Amazing Diving Destination
Written: Sep 13 '00 (Updated Mar 11 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Reef conditions can't get any better.
Cons: A very long hop to fiji and then two prop jobs to get there.
The Bottom Line: Enjoy it! It is yet undiscovered by most travelers.
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| ihike's Full Review: Tonga |
Amazing Diving!
You cannot beat the diving in Tonga.
The waters are crystal clear with the visibility averaging 100 foot plus.
The water temperature is warm all year long with an average temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
While I was there towards the end of their tourist season in March I found that conditions were what can be called "80 squared" - " 80 degrees air temperature, 80 degrees water temperature, 80 % humidity, and 80+ feet of visibility under water. Conditions couldn’t be better than that.
A big plus for Vava'u diving is the incredible variety of diving found all in one group of magnificent islands. Vava'u diving offers hard corals that truly are untouched, & soft coral gardens with rainbows of colors. One of the best life size Gorgonia fan dives in the South Pacific is located in Vava'u. Unique caves and caverns, spectacular underwater archways, large black coral trees, and wall dives that vanish into the inky blue. Also the wreck of the Clan McWilliam which sank over 65 years ago sitting upright and is still intact. There are over 50 islands in the Vava'u group so one can only imagine all the wonderful dive sites that are still being discovered and explored.
The dives listed below are all located near Vava'u on the northern edge of the island Kingdom.
KING NEPTUNE'S SEA FAN GROTTO- The size of the sea fans on this dive are beyond belief. Flute fish and butterfly fish swim gracefully through the fans as the
Clown Fish triggers dart back and forth. After passing the fans we enter "Clown Fish Heaven" home for hundreds of anemones and every size of clown fish possible. This dive is a photographer's dream.
MARINERS CAVE - This cave can not be seen above water, it can
only be found underwater. There are two entrances to the cave,
the diver's entrance at 50 ft and the snorkeler's entrance at 12 feet.
Once inside that cave we slowly surface into the most magnificent 40 ft high
chamber with beautiful rock formations and stalactites. Inside the chamber it will turn into a blue-green fog then clear as the swell goes in and out making
you think your mask has fogged up. Only seconds later the air is crystal clear again. The adventure repeats itself with each swell. Magic! Truly Magic!
HUNGA MAGIC - This is the dive site for the soft
coral lover. Deep magenta, pastel pink and sunny yellow soft corals abound throughout this dive.
THE CLAN McWILLIAM - The beautiful old copra
steamer sank in the 1920's with brass portholes, mast
and crows nest still in place. The wreck is teaming
with bat angelfish, and snappers galore.
Legend has it that the Captain and Chief engineer went
down with her. Some say as they descend onto the
upper deck they can feel the presence of the Captain
watching over his mighty ship.
SPLIT ROCK-This dive is appropriately named. This
40 x 40 foot rock looks as if God took an ax and split
the rock in half. Divers can swim through the middle
of the split. The hard coral reef is adorned with Christmas tree worms of every color.
A couple of friendly white tip reef sharks bid you farewell from their cave
near the end of the dive.
A Little about the Kingdom of Tonga.
The Country
Tonga, is a miniature kingdom in the heart of Polynesia, is
one of the world's few remaining constitutional
monarchies. Ruled by His Majesty King Taufa'ahau IV
Tonga, Tonga preserves ancient traditions alongside
policies designed to stimulate economic development
and improve the well-being of the 96,000 Tongans.
Weather and Climate
Tonga's climate is pleasant and slightly cooler than that
of most tropical areas. Average annual temperature in
Nuku'alofa is 23.7 C, while the average humidity is 76%.
Language
Tongan and English are the official languages.
Dress
Casual attire is recommended for most occasions. Brief
shorts and bathing suits are fine for the beaches and pool-
sides but frowned upon worn when worn in public.
Health
A valid yellow fever and cholera certificate are required by
all travelers over one year old who have been in an infected
area prior to arrival. in public.
Electrical Appliances
Electricity is 240 volts.
Water Supply
Piped water supplies are chlorinated, so they are satisfactory
trom the pubic health point of view. There are
comprehensive medicine and dental facilities.
Bank and Foreign Exchange
The Bank of Tonga is the only commercial bank. It has
branches of Togatpu, Vava'u, Ha'apal and Eua. Opening
hours: 9:30am-3:30pm Monday-Friday and 9:30am-11am.
Saturday.
The Togan dollar or pa'anga equals 100 seniti (cents). Notes
are in denominations of 1, 2, 5,10, 20 and 50 pa'anga. Coins
are 1, 2, 5,10, 20 and 50 seniti also 1 and 2 pa'anga. Currency
arrangements fortourist are liberal. There are no restrictions
on bringing in funds, nor taking away funds remaining from
the amount brought into the kingdom.
Flora and Fauna
Tonga's flora represents a Southern Pacific evironment
as unique, as it is scenically beautiful. Hibiscus, frangipani
and other flowers in profusion create oases of color
among the coconut groves, the pandanus, and the
banana plantations.
Not far from Nuku'alofa, thousands of flying foxes cling
by day to high trees at Kolovai. There are miles of white,
sandy beaches fronting clear lagoons and some of most
beautiful and varied reefs in the world.
Airport Taxes
T$10.00 for all international departures, payable at the
airport. There are no exemptions.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ihike
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Location: Seattle, Wa.
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 6 members
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