Sandy Beach Resort

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 Sandy Beach Resort offers 12 fales in a beautiful beachfront tropical garden setting. They are comfortably furnished with tiled floors and a private terrace with a view of the Pacific Ocean. The rooms can be configured with two twin beds or one king-sized bed. Tables and chairs, a fan, wardrobe, and tea and coffee-making facilities are also included. The spacious ensuite bathrooms include a large washbasin, a toilet and a fully tiled shower.

Food & Drinks

Situated on the large dining terrace, the resort's restaurant and bar invites guests to rest and relax during the day. Both the restaurant and bar open early and close late. They offer a selection of food, beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks. The resort also boasts its continuous supply of chilled, green coconut water, a healthy and refreshing drink which can also be incorporated into cocktails. The chef at the restuarant showcases Tonga's abundant and excellent fish and lobster with fresh specialties that often change daily. They can also cater to most dietary needs.

Dive Information

Tonga DIVE OVERVIEW

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

Sandy Beach Resort Dive Center Overview

Beach dives are offered by the resort for TOP $100. They also offer a full range of dive courses and a one day dive experience for the non-qualified diver. The Sandy Beach Resort Dive Center contains a dive boat that can 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