Diving in Ha'apai Group

Explore 4 dive sites in Ha'apai Group, Tonga. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Ha'apai Group

The warmest water temperatures in Ha'apai Group occur in January, averaging 27.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 27.5°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • March: 27.5°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • April: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • May: 27.5°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • June: 27.5°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • July: 27.5°C (air: 23.9°C)
  • August: 27.5°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • September: 27.5°C (air: 23.8°C)
  • October: 27.5°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • November: 27.5°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • December: 27.5°C (air: 26.3°C)

Marine Life in Ha'apai Group

Home to 294 recorded species including 279 reef fish, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 sea cucumbers, 3 sharks & rays, 1 sea urchins, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Dive Site Difficulty in Ha'apai Group

Ha'apai Group has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Ha'apai Group

Based on average water temperature of 27.5°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Ha'apai Group

  • Mui Hopo Hoponga Coastal Reserve - Reserve (IUCN Category V)
  • Monuafe Island Park and Reef - Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Malinoa Island Park and Reef - Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pangaimotu Reef - Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ha'atafu Beach - Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Hakaumama'o Reef - Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Fanga'uta and Fanga Kakau Lagoons - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Mounu Reef - Sanctuary (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Falevai SMA - Special Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Nukuhetulu - Not Reported (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ha'afeva SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Felemea SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Ovaka SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Eueiki SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Atata SMA - Special Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'O'ua SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Kotu SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fonoifua SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Mango SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nomuka SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pangai Multi Use Conservation Area - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Hunga SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lape SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Talihau SMA (Nga'unoho) - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Utungake SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Utulei SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Euaiki SMA - Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Taunga SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ofu SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Koloa - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Talehele (Leimatu'a) - Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Kolonga Special Management Area - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tonumea and Kelefesia SMA - Community Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Matuku SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nukunukumotu SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Nukuleka SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Otu Motu Lalo Island Reserve - Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fafa SMA - Special Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tufuvai - Special Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lapaha SMA - Special Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Holonga SMA - Special Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Ha'apai Group - Nearest Airports

  • Lifuka Island Airport (HPA), Lifuka - 32 km away, approx 50 min travel time
  • Fua'amotu International Airport (TBU), Nuku'alofa - 157 km away, approx 186 min travel time
  • Vava'u International Airport (VAV), Vava'u Island - 163 km away, approx 193 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres