It's almost midnight as we arrive in Tonga and check into the luxurious Hotel Tonga for a brief six hour respite before arriving at the airport for our short 10 minute island hop in our tiny 12 seater plane. Arriving at our very “rustic” Hideaway Resort on the Island of ‘Eua, we settle into our rooms then stroll down the undulating path to the thatched ocean lookout or sandy beach to view the humpback whales frolicking in the watery highway as they pass the resort and whales aplenty there were! Majestic in their size and beauty, regularly breaching in a playful symphony, teaching their calves the art of entertaining the tourists.
The second day was teaming with rain, but our enthusiasm could not be dampened! Our efforts were greatly rewarded with the most spectacular of whale encounters. Staying for well over an hour, a calf, with mum never far away, curiously explored the snorkelers, even showing one of the snorkelers who was boss when they got too close, with a quick slap in the face with its tail.
Our dives included the awe inspiring Cathedral Cave, with huge caverns and ceiling openings that allowed radiant blue light to filter into the centre of the caves; the Cliff and the Bakery, with a myriad of pelagic fish, morays, nudibranchs, and huge reef walls offering up regular surprises.
The adventurous of our group braved the five hour trek through the bush to the beach and into magnificent ancient caves. Others went to church on Sunday to hear the renowned Tongan hymns and visited the local craft shop to purchase indigenous arts and crafts.
The locals were the friendliest people, always making us feel welcome. We were entertained by the local community, from delicious suckling pig dinners and beautiful island dancers, to wood fired pizzas and participation in Tongan traditional dance lessons. The boat crew were always happy and obliging as were the resort staff. The easy going nature of our tour group made for an even more enjoyable adventure. The new dive resort currently being built across from the dive boat will make the next adventure to this paradise even more enjoyable.
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