Journey Overview & Highlights
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After a long journey north from the icy krill-laden depths of Antarctica, southern humpback whales take shelter in the tropical reef-protected waters of Tonga to give birth to their young. The arrival of the whales from July to October completes a remarkable cycle, as the new calves return over 8000 miles to where they were conceived 11 months earlier. The high number of whales visiting Tongan waters at this time of year means there are plenty of opportunities to see and swim with them. Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can still swim with the whales. As most of the whales are mothers with calves, we take great care not to intrude too heavily on these wild animals.

Day 1: Arrive at Vava'u Tonga International Airport (VAV)
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Arrival Airport: Vava’u International Airport (via Nadi, Fiji)

Afternoon: After clearing customs and immigration, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in and to enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the island of Vava’u Tonga.

The island of Vava’u is big enough to be interesting and small enough to get to know it. This beautiful destination brings with it a peaceful environment and stunning oceanside views. During the months of July, August, September and October we will have the opportunity to see the whales up-close and personal and swim with these magnificent gentle giants. Stay in traditional thatched roof fales (Tongan word for house) or Oceanview rooms that are powered by solar energy. Enjoy Whale diving encounters on our boat - The Tofu a’a Moana . It is an incredibly environmentally friendly vessel, moving quickly, smoothly and quietly to provide you with the most comfortable transportation possible. These unique vessels also enable you to get quite close to the whales during the season.

Dinner: Enjoy a traditional welcome dinner at your hotel restaurant and a relaxing evening! Enjoy the beautiful sea breeze from the shoreline and enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets you can see on earth.

Accommodation: Treasure Island Fale Bungalows or Mystic Sands Oceanview Rooms

Day 2: Explore Vava'u Tonga
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Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your Hotel before setting out on a day experience exploring the island.

Morning: Make your way to the beach early to enjoy the sunrise, before heading off to visit the most beautiful areas of the island (note that whale dives do not operate on Sundays).

Afternoon: Explore Mount Talau, the local market, and spend the morning snorkeling, kayaking, and boating around the most beautiful local spots (i.e. we will explore all the highlights before the whale diving starts the following day.

Dinner: Enjoy a free evening & dinner at the beach resort

Accommodation: Treasure Island Fale Bungalows or Mystic Sands Oceanview Rooms

Day 3: First Whale Swim Encounter
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Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your Hotel before setting on a day full of adventure.

Morning: Depart around 9am on our private boat for the first whale swim / dive of the trip!

Holiday makers are not the only ones to return to Tonga’s shores on a regular basis. After a long journey north from the icy krill-laden depths of Antarctica, southern humpback whales take shelter in the tropical reef-protected waters of Tonga to give birth to their young. The arrival of the whales from July to October completes a remarkable cycle, as the new calves return over 8000 miles to where they were conceived 11 months earlier. The high number of whales visiting Tongan waters at this time of year means there are plenty of opportunities to see and swim with them. Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can still swim with the whales. As most of the whales are mothers with calves, we take great care not to intrude too heavily on these wild animals. No more than 8 people are allowed per boat with only 4 people in the water at one time. The experience will last until late afternoon (3-4pm), with lunch and refreshments served on the boat (or on the shore nearby).

Afternoon: After a full morning with the whales, return back to your beachfront accommodations and enjoy a relaxing afternoon lounging, kayaking, snorkeling, or surfing (equipment is always available at your request). Traditional Diving can also be organized (as there are many beautiful spots to dive around the Islands.

Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing evening at the resort, including dinner back at the beach resort. Accommodation: Treasure Island Fale Bungalows or Mystic Sands Oceanview Rooms

Day 4: Second Whale Swim Encounter
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Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your Hotel before setting on a day full of adventure.

Morning: Depart around 9am on our private boat for the first whale swim / dive of the trip! We will build upon the experiences we had from the prior day and learn how to interact more closely with these magnificent creatures. During our dive today we’ll hone in our underwater photos, and wonder at the majesty of these gentle giants.

No more than 8 people are allowed per boat with only 4 people in the water at one time.. The experience will last until late afternoon (3-4pm), with lunch and refreshments served on the boat (or on the shore nearby).

Afternoon: After a full morning with the whales, return back to your beachfront accommodations and enjoy a relaxing afternoon lounging, kayaking, snorkeling, or surfing.

Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing evening at the resort, including dinner back at the beach resort. Accommodation: Treasure Island Fale Bungalows or Mystic Sands Oceanview Rooms

Day 5: Third Whale Swim Encounter
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Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your Hotel before setting on a day full of adventure.

Morning: Depart around 9am on our private boat for the first whale swim / dive of the trip! This will be our final dive experience of the expedition, so make sure if there is a particular shot or encounter that you’re looking for - make it happen today!

Please remember that no more than 8 people are allowed per boat with only 4 people in the water at one time. The guides will continually remind of this as we want to preserve this experience for future travelers. The experience will last until late afternoon (3-4pm), with lunch and refreshments served on the boat (or on the shore nearby).

Afternoon: After a full morning with the whales, return back to your beachfront accommodations and enjoy a relaxing afternoon lounging, kayaking, snorkeling, or surfing. This is a great afternoon to spend swapping photos with your fellow travelers, sharing the most memorable or meaningful encounters that we had throughout the trip, and the incredible things we experienced and saw.

Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing evening at the resort, including dinner back at the beach resort. Accommodation: Treasure Island Fale Bungalows or Mystic Sands Oceanview Rooms

Day 6: Free Day to Explore the Island
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Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your Hotel before setting out on a day experience exploring the island.

Morning: Make your way to the beach early to enjoy the sunrise, before heading off to visit the most beautiful areas of the island (note that whale dives do not operate on Sundays).

Afternoon: Explore Mount Talau, the local market, and spend the morning snorkeling, kayaking, and boating around the most beautiful local spots (i.e. we will explore all the highlights before the whale diving starts the following day.

Dinner: Enjoy a free evening & dinner at the beach resort

Accommodation: Treasure Island Fale Bungalows or Mystic Sands Oceanview Rooms

Day 7: Depart Vava'u Tonga (via Fiji)
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Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your Hotel.

Check out of your Hotel and travel to the International Airport to catch your flight back home (Normal Route is Vava’u - Nadi - Los Angeles).

Departure Airport: Vava’u International Airport (VAV)

*Note flights to Vava'u only occur on Wednesday, Saturdays, and Fridays. If you only want to do 2 Whale Swims, we recommend spending your last two days on the island of Fiji (see itinerary below).

Day 7: Optional Visit to Fiji
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Fiji is known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” and is also home to the “Great Astrolabe Reef”. A network of brilliant coral reefs surrounds the 333 islands and atolls. With around 1000 species of fish and several hundred types of coral and sponges, Fiji offers a unique diving experience. With over 4000 square miles of coral reef, Fiji Islands offer divers unparalleled marine biodiversity.

The Warwick Fiji is located midway between Nadi International Airport and the capital city Suva, on Fiji's Famous Coral Coast and we have a close proximity to major sites and attractions including the Sigatoka River Safari, Off Road Cave Tour, White water rafting and Village tours up the Navua River and the famous Biuasevu waterfall, 30 minutes from the Resort. The Warwick Fiji is home to the best beach on the coral coast that is non tidal and is complimented by crystal clear lagoon and a marine sanctuary. This allows guests to enjoy a swim in both low and high tides. With free use of selected non motorized activities that include kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddle board, beach and pool volleyball, daily dive lessons in the pool, Fiji cultural activities, tennis, table tennis, indoor squash, archery, fitness gym, bicycles, and basketball.

Accommodation: Warwick Fiji

+ Do you need to be a diver to come on the trip?

Whale trips are snorkeling only; for safety reasons there is no diving allowed. There is also no need to dive, as the whales are at the surface.

+ How many people can swim with the whales at one time?

Tongan law allows 4 guests in the water with a certified whale guide at a time. Boats take up to 8 guests, thus you will rotate turns in the water with your group.

+ Are we guaranteed to see the whales?

We schedule our trips during the peak season to ensure the chance of great whale encounters. We are quite confident that you will get in the water with the whales, but do keep in mind these are wild creatures in the open ocean (making it even more special when you do see one).

+ How does Tonga compare to Fiji or Tahiti?

While Fiji and Tahiti are known for their beautiful beach resorts, Tonga is much more remote (and likewise much more beautiful). While accommodations will be nice and clean, the experience is very different that going to stay at a beach resort - I mean you are visiting to get in water with Humpback Whales!