Swimming with Humpback whales, Tonga
| country: | Tonga |
| departures: | 2009: 24 Jul, 7 Aug, 18 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 15 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 6 Oct |
| price: | From AU $1200 (3 days) - AU $4780 (9 days) excluding flights based on twin share. Single supplement available for some trips. Watch a  |
read 6 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Each winter, the spectacular South Pacific Humpback whales migrate to the sparkling clear waters of the idyllic islands of Vava'u, Tonga from the feeding grounds in Antarctica's icy seas to mate and give birth. Join us for an awe-inspiring opportunity to be in the beautiful crystal clear water with the humpbacks, snorkelling quietly next to mothers, newborn calves and male 'escorts', hearing their beautiful, haunting songs as you gaze into their eyes in the water. Feel the exchange of trust of a humpback mother as she allows her calf to swim and twirl next to you under water.
Whales in Paradise (9 days) AU $3750 (dble/twin)
2009: 7 Aug, 21 Aug, 18 Sept
Join us for an awe-inspiring opportunity to be in the beautiful crystal clear water with the humpbacks, snorkeling quietly next to mothers, newborn calves and male 'escorts', hearing their beautiful, haunting songs as you gaze into their eyes in the water. Feel the exchange of trust of a humpback mother as she allows her calf to swim and twirl next to you under water.
We spend the first & last nights at Hilltop Hotel overlooking the beautiful harbours of Neiafu just a short walk to town plus 4 nights at the new luxurious Reef Resort on Kapa Island on the edge of a coral garden and 4 nights at Blue Lagoon Resort on Foeata Island. Staying out in the humpback whales 'nursery' on this paradise island, gives this expedition a feeling that you are truly in an untouched paradise and surrounded by the whales!
Here all the fales are traditional (on the outside!) and have queen beds with mosquito nets a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom all feature inspiring views of the crystal clear, turquoise waters of lagoon. The food is out of this world too. Coral bommies - perfect for snorkeling, sandy beaches, lagoons, nature walks and magnificent views out over the whale nursery. Your last night is back in the town of Neiafu at the Hilltop Hotel. Our skipper, Veni will pick us up 7 of the 9 days to go out to snorkel with the humpback whales, on our whale watching boat, Maris King. Veni's love of the whales seems to give him the ability each day to know just where we can find them. On the 'leisure days' you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, have a lobster lunch in tow, shop for local handicraft or chill-out in a hammock!
Paradise Islands Experience (9 days) from AU $3700 (dble/twin) or AU $4350 (single)
2009: 24 July, 04 Sept
We spend the first 4 nights and the last night at Hilltop Hotel, overlooking the beautiful harbours of Neiafu just a short walk to the market, cafes, restaurants where you can experience the local way of life. You then head out to the paradise island of Foeata to the Blue Lagoon Resort for 5 nights right in the middle of the humpback whale nursery.
At Blue lagoon Resort gourmet food is prepared by an internationally trained cuisine chef. This unique resort overlooks the blue lagoon and beyond the reef - the whales play.
Our skippers, Kampeli, will pick us up 7 of the 9 days to go out to snorkel with the humpback whales, on our whale watching boat, Makaira. His love of the whales seems to give him the ability each day to know just where we can find them. On the 2 'leisure days' you can go on an island tour in great little go-karts, sail around the harbour, go Zego-ing around the beautiful islands, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking or chill-out in a hammock! Our itinerary is not rigid - just a guideline. . . there is plenty of time for yourself and all activities are your choice.
Paradise Islands Adventure (7 days) from AU $3300 (dble/twin) or AU $3850 (single)
2009: 28 Aug, 25 Sept
We spend the first 3 nights and & the last night at Vava’u Harbourview Resort overlooking the beautiful Port of Refuge, with 4 nights at Blue lagoon resort in the Humpback whale 'nursery' on beautiful Foeata Island. All the fales on Foeata Island are traditional (on the outside!) and have queen beds with mosquito nets a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom all feature inspiring views of the crystal clear, turquoise waters of lagoon. This island has everything!! At Blue lagoon Resort gourmet food is prepared by an internationally trained cuisine chef. This unique resort overlooks the beautiful turquoise lagoon and beyond the reef - the whales play.
Our skipper, Kampeli will pick us up 6 of the 6 or 7 days to go out to snorkel with the Humpback whales, on our whale-watching boat, Makaira. Kam's love of the whales seems to give him the ability each day to know just where we can find them. He is a skilled dive master and skipper also. On the 'leisure days' you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking or chill-out in a hammock! Our itinerary is not rigid - just a guideline. . . there is plenty of time for yourself and all activities are your choice.
'Swim with the Whales' expeditions (3 days) from AU $1200 (dble/twin) or AU $1380 (single)
2009: 07 Aug, 18 Aug, 15 Sept, 06 Oct
If you are short of time OR you just want 3 days out with the humpback whales - - then this package will be perfect to include in your visit to Vava'u. Our tours begin at 9am at our boat jetty in Neiafu on the first day of the tour. If you are staying on an outer island prior to the tour, you will need to pay extra for the boat transfer and we will pick you up between 9.30 - 10am for the whalewatching days.
A choice of 4 resorts in Vava'u!
Vava'u Harbour View Resort
Beautiful gardens and spacious fales each with kitchen and ensuite bathroom and a verandah. Breakfast is served under a thatched fale with spectacular views over the beautiful Port of Refuge harbour in Neiafu. Just a few minutes by taxi to the shops, cafes and bars in Neiafu. Just a short taxi ride to the whale watching boat jetty (transfer included). (Evening meals are not included in this package.)
Hilltop Hotel
Set in beautiful gardens high above the town of Neiafu, with spectacular views over the beautiful Port of Refuge harbor. It has 8 spacious & comfortable modern rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast is served in their café with great views. Just a short walk to the shops, cafes and bars in Neiafu. (Evening meals are not included in this package.)
Treasure Island Resort
3 nights on the paradise island of Eu'eiki out in the humpback whale nursery. Great food and snorkelling just off the white sandy beach in a clear lagoon on this exquisite South Pacific island. (All meals are included)
Blue Lagoon Resort 3 nights on the paradise island of Foeata out in the humpback whale nursery. Pristine beach and clear turquoise lagoon, wonderful accommodation and serves the best gourmet food in Tonga. (All meals are included)
Whales in Paradise (9 days) AU $3750 (dble/twin)
2009: 7 Aug, 21 Aug, 18 Sept
Join us for an awe-inspiring opportunity to be in the beautiful crystal clear water with the humpbacks, snorkeling quietly next to mothers, newborn calves and male 'escorts', hearing their beautiful, haunting songs as you gaze into their eyes in the water. Feel the exchange of trust of a humpback mother as she allows her calf to swim and twirl next to you under water.We spend the first & last nights at Hilltop Hotel overlooking the beautiful harbours of Neiafu just a short walk to town plus 4 nights at the new luxurious Reef Resort on Kapa Island on the edge of a coral garden and 4 nights at Blue Lagoon Resort on Foeata Island. Staying out in the humpback whales 'nursery' on this paradise island, gives this expedition a feeling that you are truly in an untouched paradise and surrounded by the whales!
Here all the fales are traditional (on the outside!) and have queen beds with mosquito nets a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom all feature inspiring views of the crystal clear, turquoise waters of lagoon. The food is out of this world too. Coral bommies - perfect for snorkeling, sandy beaches, lagoons, nature walks and magnificent views out over the whale nursery. Your last night is back in the town of Neiafu at the Hilltop Hotel. Our skipper, Veni will pick us up 7 of the 9 days to go out to snorkel with the humpback whales, on our whale watching boat, Maris King. Veni's love of the whales seems to give him the ability each day to know just where we can find them. On the 'leisure days' you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, have a lobster lunch in tow, shop for local handicraft or chill-out in a hammock!
Paradise Islands Experience (9 days) from AU $3700 (dble/twin) or AU $4350 (single)
2009: 24 July, 04 Sept
We spend the first 4 nights and the last night at Hilltop Hotel, overlooking the beautiful harbours of Neiafu just a short walk to the market, cafes, restaurants where you can experience the local way of life. You then head out to the paradise island of Foeata to the Blue Lagoon Resort for 5 nights right in the middle of the humpback whale nursery.
At Blue lagoon Resort gourmet food is prepared by an internationally trained cuisine chef. This unique resort overlooks the blue lagoon and beyond the reef - the whales play.Our skippers, Kampeli, will pick us up 7 of the 9 days to go out to snorkel with the humpback whales, on our whale watching boat, Makaira. His love of the whales seems to give him the ability each day to know just where we can find them. On the 2 'leisure days' you can go on an island tour in great little go-karts, sail around the harbour, go Zego-ing around the beautiful islands, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking or chill-out in a hammock! Our itinerary is not rigid - just a guideline. . . there is plenty of time for yourself and all activities are your choice.
Paradise Islands Adventure (7 days) from AU $3300 (dble/twin) or AU $3850 (single)2009: 28 Aug, 25 Sept
We spend the first 3 nights and & the last night at Vava’u Harbourview Resort overlooking the beautiful Port of Refuge, with 4 nights at Blue lagoon resort in the Humpback whale 'nursery' on beautiful Foeata Island. All the fales on Foeata Island are traditional (on the outside!) and have queen beds with mosquito nets a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom all feature inspiring views of the crystal clear, turquoise waters of lagoon. This island has everything!! At Blue lagoon Resort gourmet food is prepared by an internationally trained cuisine chef. This unique resort overlooks the beautiful turquoise lagoon and beyond the reef - the whales play.
Our skipper, Kampeli will pick us up 6 of the 6 or 7 days to go out to snorkel with the Humpback whales, on our whale-watching boat, Makaira. Kam's love of the whales seems to give him the ability each day to know just where we can find them. He is a skilled dive master and skipper also. On the 'leisure days' you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking or chill-out in a hammock! Our itinerary is not rigid - just a guideline. . . there is plenty of time for yourself and all activities are your choice.
'Swim with the Whales' expeditions (3 days) from AU $1200 (dble/twin) or AU $1380 (single)2009: 07 Aug, 18 Aug, 15 Sept, 06 Oct
If you are short of time OR you just want 3 days out with the humpback whales - - then this package will be perfect to include in your visit to Vava'u. Our tours begin at 9am at our boat jetty in Neiafu on the first day of the tour. If you are staying on an outer island prior to the tour, you will need to pay extra for the boat transfer and we will pick you up between 9.30 - 10am for the whalewatching days.
A choice of 4 resorts in Vava'u!
Vava'u Harbour View Resort
Beautiful gardens and spacious fales each with kitchen and ensuite bathroom and a verandah. Breakfast is served under a thatched fale with spectacular views over the beautiful Port of Refuge harbour in Neiafu. Just a few minutes by taxi to the shops, cafes and bars in Neiafu. Just a short taxi ride to the whale watching boat jetty (transfer included). (Evening meals are not included in this package.)
Hilltop Hotel
Set in beautiful gardens high above the town of Neiafu, with spectacular views over the beautiful Port of Refuge harbor. It has 8 spacious & comfortable modern rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast is served in their café with great views. Just a short walk to the shops, cafes and bars in Neiafu. (Evening meals are not included in this package.)
Treasure Island Resort
3 nights on the paradise island of Eu'eiki out in the humpback whale nursery. Great food and snorkelling just off the white sandy beach in a clear lagoon on this exquisite South Pacific island. (All meals are included)
Blue Lagoon Resort 3 nights on the paradise island of Foeata out in the humpback whale nursery. Pristine beach and clear turquoise lagoon, wonderful accommodation and serves the best gourmet food in Tonga. (All meals are included)
travellers' tales
It was all deeply satisfying to me. I had been longing for turquoise waters, sandy beaches, coral, colorful fish, an idyll. Then, on top of all that was the amazing adventure of interacting with the whales. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
 There are approximately 450 Humpback whales that migrate to Tonga each year, during our days on the water, we endeavor to allow as many in-the-water encounters as possible without harassing the whales. Some days we may only witness surface activity other days we may experience in-the-water encounters, as weather and tides are believed to effect the behaviour of the whales and where they 'hang out'. We ask you to fully appreciate that to have an opportunity to swim with humpback whales is rare, very unique and a precious gift. We strictly abide by the Whale-Watching Guidelines therefore there is always only four people plus the guide in the water with the whales at one time. When whale-watching:  Cease contact at any sign of whales, particularly mothers and calves, becoming distressed or alarmed |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |