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Swim with humpback whales, Tonga

country:Tonga
departures:2010: 3 Aug, 16 Aug, 12 Oct
price:From AU $1,600 (4 days) excluding flights. Single room from AU $1900. 12 guests only
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introduction to Swim with humpback whales, Tonga

If you are short of time OR you just want 4 days out with the Humpback whales, then this package will be perfect to include in your visit to Vava'u. 

This trip includes: 4 nights’ accommodation (2 resorts to choose from) 4 full day boat trips with the whales with a packed lunch; snorkeling; experienced skipper and guide (with water safety qualifications); guidance in the water with the whales; information on Humpback whale behaviour, guidelines and education for 'in the water' encounters, whale spotting etc.; conservation and environmentally aware staff.

Our tours begin at 8.30am 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 get back into neiafu for our 8.30am departure.

Mystic Sands Beach Bungalows
 On Utug’nake Island. Four night’s accommodation 12 min by taxi to the main town of Neiafu, with breakfast & lunches and 4 full boat-trips with the whales.

Eu’eiki Island Eco Resort
This is a picture postcard tropical island in the humpback whale nursery! Traditional thatched fales with en-suite bathroom, day bed and verandah onto the white sandy beach and turquoise water – where the humpbacks play! Watch them from the beach-side restaurant. One of the best coral reefs in Vava’u, is right off the beach! (All meals are included)

traveller reviews for Swim with humpback whales, Tonga

The highlight to me was snorkelling with Humpback 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
  • Allow the whales to control the nature and duration of the encounter
  • Whales may leave an area if continually disturbed
  • Respect the marine environment
  • Do not throw rubbish or other objects into the water.
  • Dumping rubbish, particularly plastics, can kill whales and other sea life through accidental swallowing or entanglement
  • If whale-watching from land, remain within established footpaths and lookout points, protect the environment, e.g. don't trample vegetation, minimise noise levels and don't swim to the whales from the shore

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