TONGA

Tonga surfing is very low key although there are a couple of excellent reef breaks for experienced surfers. The most popular surfing spot is off Ha'atafu Beach on western Tongatapu. Here, the waves break over a shallow reef just 100 metres off the beach as well along a second reef as a little further out (boat access). Surfing is really only good in and around high tide and due to the coral reef, is not for beginners. Sunday is a strict day of rest with no surfing allowed. Some excellent surfing waves can be found off Eue'iki Island off the north-east coast of Tongatapu but getting to them is difficult. The island has a small village but no electricity. There are two distinct surfing seasons. The Tongan summer months (November to March) produce fairly consistent north swells generated by south pacific cyclones as well as winter storms in the north pacific. South-east trade winds prevail. However, the best surf is in the Winter (May to October) with large yet clean swells generated from winter storms in the Tasman Sea and around New Zealand.

International Airport: Tongatapu