Tonga : Profile

Facts

• This Polynesian kingdom, situated in the heart of the South Pacific, consists of over 160 coral and volcanic islands, of which only 36 are inhabited.

• Best known among sailors is the northern group of Vava'u, whose maze of islets and reefs provides one of the best cruising grounds in the South Pacific.

• In spite of Tonga's remoteness, facilities are surprisingly good and the setting up of a small industrial centre near the capital Nuku'alofa has encouraged several boating-related foreign companies to start operations in Tonga.

• A dangerous area to avoid by boats on passage to Fiji is Metis Shoal (19°11.4'S 174°51'W), where there has been intense volcanic activity.

• Following the May 2006 earthquake, some anchorages are no longer tenable due to the settling of the islands in the Ha'apai Group.

Weather

Tonga's climate is warm and humid, although less so than other tropical islands. December to March, which is also the hurricane season, has more rain. From April to November the SE trade winds predominate, although quick sudden squalls can occur from other directions.

Cruiser's Net Update is now on VHF 26 at 8.30 am Monday-Friday (provides useful information on weather, tides, contacts, services offered or needed and local advertising).

Main Ports

Lifuka (Ha'apai) * , Neiafu (Vava'u) * , Niuafo'ou Island * , Niuatoputapu Island * , Nuku'alofa (Tongatapu) *

*Indicates a port of entry.

Related Reports

Pacific - List of Radio Nets (04 Mar 2010)

Colossal Community-led Island Cleanup Event (16 Dec 2009)

Pacific Tsunami Relief (03 Oct 2009)

Tonga's First Annual Charity "Regatta Vava'u and Sail Week" (04 Aug 2009)

Nuku'alofa Tonga Charges (14 May 2009)

French Polynesia to NZ - the logical route (11 Dec 2008)

Friendly Assistance (19 Aug 2008)

Diving with a Purpose - OceansWatch Team gets Reef Check Accredited (18 May 2008)

South Pacific Logistics (21 Jan 2008)

Safe Places In Pacific To Leave A Boat (18 Dec 2007)

Tide Information In South Pacific (17 Oct 2007)

Boat Storage in South Pacific (04 Sep 2007)

Update To Report On Tonga Islands (05 Dec 2006)

Report On Checking in at Neiafu, Tonga (30 Nov 2006)

C-Map charts in Tonga (30 Nov 2006)

New Volcanic Island Reported Near Tonga (09 Nov 2006)

Tongatapu, Nuku’Alofa Less Attractive Destination (08 Nov 2006)

Weather Forecast Services for South Pacific (24 Jan 2006)

Sloepmouche report on Tonga Islands August 05 (24 Aug 2005)

Maritime Missions: Teaching in Tonga (26 May 2005)

Thinking about settling in Vava'u, Tonga? (11 Oct 2004)

Yacht Theft in Tonga (20 Jul 2004)

25th Anniversary of Moon Handbooks South Pacific (24 Jun 2004)

Related News

Cyclone Rene Pounds Tonga, Major Damage in Capital  (20 Feb 2010)

Pacific Tsunami: Countries Hit (30 Sep 2009)

Tonga, Neiafu - Cruisers' Paradise Suffers Second Big Fire (19 Dec 2008)

OceansWatch: Reef Check Training in Tonga (30 Nov 2008)

Crew Needed for OceansWatch Yachts (29 Apr 2008)

Lost Trimaran "Monoah" Found In Tonga (26 Feb 2007)

Tongan Revolt Doesn't Affect Yachts (28 Nov 2006)

El Niño conditions are likely to continue into early 2007 (14 Nov 2006)

Cyclone Heta Devastates South Pacific Island of Niue (12 Jan 2004)

Warning to Sailors Visiting Suwarrow Atoll in South Pacific (31 Jul 2003)

Shark Attacks Are News Again (29 Jul 2003)