← Return to Favorite Dive Summary
Return to Explore Dive Sites← Back to dive site search
CaveBoat DiveTechnical DiveUnverified

NBM Dive Site Resource

Hot Spring Cave

Pangai, Haʻapai, Tonga

A remote Haʻapai cavern system containing a hydrothermal vent that produces noticeable warm-water pulses inside the chamber.

Save this dive site to your free member profile.

Historic Picture Placeholder

Old-fashioned maritime line drawing reserved for a future historic photograph
Historic Picture PlaceholderHistoric photograph pending research and rights review
WaterMarine
AccessWeather-dependent guided boat dive through a current Haʻapai operator; confirm active service and technical support before travel.
ExperienceAdvanced; cavern/cave training and suitable equipment required for overhead penetration
Maximum depthEntrance reported around 22–25 m; chamber approximately 15–30 m
Best seasonMost consistently promoted March–November; access depends on operator, sea state and cyclone conditions.
VisibilityOften around 30 m offshore, but current, surge, plankton and vent effects can change clarity.

Aquatic life at this dive site

What divers may encounter

Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.

Profile connection reserved

Aquatic life research in progress

NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.

Profile connection reserved

Aquatic life research in progress

NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.

Profile connection reserved

Aquatic life research in progress

NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.

Site media

Photographs

Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Illustrated scuba diver reserved for a future dive-site photograph
Dive Photograph PlaceholderDive-site photograph pending
Illustrated scuba diver reserved for a future dive-site photograph
Dive Photograph PlaceholderDive-site photograph pending
Illustrated scuba diver reserved for a future dive-site photograph
Dive Photograph PlaceholderDive-site photograph pending

Contributor media

Dive videos

Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.
Dive-site video pending
Dive-site video pending
Dive-site video pending

Published reference location

Location map

The marker shows the public coordinates associated with this profile. Confirm current access, moorings, and departure details before the dive.
Published reference coordinates-19.70000, -174.45000
Open in Google Maps ↗
Map zoom level 1 of 11

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Recent field observations

Diver-reported temperatures

Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.
Automatically checked
No recent diver reports from the past 14 days

A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.

Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.

Diver field observation

Report temperatures

Reports publish automatically when the date, depths, and temperatures pass the checks. You must be signed in to submit.

Depth readings

Why divers know this place

Highlights

Hydrothermal vent, large chamber, sponges, coral and unusual temperature gradients.

Before you arrive

Access notes

Use an experienced guide, conservative gas plan and direct exit. Display coordinates show only the general Haʻapai area.

Plan within your training

Conditions and hazards

Overhead, darkness, disorientation, depth, heat gradients, current, surge, decompression risk and remote evacuation. Redundant lighting and appropriate overhead training are essential.

At the site

Facilities and support

Remote boat operation; confirm tanks, gas choices, oxygen, communications, first aid and evacuation insurance.

Independent resource notice

This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.