Kingdom of Tonga: Vava'u

ON THE WILDSIDE conducted its inaugural tour to Tonga in 2010 after extensive research in the area in 2009. ON THE WILDSIDE now offers several tours to the Kingdom, based in the northern islands Vava'u.

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"The Friendly Islands"


It was the honorary title offered by Captain Cook in 1777 and today's visitors are quick to agree. The warm welcome of these enchanting people is matched only by the appeal of the awesome marine environment. 

The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago of 170 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. Most of these islands are uninhabited and only a couple offer tourist accommodation.

Tongatapu is the main island. It is a large coral island, completely flat and covered in agricultural plantations. It faces a large lagoon, within which lie smaller truly enchanting coral islands with gorgeous beaches. Tongatapu boasts some splendid coastline, notably its blowholes and has the largest standing ancient Polynesian structure.


Nukualofa is the capital and sits on reclaimed land overlooking the lagoon.

Today, the islands retain its proud and rich culture and offer travellers a remarkable array of attractions and activities.  Apart from the glorious beaches and small islands, Tonga is an excellent destination for whale watching, Swimming with whales, sailing, Game Fishing or Scuba Diving.  Exploring by sea you can witness abundant sea life, colourful tropical fish, giant tuna and marlin, sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and from July-October the Humpback whales Sp:Megaptera novaeangliae.