Matafonua Lodge & Dive Resort

★ 4 · Laurel B. · 2019-04-07

The location was spectacular. The diving was amazing, meaning there were many unspoiled reefs, amazing structures and an abundance of wildlife on the reefs. The lodge fales were undergoing renovation and we had the opportunity to spend the majority of our time at the sister resort Sandy Beach. There were individual European style beach cottages with en suite bathroom and 24 hour power. At Matafanua, you share a bathroom and the fales are very basic. No screens. Just a roof over your head and a bed to sleep in. Power ends at sunset. I’m uncertain what the upgrades will be. The food was all made from scratch. The kitchen was manned by chef trained staff. The bread was excellent. Vegetables are hard to get on Tonga and they did good things with what they had. If you want to go camping or like roughing it, I recommend Matafonua. If you want basic comfort and easy accessibility, I recommend Sandy Beach. There is no accommodation at these resorts with a/c. Water is catchment only (rainwater) and filtered. The staff was excellent. March is still in cyclone season, so we had rain but dove anyway. We also had sunny beautiful days and partly cloudy days. Water temperature was in the low 80s. Used a 1 mil as jellyfish were present that time of year. Very warm water. Visibility depended on rainwater and ocean temp/algae growth. A note, these lodges are renowned for snorkeling with whales so the dive center is small but adequate. They have been booked solid during the whale season (May-Oct) for the next two years but diving in shoulder months is likely open.

★ 5 · Renee R. · 2017-10-07

Awesome diving & crew!