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Tonga<\/a> is a polynesian archipelago with more than 170 islands scattered across the world\u2019s largest ocean. The islands, atolls and reefs of Tonga offer amazing surf conditions throughout the whole year. Although the archipelago enjoys surf all year round there are still two main surfing seasons. Winter is from April to October and this is when powerful swells coming from the roaring forties hit the Tongan coast. This is when the waves are bigger but during the rest of the year the swells are still extraordinarily consistent with solid waves coming from the North Pacific or strong wind swells generated by local cyclones. It is true that it can be hard to get to Tonga due to the remote geographical position, but this is the trip that every surfer dreamed and it’s perfect for those who are looking to catch perfect waves with no crowds whatsoever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The climate in Tonga is considered tropical with wet and dry seasons. From December to April the archipelago has a hot and humid rainy season. Dry season is from June to October and during this time the temperatures are a bit cooler and rainfall is reduced although it still can happen. The best time to surf in Tonga is during winter from April to October. This is when swells are generated by intense storm activity on the South Pacific. During summer the islands receive high period swells coming from the far North Pacific and also southern Pacific wind swells powered by the cyclone season. The water temperature in Tonga is warm throughout the whole year. The only recommendation is to use a vest to protect from the intense UV factor.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The northwest coastline<\/a> of the island of Tongatapu has the most famous surf spots in the country. Breaks like Kamikaze\u2019s and Fish Traps are located around Ha\u2019atafu Beach. Other surf spots are Corners, Hufangalupe Beach, Lighthouse, Motels, The Bowl, The Pass and The Peak. Of course there are plenty of surf spots waiting to be discovered all over the archipelago making Tonga a huge unknown surf potential.<\/span><\/p>\n \nBudget Planning<\/b><\/p>\n Meal price range<\/b><\/p>\n Simple meals start at $6 USD. Mid-range meals start at $15 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $65-100 USD.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Equipment rental<\/b><\/p>\n Bring your own gear and don\u2019t forget to bring your spare gear too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prepaid SIM cards<\/b><\/p>\n U-Call is a good choice. Digicel is best if you\u2019re staying around the main islands.<\/span><\/p>\n SIM cards can be purchased easily from the airport.<\/span><\/p>\n Prepaid packages start at $3 USD.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Public transport<\/b><\/p>\n Buses have a ‘B’ on their number plates. They run on Tongatapu, and in a more limited capacity on Vava\u2019u. Fares range from $0.30-0.90 USD depending on distances travelled. Buses need to be flagged down, there are no official bus stops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Taxis have a \u2018T\u2019 on their number plates.<\/span><\/p>\n You can rent cars on the main islands of Tongatapu and Vava\u2019u. Expect to pay around $50-$90 USD a day.<\/span><\/p>\n Gas prices\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n $1.13 USD a liter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n No beach breaks, and all opportunities for surfing are above the shallow reefs fringing islands and atolls.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Citizens from <\/span>33 countries including, the EU can enter Tonga without a visa for up to 30 days. Citizens for 37 countries including Australia, US and UK, will receive a free visa on arrival good for 31 days.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \nVaccines<\/b><\/p>\n Although it’s not mandatory, it\u2019s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Language & Currency<\/b><\/p>\n Tongan is the official language and English is commonly spoken.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The currency is Tongan <\/span>pa\u2019anga<\/span><\/i> (T$).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Best time to go<\/b><\/p>\n Tonga has world class waves throughout the whole year with 2 very distinct seasons. From\u00a0<\/span>November to March there are consistent swells and from\u00a0<\/span>April to October strong, clean groundswells reach the Ha’atafu coast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Checking Surf forecast\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do I need pack a pharmacy kit<\/b><\/p>\n You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, <\/span>mosquito repellent<\/span> and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Travel\/Surf Insurance<\/b><\/p>\nClimate in Tonga<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Best surf spots in Tonga<\/b><\/h3>\n
Types of risks<\/b><\/h3>\n
How to prepare<\/b><\/h3>\n
Visa<\/b><\/h3>\n
Things to know<\/b><\/h3>\n