Ax-Factor Dive

Situated 3.5 km south of Neiafu in the village of Toula, AX-Factor Dive offers a unique base for exploring the Vava’u archipelago. The centre is positioned in the sheltered waters of Koko Bay, providing a reliable environment for both scuba diving and freediving.

As the first SSI-affiliated centre in Tonga, the operation is built around a commitment to sustainability and a low environmental footprint. The centre is integrated with Whale Waters Tonga, a facility that combines diving with yoga, meditation, and personal development, all set within a protected coastal location.

The team is led by Axel Passeck, an instructor with experience dating back to 1996. Axel is an SSI instructor, a skipper, and holds qualifications in First Aid and Oxygen administration. His expertise extends to underwater photography and night diving, particularly using UV light to observe fluorescent species.

Jurg, the manager, is a Pro Divemaster, SSI freediving instructor, and skipper. The staff is dedicated to environmental conservation and maintains a commitment to gender equality, ensuring a balanced presence of women within the team. All instruction and boat operations are conducted in English.

AX-Factor Dive offers a comprehensive range of SSI training programmes. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, progressing through to the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

Specialised training is available for those looking to expand their skills, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, and Wreck Diver courses. The centre also provides instruction in Freediving, as well as First Aid and Oxygen First Aid certifications.

The centre operates two vessels to service its divers. An Ally Cat is used for trips to the Clan McWilliams wreck, while an 8-metre boat is utilised for excursions around the islands and snorkeling trips.

For all departures, divers are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the boat leaves. The boats facilitate various activities, including night dives and trips to surrounding reef systems.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for divers who do not wish to travel with their own kit. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, and torches specifically for night diving.

Safety is a priority, with oxygen availability on-site for first aid purposes. The centre is part of a larger development that aims to operate as a self-sufficient and eco-friendly facility.

The house reef is particularly noted for its vibrant colours, featuring various fluorescent corals and nudibranchs. These small, colourful organisms are a highlight for macro photographers and keen observers.

Night diving is a core part of the experience here, especially when using UV light to illuminate the reef. This technique reveals a hidden world of fluorescent life that is often missed during daytime dives.

The centre's location in the sheltered Koko Bay provides a protected environment, making it an ideal spot for both snorkeling and freediving. This sheltered position allows for reliable access to the water throughout much of the week.

While specific current and swell data are not provided, the bay's protected nature generally offers more stable conditions than the open ocean.