Geography

On Tonga you can party and drink kava at festivals till you drop, be impressed by the Sunday church turn outs, and then escape to deserted beaches where, between snorkelling in untouched coral gardens and sipping coconut juice, the most you need do is watch the waves slap against the shore. Tonga is an archipelago of 172 islands in the South Pacific, most of which are uninhabited, covering an area of 7700 sq km (3000 sq miles). The major island groups are 'Eua, Ha'apai, the Niuas, Tongatapu and Vava'u. Tonga's high volcanic and low coral forms give the islands a unique character. Some volcanoes are still active and Falcon Island in the Vava'u group is a submerged volcano that erupts periodically, its lava and ash rising above sea level forming a visible island which disappears when the eruption is over. Nuku'alofa, on Tongatapu Island, has a reef-protected harbor lined with palms.

The island is flat with a large lagoon, but no running streams, and many surrounding smaller islands. 'Eua Island is hilly and forested with high cliffs and beautiful beaches. The Ha'apai Islands, a curving archipelago 160km (100 miles) north of Tongatapu, have excellent beaches. Tofua, the largest island in the group, is an active volcano with a hot steaming lake in its crater. The Vava'u Islands, 90km (50 miles) north of Ha'apai, are hilly, densely wooded and interspersed with a maze of narrow channels. They are known for their stalagmite-filled caves.

Watersports
Tongan coral reefs provide great beauty and variety for scuba diving and snorkeling; fully-equipped boats, scuba diving and snorkeling equipment can be hired. Contact the Tonga Visitors Bureau for information. There are sandy beaches and excellent swimming throughout the islands, with pools at some hotels. There is a world-standard surfing beach on the island of 'Eua, 11km (7 miles) from Tongatapu. Niutoua Beach, on the main island, and Ha'apai and Vava'u islands are also good for surfing. Tongan waters are excellent for fishing. There are plentiful game fish including barracuda, tuna, marlin and sailfish. Charter boats are available.

Whale watching
Humpback whales arrive in Tongan waters from around June through to November to calf and to mate. Special speakers for whale watching are plugged into a hydrophone installed on board the Phoenix catamaran based at Neiafu; only the male whales sing.

Horse riding
Horses are still a means of transportation on all the main island groups. Hotels and tour operators can make arrangements for hiring horses. Saddles are not normally available and previous riding experience is strongly recommended.

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