SANDY BEACH RESORT I 10 NIGHTS + 8 DIVING DAYS I HAAPAI I TONGA

Sandy Beach Hotel is located on Foa Island in Ha’apai, a hidden paradise in the South Pacific. White sand beaches, uninhabited islands, rich local culture and barely another tourist in sight. Local marine environment is full of healthy coral and colorful fish – including rare ghost coral found in only two locations worldwide. Humpback whales migrate to the sanctuary of Ha’apai every year for a 4 month period to mate, affording you the remarkable opportunity to swim with these impressive mammals. Sandy Beach Resort is surrounded by turquoise water, tropical foliage, native flowers and palm trees. 12 bungalows boast private verandas with ocean views. Facilities include free WiFi, restaurant with 24hr room service, free luggage storage and a fitness room. Partake in bush or reef walks, go horseback riding, freediving, cycling, fishing, kayaking or cultural tour. Dont miss the ancient petroglyphs at the southern end of the eastern beach. These are estimated to have been carved into the rock around 1200.AD! 

HIGHLIGHTS

• 10 nights + 16 dives, non divers and families wlecome
• Swim with humpback whales in their natural habitat!
• The comfortably furnished rooms have tiled floors and a private terrace with a view of the crystal clear Pacific Ocean. 
• They may be configured with two twin beds or one king-sized bed and each has electricity, a table and chairs, fan, wardrobe and tea and coffee making facilities. 
• Each spacious en-suite bathroom has a large washbasin, western style toilet and a large, fully tiled shower. 
• There is plenty of solar-powered hot water with good water pressure.
• Uncrowded white sand beaches
• Huge house reef with reef fish, macro life
• Remote island with electricity and hot water
• Beautiful gardens, palm trees, tropical foliage, vibrant flowers
• 24hr room service and fine dining restaurant serving fresh fish and lobster
• Activities above and below the waves, plus ancient petroglyphs
• Robinson Crusoe experience on nearby uninhabited island
• Sandy Beach’s Dive Center is a fantastic base from which to explore remote, healthy dive sites around Ha'apai.
• One of two places in the world to swim with humpback whales (July to October)
• Top-notch visibility (~30m), warm seas (~28°c) 
• Dive with dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays, reef fish, macro critters
• Swim-throughs, drop-offs, coral gardens and rarely dived on sea pinnacles
• Custom built, newly refurbished dive boat with brand new engine, large fuel tank
• Knowledgeable dive guides and boat captains
• Sustainable practices and marine conservation 
• Enjoy swim-throughs, coral gardens, sea pinnacles, tunnels and more. 
• You will have the chance to dive with dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays and all manner of reef fish and macro critters
• Dive from the beach, or take a trip on the newly refurbished dive boat. 
• It is possible to visit rarely dived sea pinnacles on a longer day trip.
• The dive team are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to local conditions and marine life, including the humpback whales.
• Discover Scuba, Open Water and Advanced courses are offered, and dive gear is available to rent.

INCLUDED

• 10 nights with breakfast
• 16 boat dives per diver
• Weight Belt/Weights/Tank(s)
• Free WiFi (public areas)
• Housekeeping/cleaning
• Local government tax (15%)

NOT INCLUDED

• Half board+EUR 570 per person
• Transfer from/to Ha'apai (return) - add one PER PERSON (for groups of TWO or more): USD 25 (per person)
• Transfer from/to Ha'apai (return) - add one if you are a SOLO TRAVELLER: USD 45 (per person)
• Full scuba set: USD 35 (per diving day/person)
• Wetsuit: USD 15 (per diving day/person)
• BCD: USD 15 (per diving day/person)
• Regulator: USD 15 (per diving day/person)
• Yoga class
• Babysitting/childminding
• Houmale'eia Petroglyphs Tour
• Ha'ano Cultural Tour
• Whale Swimming
• Bush and Reef Walk
• Whale watching swimming (includes snorkel hire, lunch and refreshments): USD 175 (per activity/person)
• Note: all listed prices are per person

Payment schedule

• After booking confirmation: 30% downpayment non refundable
• 60 days before trip start: 100% (balance)

Cancellation fees

If you cancel  before the start of your trip, you will lose 30% of the total booking

100% if you cancel within 60 days of your trip

HOW TO GET THERE

Arrival

• The closet airport is Pilolevu Domestic Airport - Ha'apai (HPA).
• Three international airlines fly to the capital, Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu Island.
• A domestic flight is required between Nuku’alofa and Ha’apai with the domestic airline, Real Tonga (40 minutes). Flights normally operate twice daily in each direction. No services operate on Sundays.
• There is short taxi ride from the international to the domestic terminal (It would be advisable to have some local currency on hand).
• The Resort staff is happy to arrange the taxi for you (for an additional charge).
• All guests are personally met at Ha’apai Airport on arrival and transferred to and from the property.
• Check in time is at 13:00pm.

Departure

• Check out time is at 10:00am.
• Once you have checked out at reception you will be transferred at the domestic airport.
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out available by arrangement.