Kayaking in Tonga

Kayaking

Gliding smoothly along in a sleek kayak is a quintessential Tongan experience, especially when you’re just centimetres above transparent waters, and your self-paddled craft is a ticket to more remote islands and untouched beaches.

See kayaking guided tours range from one to 13 days. There is always plenty of time to take in pods of Spinner Dolphins, or the even bigger prize of migrating Humpback Whales. Sea Turtles poke their heads out of the shimmering shallows of Tonga’s reefs, while marine birds circle and dive bomb shape-shifting schools of fish. The Kingdom is fast becoming recognised as one of the world’s iconic destinations for marine life.

With a drifting South Pacific breeze at your back and shoulders aching after two hours of honest paddling, this is the real thing. A Tongan sea-kayaking tour soon displays its own languid rhythm, with smooth strokes driving paddlers through silky waters to wild Polynesian landscapes of pristine coral atolls and aqua-marine lagoons.

Few of the Tongan islands are inhabited, so overnight camping is either on deserted beaches or in simple island villages in the company of friendly locals.

Pack your spearfishing A-game and an appetite for fresh seafood to make the most of the experience. And remember, with double kayaks available, it’s also a great escape for couples.