Hakaumama'o Reef
Dive site
Hakaumama'o Reef lies on the exposed northern edge of the Tongatapu lagoon, where tidal flow through the reef passes generates the current activity that larger pelagics follow. The outer wall drops from the reef crest at 5 metres to beyond 40 metres and is covered in sea fans, soft corals, and encrusting sponges fed by the nutrient-rich flow. This is Tongatapu's most reliable site for eagle rays, which cruise the wall in pairs and small groups, and grey reef sharks appear regularly at the deeper sections. The current brings good visibility but requires divers to time the dive with tidal flow; incoming current pushes divers along the wall for a comfortable drift, while outgoing current should be avoided at this site. During the July to October humpback whale season, acoustic encounters with passing whales are common even when the whales themselves remain out of visual range.
Conditions
Depth
5 to 40 m
Advanced depths
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
20 to 35 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
23 to 28°C
5mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Vis (m) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 15 |
| Current | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate |
Field journal
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