UPDATED FEB 2020. There’s something special about a tropical getaway. Walking on sandy beaches, listening to the waves crash, slowing down to island time – it’s medicine for the soul. Tonga is the perfect place for just that and your trusty solo female travel blogger is here with a guide on solo female travel in Tonga to take the stress out of planning your own trip.
Solo Female Travel In Tonga & Tips For Planning Your Visit
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Why travel to Tonga?
The opportunity to swim alongside whales is one of Tonga’s biggest drawcards, and it was the main reason for my visit.
However, after spending some time there I found that the unspoiled nature of the islands and the friendly and welcoming nature of the people who were always up for a joke are the real gems of Tonga.
Of course, the pristine beaches and tropical landscapes weren’t bad either.
Is solo female travel in Tonga safe?
Solo travel in Tonga is fairly simple because the island lifestyle is laid back and the people are super friendly.
Just use the same caution you would at home.
Don’t get written off drunk, flash your valuables around, walk in isolated areas late at night or make yourself an easy target.
Check out my post on general solo travel safety for more tips.
What to wear
Tonga is a deeply religious country and with that comes a conservative dress code.
It’s not as strict as other conservative countries though. To me, it was very similar to the Maldives. Touristy areas are much more relaxed, for example, you can wear a bikini at a touristy beach.
If you plan to get away from the touristy areas though or visit any religious sites, it would be respectful to cover up a little more.
Light, beachy dresses are a great choice.
When is the best time to visit?
If you would like to swim with whales during your visit, plan for July to October.
If swimming with whales isn’t on your list, then plan to visit anytime from May to November.
One important thing to keep in mind is that almost everything closes down on Sundays.
Entry requirements
Make sure you have 6 months on your passport and check this list to see if you need to get a visitor visa.
Currency in Tonga
Tongan paʻanga (TOP) is the currency in Tonga and cash is king.
I got cash out from one of the ATMs at the airport when I arrived and there are ATMs around the islands to top up. Whether you exchange currency or use an ATM, make sure you have cash for your expenses like food, transport, and excursions.
It’s also a good idea to check at your accommodation if they take card or cash only.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is pretty elusive even if it’s listed with accommodation. In some places like ‘Eua the island I visited, it’s non-existent.
If you need to stay connected during your holiday, definitely pick up a sim card when you arrive.
There are booths at the airport or you can get one while you are in town. Look for Digicel or U-Call. Otherwise, simply disconnect and enjoy a break in paradise.
Can you drink the tap water
To avoid getting sick, it’s best to either boil water for drinking or stick to bottled water.
It’s easy to buy while you’re out and about.
Another option would be to use a water bottle with a filter in it like the Grayl. This would allow you to drink tap water.
What travel style to expect
If you like big over the top resorts or boutique hotels then Tonga is not the place for you. Fiji would probably be a better choice.
Tonga hasn’t been overrun by mass tourism yet and as such, it suits a more minimal travel style.
The accommodation style is likely to be a guesthouse or small B&B. Tours tend to be in smaller groups, the services are limited compared to luxury resorts, and the service is more personal.
Booking.com is a good resource to find accommodation, and I usually find a good deal there.
Which Tongan island should you visit
The international airport is located on Tongatapu, so you will likely fly into there. You’ll only need a day or two to explore Tongatapu, then make sure you get out and visit one of the other islands.
Vava’u for watersports and diving, Ha’apai for pristine beaches and snorkeling, ‘Eua for cliffs and hiking, or the Niuas for cultural immersion.
You really can’t go wrong though no matter what you choose.
Inter-island travel
Real Tonga is the airline that services the islands.
I flew with them from Tongatapu to ‘Eua and had no complaints, but remember to read the fine print of your ticket and call to confirm the flight details as they sometimes change the departure time.
You can also take the local ferry which is cheaper and you can buy tickets with cash at the port on the day of.
Just check with your accommodation for the updated ferry schedule.
Getting around
For solo female travel in Tonga, it’s not necessary to rent a car.
It is easy to find affordable private drivers – just ask at your accommodation.
Having a driver means you’ll be able to see more of the local sights that are off the beaten path. Some of the sights I got to see are places I never would have found on my own which was really cool.
Aside from that, I just walked to explore the area around my accommodation.
For airport transfers and other bookings, I recommend confirming them the day prior to make sure someone will be there to pick you up.
Swimming with whales
There are a lot of options when it comes to swimming with whales in Tonga.
I wrote two guides to help you plan your experience:
My biggest advice is to do your own research and look into the company you go with.
Some are hugely overpriced and not focused on ethical treatment when it comes to the whales – some boat tours would chase them or have multiple boats around the one whale.
I can only speak for the tour I did with a local man named Kiko. It was a fantastic experience and he showed a lot of respect for the whales.
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Tongan feast
Make sure you try a Tongan feast while you’re visiting.
For this, you have a couple of options. You could experience the popular feast and show at the Oholei Beach Resort on Tongatapu which are held on Wednesdays and Fridays.
If those days don’t line up, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to experience a Sunday feast (sans show) if you are staying at a guest house.
The pigs of Tonga
As you walk around you’ll see a lot of pigs roaming the streets.
Some are super cute – especially the little babies, and some are kind of scary looking. But there’s no need to worry about them.
They’re not scary wild pigs. Most have owners and roam around during the day then return to their piggy house in the evenings.
One of my Tongan friends said, ‘Tongans don’t take photos of the pigs’ while I was crouched down taking my millionth pig snap. I think it’s a touristy must-do to take a photo of them while you’re visiting.
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Hello Katie,
Well done, we have been in eua 3 years ago, we made a tour with Kiko, but unfortunately the whales were too shy to swim with them. (always dove in deep into the water). Last few months I went to Tonga again – to Vava’u and Ha’apai islands group and finally I made it. It was an amazing experience!
Hello!
I loved your details about the trip.
Do you know it the SIM card is available to Eua island?
Tks
Thank you! I think you can get a SIM card on Eua island when you are there. Or you could get it on the mainland when you arrive (before you take the flight to Eua)