Tonga is in the south Pacific Ocean comprising 169 islands, 96 of them inhabited, stretching over a distance of about 800 kilometres (500 miles). The islands lie south of Samoa and are about a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii.

Tonga is the only surviving monarchy among the island nations of the Pacific Ocean,  The islands are also known as the Friendly Islands because of the friendly reception accorded to Captain Cook on his first visit in 1773.

Only 45 of its islands of the 171 islands are inhabited. About two thirds of the islands' inhabitants live on the island of Tongatapu in the south. The other main islands are the Vava'u Group a little further south, the Ha'apai Group in the middle and Niuas in the far north.

Tonga is one of only two places in the world where you can see humpback whales in the water (Turks & Caicos, Silver Banks, being the other). 

From July to October humpback whales pass through the islands. They are often spotted from the boat, and, if you're really lucky, you just might encounter them during a dive.  They come to mate and give birth before heading off to their feeding grounds in the Arctic.

Photo Credit: Scott Portelli

Tongatapu has a magnificent lagoon and reef, with five marine reserves and two island parks protected by government legislation.

Ha'apai Group - great reef geography. There are caves, canyons, caverns and tunnels with vertical walls, fast flowing passes and colourful coral gardens. Hard corals dominate the reefs but there are also gorgonian fans and soft corals to be found.

Vava'u Group - excellent drift dives along walls and drop offs, as well as the interesting wreck of a copra steamer right off Neiafu. There are also some good coral reefs with lots of fire coral and several areas with large gorgonian fan grottos. Visibility is usually excellent, often exceeding 40m.

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
• Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended
• There is a departure tax of T$19