SCUBA DIVING
Daily trips from our on site PADI dive facility leave for the pristine reefs surrounding Foa island
KITEBOARDING
Unspoiled beaches, endless shallow lagoons, and consistent trade winds are the recipe for a great kiteboarding spot, and here we have them all. Being on the northern tip of the island, we have over 300 degrees of exposure to the wind, so if its blowing you can kite from here on our beach. Work your way a little upwind to the reef edge of the lagoon and you have clean undisturbed wind from the Pacific allowing you to cruise for miles.
IKO certified Kiteboarding instructors are available to hone your skills, learn new tricks or assist you from one of our inflatables
Pulling off your best tricks right in front of the resort restaurant, no need to travel to kite locations, here at Matafonua you kite right from your doorstep.
WHALE SWIMMING
Matafonua Lodge, being located in the elbow of Ha’ano and Foa Islands, gives us access to one of the best whale nursery areas in Tonga. With female Humpbacks coming back to the same locations to give birth and nurse their new born calves.
Come enjoy the majesty of the mighty Humpback Whale as they migrate to our warm tropical waters for the winter months. We offer daily trips with a maximum of 8 passengers aboard our 2 fully licensed vessels to watch and swim with these gentle giants. Most days from the beach here at Matafonua you can see them frolic in the shallow water surrounding Foa Island.
Your day is spent watching, swimming and learning about the whales. Your trip is led by one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Our approach here at Matafonua is to be patient, of utmost importance is the well being of the whales. It should be remembered that it is a privilege to swim with the whales and by giving them absolute respect and care we are usually rewarded with a much better in-water experience.
SNORKELING
The lagoon directly in front of your Fale is blessed with some of the best snorkeling in Tonga. Just 20 meters from where you sleep is an amazing coral reef and crystal clear water with pipe fish, anemone fish and white mouth eels to mention just a few.
In the channel between our beach and the island of Nuku Namu you will find larger pelagics we also have a family of leopard sharks that live in the channel and numerous rays.
Just 500 metres into the lagoon you will find the Matafonua lagoon reef, marked with a buoy for easy discovery, this is the most amazing snorkeling. Just 2 metres deep with clean clear water provided everyday from the Pacific, here you will find the most bio-diversity offered anywhere in the Tongan Archipelago.
Complimentary snorkel equipment is provided for guests.
STAND UP PADDLE
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is currently one of the fastest growing water sports. We have several options available here starting with the "Red" inflatable boards perfect for beginners extremely large and stable. Then for the more adventurous we have a selection of fiberglass boards in various sizes great for a stroll in the lagoon or hanging ten in the surf.
KAYAKS
Double and single Kayaks are available for you to explore the large lagoon, visit the nearby uninhabited island of Nuku Namu.
Have the kitchen make up a picnic lunch, pack snorkeling gear and make a day of it.
When the swell is co-operative we have a great little wave at the end of our beach perfect for hours of fun.
BUSH AND REEF WALK
With miles of bush walking trails leading to lookouts and secret beaches there is plenty of exploring to be done by foot. At low tide take a walk out into the lagoon to see the reef edge and our resident colony of Spanish Dancers (nudibranch).
Join one of our guided trips or make your own way.
HORSE RIDING
Horses are still used here in Ha'apai as a form of transport and for work.
Horse riding is offered here from our local village, ride through the bush, gallop on the beach and even take your horse for a swim in the ocean, a great way for all to cool off. Please note this is done island style, bare back no saddle !
FREEDIVING
Freediving is one of the earliest forms of diving and has been around for thousands of years. From the Ama pearl divers from Japan 2000 years ago to the Greeks sponge divers.
The history of free diving in Polynesia has always been strong.
We have free diving instructors on staff to teach formal classes or just give you a few tips to improve your underwater swimming ability.
We can arrange half day trips out to some amazing reef and cave structures to test your breath holding ability in the safety of an organized group.
BICYCLES
Bicycles are offered complementary to our guests. Ride into Pangai, the main town on the island, only 14 km (8 miles) to the south, ride across the runway and traverse the causeway between the 2 islands. Visit Mariner's cafe for a refreshing drink and some lunch before setting off back for the northern tip of the island.
Sailing
Hobie wave is available for rental or instruction . We have our own on site sailing instructor to give lessons, you will be sailing the lagoon by yourself in no time.
FISHING
Half day game fishing trips to troll for blue water fish like Mahi Mahi, Tuna and Wahoo or go to the reef to cast for Giant Trevally, leave from the resort daily weather depending.
HOUMALE'EIA PETROGLYPHS
Just steps from the Fales at the southern end of the eastern beach is the archeological site of the petroglyphs. Beach erosion revealed the ancient rock art when an Australian couple noticed man made engravings on the flat rock in 2008. There are over 50 petroglyphs that have remained buried for hundreds of years, the style corresponds to Hawaiian carvings dating from 1400.AD – which raises some interesting questions! For the full story click this link
HA'ANO CULTURAL TOUR
We have been working with the womens group from the island of Ha'ano for several years now to provide a cultural experience for our guests
You are picked up by local boat at 10am and formally met at the wharf in the village of Ha'ano on the island of Kauvai just a 15 minute ride away. You spend the day with the local villagers being shown around the island. Activities include local handicraft demonstrations, beautiful singing and traditional dancing from the children at the local school and an amazing lunch feast.
A quick snorkel on the beach before arriving back at Matafonua mid afternoon.
All proceeds for this trip go to the people of Ha'ano.
