Matafonua Lodge

How To Get There

Guests can take an international flight to Nuku'alofa, the capital on Tongatapu Island. Direct flights from Auckland, Sydney and Fiji are also available. From there, it is a short taxi ride, which can be arranged by the resort, to their domestic airline Real Tonga. Alternatively, guests can take the local ferry at Nuku'alofa which usually departs on Monday night and arrives at Ha'apai the next morning. However, since the ferry has no fixed schedule, it is advisable to leave plenty of excess time if you go that route.

Dive Overview

Tonga is home to magnificent lagoons and reefs that are perfect for diving. This is one of only a few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales and witness their mating/rearing behavior. From July to October, the humpback whales pass through the islands, where they mate and give birth before heading off to their Artic feeding grounds. Manta Rays, Eagle Rays and other shark species can also be seen in the area. 

[Read More: Tonga Dive Travel Guide]

Accommodation Overview

The Matafonua Lodge offers two types of Pacific-style fales, the Double Fales or the Family Fales. The Double Fales can be configured with a king-sized bed or two single beds. Meanwhile, the Family Fales have two rooms that can be configured with one king bed and two single beds, two king beds, or four single beds. Guests also have the option to request for a baby crib or a pullout bed. All fales contain a terrace and are located on the beachfront. Each fale is fully equipped with electric lights as well as power points for charging devices.

Food & Drinks

Open daily at 7:30am, the restaurant at the Matafonua serves a buffet continental breakfast, available until 9:30am, as well as menu items that are available all day. The all-day menu consists ofpizzas, burgers, wraps, salads, sandwiches, fresh baked pies and pastries. The restaurant also offers additional choices that are posted daily on the menu board for the evening meals. The restaurant is more than happy to accomodate any dietary needs or requests, regularly catering to gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan guests.

Dive Information

South of Samoa, Tonga is comprised of 169 islands and stretching over a distance of around 800 kilometers. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Tonga is around a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. Tonga is one of only a few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales. They pass through the islands from July to October, and they come to mate and give birth before setting off for their Arctic feeding grounds. Divers who visit Tonga can also see Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, multiple shark species, and many other diverse marine life.

Tonga's dive sites can be divided into three areas: Tongatapu, the Ha'apai Group, and the Vava'u Group. Tongatapu is known for its magnificent lagoons and reefs. This area contains 5 marine reserves and 2 islands parks which are protected by government legislation. The Ha'apai Group is known for its reef breathtaking geography, which includes caves, caverns, and tunnels, along with colorful coral gardens. The Vava'u Group is where divers can go to experience exciting drift dives along walls and drop-offs. The Clan MacWilliam, a wreck of a copra steamer, can also be found here.

Tonga's year-round temperatures range from 75F (25C) to 84F (29C). With this tropical climate, divers are comfortable in 3mm to 5mm suits. December to May is considered the warm season with temperatures averaging 75F (24C). May to December is the cool season with temperatures around 69F (21C).

Dive Center Information

Matafonua Lodge Dive Center Overview

Beach dives are offered by the resort from TOP $100. They also offer a full range of dive courses and a one day dive experience for the non-qualified diver. The Matafonua Lodge Dive Center offers guests the opportunities to board a dive boat just a few meters from your Fale and easily depart for one of the numerous nearby reefs and coral gardens. With a newly remodeled dive boat complete with new engines and larger fuel tanks, divers can access remote dive sites like the rarely-visited pinnacles in Northern Ha'apai. Diving in Tonga has never been this exciting.

Practical Information

• Electricity: 240 volts and 50HZ
• Time zone: GMT + 13
• Languages: English