Scattered across seven far-flung latitudes of the world’s largest ocean, the islands, atolls and reefs of the Kingdom of Tonga are well-positioned for great surf. The winter swell season runs from April to October, with reliant waves rolling in generated by storm activity south around Australia and New Zealand. From November to March, prevailing summer swells originate in the north Pacific around Hawaii, and surf conditions are also influenced by the southern Pacific’s cyclone season. Tonga is definitely a destination for intermediate to advanced surfers. Look forward to regular swells in the two- to three-metre range. Tonga has no beach breaks, and all opportunities for surfing are above the shallow reefs fringing islands and atolls.
Surfing spots dot the island groups of Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai, with off-shore reef breaks accessible by boat.
Surfing Tongatapu
The west-northwest facing coastline of the main island of Tongatapu is the home of some of Tonga’s best surfing showcasing surf spots like Kamikaze’s and Fishtraps around Ha’atafu Beach, and the Ha’atafu Beach Resort provides surfer-friendly accommodation just metres from the ocean. Access in winter to the Ha’atafu breaks involves a short 100-metre paddle, and in summer the emphasis moves to off-shore breaks reached by boat.
Ha’atafu Beach Resort - www.surfingtonga.com
Surfing Vava'u
The Vava'u group of islands in the Kingdom of Tonga offers a unique surf destination for those who are searching for a place where surfing is still an adventure. There are local guides who can help you find the wave you have been searching for. For more information about surf trips in Vava'u contact Kurt Carlson kurt@talihaubeach.com