Diving in Vava'u Group

Explore 13 dive sites in Vava'u Group, Tonga. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Vava'u Group

The warmest water temperatures in Vava'u Group occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 24.0°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 26.5°C)

Marine Life in Vava'u Group

Home to 322 recorded species including 300 reef fish, 9 sea cucumbers, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 hard corals.

Dive Site Difficulty in Vava'u Group

Vava'u Group has 2 beginner, 2 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Vava'u Group

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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 Vava'u Group

  • Falevai SMA - Special Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • 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)
  • '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)
  • Fonulei Island Reserve - Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Matuku SMA - Multi/Multiple Use Conservation Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • 'Otu Motu Lalo Island Reserve - Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Vava'u Group - Nearest Airports

  • Vava'u International Airport (VAV), Vava'u Island - 13 km away, approx 29 min travel time
  • Fua'amotu International Airport (TBU), Nuku'alofa - 308 km away, approx 351 min travel time
  • Lifuka Island Airport (HPA), Lifuka - 127 km away, approx 154 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres