I first learned of this place when the World turned to the year 2000 . It is the fist island to welcome each new day. Tonga is just west of the INternational Dateline.
We decided to stop here on our way to New Zealand. If you would like a taste of the South Pacific , this would be the spot. It lacks tourist infrastructure but it has friendly hospitality and a uniqueness. Enjoyed our time on the beach and in the village .

On our second day we take a ferry over ti a small island across from Tongatapu. It was a short cruise over..not much to see . We took a stroll and all was good but on our return it was a disaster. Heavy rain and wind sprung up suddenly. The boat was rocking and filling with water. as waves crashed over. No life jackets on board. We both thought this could be our last adventure!! However we made back . Feet on the ground!!!

How scary! So glad everything was ok.
LikeLike
Yes we made back alive 🙌
LikeLike
Sounds scary, we were in a familiar situation on a ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi, waves crashing over the boat and praying for our lives
LikeLike
We had been thinking of heading to Phi Phi when we were in Phuket a couple of years ago….maybe we could have been in a similar situation.
LikeLike
When you see fisherman turning back and making the sign of the cross it is a bit worrying 😟
LikeLike
😳
LikeLike
Oh my! That would have scared me.
LikeLike