchase souvenirs,
etc. You will most likely find yourself dancing with the natives, wearing traditional garb.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a medical statement
accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all the questions in your health declaration
are negative, then there is no problem. If there are positive answers, consult your diving doctor
and get approval. If you are over the age of 45, medical approval is required.
To snorkel with the whales there is no need for a health statement.
