Location:
Nestled in the South Pacific between Fiji and Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga is made up of more than 170 islands surrounded by deep blue ocean and vibrant coral reefs.
 
Why it’s a top dive destination:
Tonga is one of the few places in the world where divers and snorkelers can swim alongside humpback whales during their annual migration. Between July and October, these gentle giants arrive to breed and give birth in Tonga’s warm, sheltered waters. Outside whale season, the reefs are alive with coral gardens, caverns, and colorful reef fish.
 
Highlights:
Humpback whale encounters (July–October)
Coral walls and swim-throughs around Vavaʻu and Haʻapai
Healthy reefs and macro life across the islands
Year-round warm water and low diver traffic
 
Fun Fact:
Tonga’s humpback whales are known for their hauntingly beautiful songs — males can sing continuously for up to 30 minutes, and divers often feel the vibrations through the water before they even hear the sound.