The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Tonga. So if you are in Tonga, I recommend visiting the following:
Pangaimotu Island, Tonga
Address – Pangaimotu Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 21°07’35.8″S 175°09’31.7″W
Pangaimotu Island is located off the northern coast of Tongatapu island, part of the Tonga archipelago. This small, quiet island is covered in verdant vegetation, with sandy beaches on all its coasts, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The waters are warm with calm waves; a highlight in Pangaimotu Island is diving or snorkeling near the shipwrecks around the coasts. Not many people tend to visit the island, and you will surely have the beaches all to yourself. The Pangaimotu Island Resort offers great facilities, with a beach bar serving great food and refreshing drinks.
Nukunamo Island, Tonga
Address – Nukunamo Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 19°42’38.4″S 174°16’33.7″W
Nukunamo Island is located in the Ha’apai group, part of the Tonga archipelago. This is a small, picture perfect island, covered in verdant vegetation and surrounded by turquoise waters. You can reach Nukunamo Island by kayak; the Matafonua resort, located on the northern coast of Foa Island, has kayaks for rent. However, the water currents around Nukunamo are rather strong, and not safe for swimming. The island remains empty and quiet all year long, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Ha’atafu Beach, Tongatapu Island
Address – Ha’atafu Beach, Tongatapu Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 21°04’11.0″S 175°20’05.7″W
Ha’atafu Beach is located on the western coast of Tongatapu Island, part of the Tonga archipelago. This picturesque white sandy beach is backdropped by verdant trees, and offers shallow, crystal clear waters. Ha’atafu Island is a great spot for whale-watching, with these impressive creatures swimming past the island’s west coast in the evening. Besides, the view of the sunset on this peaceful coast is unforgettable. On the coral reef you can safely swim or snorkel, and around the edges of the reef, the waves are perfect for surfing. The Ha’atafu Resort offers great facilities and meals, located right at the beach.
Atata Island, Tonga
Address – Atata Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 21°03’05.1″S 175°15’19.0″W
Atata Island is located off the northern coast of Tongatapu Island, part of the Tonga archipelago. The southern part of the island is a thin stretch of white sandy beach and turquoise waters. On the other hand, the northern part of the island is covered in verdant forests and green fields, with rocky coasts offering amazing views. The Royal Sunset Island Resort, located on the southern part, offers accommodation, a restaurant, and many activities to enjoy at the beach. You can simply swim on the calm waters, try snorkeling or scuba diving, or rent a kayak and explore around the island. Besides, the coast is windy and perfect for windsurfing. The beach is rather popular, but never gets overly crowded or noisy.
Fangatave Beach, Eua Island
Address – Fangatave Beach, Eua Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 21°18’03.4″S 174°55’00.2″W
Fangatave Beach is located on the eastern coast of Eua Island, part of the Tonga archipelago. This beach is a hiking paradise, with different hiking trails through forests and cliffs around to climb. The views from every point of the hills and cliffs surrounding the beach are unforgettable. From June to November, humpback whales pass by the island, swimming close to the coasts. There are caves on both sides of the beach, and rock pools where you can try snorkeling and spot different kinds of fish. Bring your own food to enjoy a picnic right at the beach.
Keleti Beach, Tongatapu Island
Address – Keleti Beach Resort, Tongatapu Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 21°12’13.2″S 175°13’56.1″W
Keleti Beach is located on the southern coast of Tongatapu Island, part of the Tonga archipelago. This is a peaceful, sandy beach, secluded and perfect for a relaxing getaway, far away from the world. There are different kinds of fish on the clear waters, which makes Keleti Beach a great place for snorkeling. During the afternoon, you can spot whales swimming past the coast.The Keleti Beach Resort offers minimal facilities but covers all your needs. It never gets crowded or noisy, with only a handful of people visiting each day.
Oholei Beach, Tongatapu Island
Address – Oholei Beach, Tongatapu Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 21°15’09.4″S 175°06’07.6″W
Oholei Beach is located on the southeastern coast of Tongatapu Island, part of the Tonga archipelago. With soft white sand backdropped by rocky cliffs and lush trees, this lovely beach offers an unforgettable experience. The Oholei Beach Resort offers accommodation and local food, as well as dance performances depicting Tonga’s culture and history. Every Sunday, they hold a feast with traditional Tongan food and gospel music. If you are lucky, you might spot whales swimming by the beach, or hear them in the distance.
Uiha Island, Ha’apai
Address – Uiha Island, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 19°53’58.6″S 174°24’36.6″W
Uiha Island is located in the Ha’apai islands group, part of the Tonga archipelago. This small island is covered in lush forests and grassy fields, with sandy beaches on all its coasts. Uiha Island is full of history. There is a village on the northern part of the island, where you can find the former burial ground of the Tongan royal family. Besides, at the village church, there are two cannons with a fascinating backstory: back in 1863, the locals at Uiha Island attacked a Peruvian slaving ship, destroying it and keeping the cannons as a trophy for their success. After hiking around the island, admiring the view and learning about its history, spending a relaxing time at a quiet beach is a must.
Tufuvai Beach, Pangai
Address – Tufuvai Beach, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 21°21’42.1″S 174°58’10.7″W
Tufuvai Beach is located in Pangai, on the western coast of ‘Eua, an island in Tonga. This long strip of white sand and bright blue waters, with a verdant backdrop and stunning views, is the perfect getaway from a busy life. The water is clear and calm, with coral reefs offering shelter for many different fish species, and making this a top spot for snorkeling in Tonga. You can find a cozy hotel in the area, with nice facilities and friendly staff, welcoming you to the beach and making sure your stay is enjoyable. This beach is usually calm and quiet, but it can be busy during high season, especially on weekends.
Matafonua Beach, Foa
Address – Matafonua Beach, Foa, Tonga
Google Maps Link – 19°43’09.0″S 174°16’50.7″W
Matafonua Beach is located on the northern coast of Foa, an island in Tonga. This extensive spot of soft white sand and turquoise waters is a nice spot to relax and unwind, far from the city life. The water surrounding the beach is shallow and clear, with stronger currents to the northern tip, but calm and still to the east and west; there are coral reefs not far from the shore, perfect for diving and snorkeling. There is a hotel at the beach, with welcoming staff, fresh seafood, and snorkeling, diving and whale watching tours available. The atmosphere is always quiet, with not many tourists visiting at the same time, although it can be busy during high season.