What should I pack?

Lightweight, casual, comfortable clothing is ideal. This may be light trousers, shorts and shirts. The dress code at the ecolodge is informal, though Sunday is considered a sacred day in Tonga. The locals typically cover areas such as the shoulders and knees on this day, so consider bringing at least one item of clothing that will cover these areas if you wish to visit the villages on this day as a sign of respect. 

 

You may also wish to bring the following: bathing suits for visiting the beaches, sunscreen, a light raincoat if you are visiting during the rainy season, insect repellent, a camera and chargers to capture the beautiful scenery, binoculars (these can be rented from reception) and any personal medications. 

 

Basic medical supplies such as painkillers, plasters and antiseptic creams are stocked by the lodge in our first aid kits.

 

What's the weather like? 

Lifuka, being just south of the equator, is a tropical island.Temperatures can range between 35ºC in the summer and 18ºC in the winter, with the annual average typically being 24ºC. The "rainy season" can range from December to April with the raniest month of the year typically being March.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How will I get there? 

Flights from around the world connect through Auckland in Australia daily. From there flights run 5 times a week to Tongas main island - Tongatapu. Short flights from Tongatapu run daily to Lifuka island, and from there it's just a short minibus journey to the lodge with our guides picking you up.

 

Do I need a visa?

Those who are from the United States of America, Australian, Canadian, British or from other areas of Europe are not required to have a tourist visa to visit Tonga. They are able to have a 30 day visa on arrival in Tonga free of charge providing they hold a return ticket and are visiting for tourism purposes.

 

It is advised that all visitors to Tonga have a passport which is valid for at least six months at the time of entry into the country.

 

Do I need insurance?

We highly reccomend getting travel insurance in the case of potential medical injuries and lost items during your trip.  Due to the nature of diving, most normal travel insurance companies will not cover you for scuba activite. We require you to have dive insurance before we allow you out onto the sea. Don't worry if yo're a complete beginner though, as while you are undergoing tuition you are fully covered by your instructors insurance policy. 

 

What medical preparations do I need to take before leaving?

All those coming to Tonga to visit should visit their personal doctor four to eight weeks prior to departure to Tonga.

 

Immunisations recommended for Tonga:

• Hepatitis A vaccine (recommended for all travelers over one year of age) which should be given at least two weeks (preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.

• Typhoid vaccine (recommended for all travelers). The oral vaccine is approved for travelers at least six years old, whereas the injectable vaccine is approved for those over age two.

• Hepatitis B vaccine (recommended for all travelers if not previously vaccinated).

• Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (recommended for all travelers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunization within the last 10 years).

• Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

• Yellow fever vaccine (required for all travelers greater than one year of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, but is not recommended or required otherwise).

• Polio vaccine is not recommended for any adult traveler who completed the recommended childhood immunizations.

 

Should you have certain medical needs, please let us know ahead of time by completing this form(???). This may include allergies (such as, bee stings, nuts, shellfish, etc.).

 

What are the biggest dangers on the island?

With its high temperatures in the summer there is the risk of sunburn if the appropriate protection is not enforced. E.g: suncream and hats.

If you intend to take part in one of our activities, the boat rides can induce sea sickness.

Apart from this, the level of danger on Lifuka island is next to none. There are no harmful animals on the island, and all our staff are trained in emergency response procedures to the most common incidents on tropical islands (breathing problems, passing out)

 

What happens if there is a medical emergency?

If a medical emergency occurs the nearest hospital is Niu'ui hospital, a five minute drive away along the main road Hala Holopeka. However all our guides and instructors are first aid trained and most incidents should be able to be treated on site.

 

Can I bring my own dive equipment?

Yes! We have space in our locked storage facility for you to store your gear and freshwater pump washing facilities to rinse your gear after dive days.