The Kingdom of Tonga lies to the East of Fiji and North East of New Zealand. The chain boasts 171 islands of which only 40 are inhabited. Tonga is the only true Kingdom of the Pacific, having managed to maintain its own identity throughout the changes of history. Pristine and even undived reefs are not difficult to find in Tonga since 125 of its islands are uninhabited. During Captain Cook's three voyages of exploration to the Pacific he had such a wonderful time in the islands of Tonga that he named the whole group "Friendly Islands". The hospitality shown to Captain Cook and his men is still alive and easily visible today in the smiles and waves of the Tongan people.

With visibility reaching up to 70 metres and a range of uncrowded World class dive sites its the perfect spot for diving, learning to dive or snorkelling. The best diving is found in the central Ha'apai and northern Vava'u groups. Vava'u lies north from Ha'apai; it consists of many small islands that provide great shelter and anchorage for the numerous sailboats that coast around the crystal blue waters. Beautiful beaches, fantastic snorkeling and diving, whale swimming and idyllic settings form many of the wonderful reasons why Vava'u is a perfect destination.

Sheltered waters allow full enjoyment of all activities with little risk of high winds and heavy seas. Port of Refuge in Vava'u is a deep sheltered harbour extending well into the inland. Dive operators take visitors to currentless shallow dives in the harbour or to spectacular walls and reefs outside the entrance on the loaf shaped islands that herald the open ocean. The 'Glen McWilliams' lies at the bottom of the harbour not far from the main wharf. Intact, upright and covered in marine life it is a spectacular introduction to wreck diving.