tonga whale tour

SWIM WITH WHALES IN TONGA  Vava'u, July-Oct

From july - october each year, the humpback whales migrate from antartica to the warmer waters of tonga. vava'u is the best location for whale watching in tonga and is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whales. join us on one of our exclusive, 4 people whale safari tours. .

Why choose us?

4 person max boat - no swapping or sharing

The whole package with ideal accommodation located in the whales' playground

Government licensed operator

Experienced crew with 15 years skippering in Vava'u  and a friendly, certified  whale guide 

"A truly beautiful place with many wonderful days spent on crystal blue waters experiencing encounters with whales that provided magical moments beyond expectations"

Karen Atkinson, Aus 

Tonga: Snorkeling with Humpback Whales

Swim with humpback whales on their calving grounds in tonga and explore beautiful coral reefs.

length 8 Days

starting at $5,995

About This Trip

• A once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with humpback whales and snorkel coral gardens off the coast of Vava'u, Tonga.
• Observe unique whale behaviors from above and below the surface, including courting adults and playful calves.
• Tonga is the best place on Earth to swim with humpback whales, and our expert-led Tonga whale tours aim to maximize whale swimming encounters.
• Explore Tonga and experience authentic Polynesian culture.
• Enjoy 5 days dedicated to swimming with Tonga's humpback whales.

Our Tonga whale swimming tours were named one of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime"!

Don't miss -> Tonga whale trip report including photos, recordings of whale vocalizations, and more!

Tonga's tropical waters are the mating and calving grounds for endangered humpback whales who migrate here annually from their feeding grounds in Antarctica. From July through November, the cows remain in Tonga to allow their newborn calves to grow in strength and stamina in preparation for their journey to summer feeding grounds in the south. The whales' prolonged presence in Tonga's calm, tropical waters creates a unique opportunity to observe and swim with humpback whales, and our expedition is designed around these experiences.

Off the beautiful coral formed island of Vava'u, we immerse ourselves in whale watching above and below the water's surface. From our comfortable beachfront accommodations we make daily excursions by private boat to snorkel with and observe the whales and other colorful marine life. On land, we will have a night out in Vava'u for dinner at a local restaurant, and a whale natural history presentation. Time will also allow for opportunities to learn about Tonga's unique culture, visit the local market, and to meet with local conservation groups, as well as enjoy a day of relaxation by the beach.

This is an unforgettable and intimate experience available in just a few places on Earth.

Wildlife Highlights – Tonga Whales

The focus of our trip will be to see and swim with humpback whale mother and calf pairs that reside here for several months each year. We will have the opportunity to observe many whale behaviors and may also hear the whales' beautiful songs.

We'll also take time each day to snorkel Tonga's beautiful and relatively untouched coral reefs that surround Vava'u, where we'll see a colorful array of invertebrates, fish, and corals.

Note: Good swimming ability in open ocean waters and some strength is required in order to participate in this expedition. If you are lacking in these areas, sea conditions could impact your total time in the water; the guides and captain will make these determinations for your safety.

Notes on Trip Costs

There is a single supplement fee of $1,100. Trip prices do not include international airfare. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions . We highly recommend  Travel Insurance  to protect your investment.

click to expand

Conservation Impact

Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. As pioneers of “eco travel,” our expeditions have been designed to directly support our mission . They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. Your expedition costs include fees that support conservation and promote sustainable livelihoods in the communities we visit, and Oceanic Society's earnings are invested back into our global research and conservation programs . In 2019, we also established our Expedition Impact Fund (EIF) as a way to grow our impact. The fund is seeded annually with money earned from our expeditions, and supplemented by donations from Oceanic Society travelers. Through the EIF, we award grants to our partners for their on-the-ground efforts to protect ocean habitats and the wildlife and human communities that depend on them.

Dates & Prices

Aug 17-23, 2024 sold out, sep 17-24, 2024, sep 12-20, 2025, day 1: arrive in tonga.

Fly to Vava'u, Tonga (crossing the International Date Line), transfer to hotel. Most common route is from LAX- Nadi (Fiji) - Vava'u (Tonga)

Days 2–6: Whale Watching and Snorkeling

Full days spent whale watching, swimming with whales, and reef snorkeling. Typically we will head out at 9:00 am and return around 2:00 pm. We should be able to observe a variety of whale behaviors, from mother and calf interactions to the sometimes combative behavior of mature bulls. Humpback whales are the most acrobatic whale species, and will often perform spectacular displays of breaching, lob-tailing, spy-hopping, and fin-slapping. During times when we are not whale watching, we will have plenty of opportunities to snorkel along the nearby reefs. The sheltered waters of Vava’u offer a variety of snorkeling sites. Soft coral walls, large sea fans and an abundance of tropical fish and colorful invertebrates are found in these clear, warm waters. Set against the lush tropical coastline, we will also search for birds such as brown boobies, noddy terns, great frigate birds, and herons.

Sunday: Free Day

Sunday will be a day of leisure. By law, Tonga doesn't allow any activities to take place on Sundays. You can spend the day relaxing under the warm sun at the beach, snorkeling in nearby seagrass beds, or sea kayaking the area's calm waters.

Day 8: Fly Home

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Vava'u airport in time for your flight home.

Accommodations

Utungake Island (Vava'u), with Tongan Beach Resort in foreground. © Doug Perrine

Participants stay at the comfortable Tongan Beach Resort. © Doug Perrine

Naturalist(s)

Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:

Steve Trott

Chris Biertuempfel

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Have any questions.

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Swimming with Humpback Whales

We are a USA based snorkel/dive travel agency that works with local companies in Vava’u, Tonga to provide the best Humpback Whale snorkeling experiences.

Humpback Whales Experiences in Tonga

We have years of experience in dive & snorkel travel. We have travelled around the world — to Mexico, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Australia, Portugal, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands — to try and swim with humpback whales, but consider Vava’u to be the very best place for the best up-close encounters.

Tongan waters are birthing and mating grounds for a specific population of humpback whales, which means they are around for months each year. Even better, the islands that surround Vava’u provide protection from the winds, ensuring that we can go out on the water almost every day.

The crystal-clear blue waters are another draw for many, as it much easier to get fantastic footage and photos of these gentle giants.

Snorkeling with Humpbacks

These are snorkel trips, as it’s near-impossible to scuba dive with whales since they move quite quickly. Clients should have snorkelling experience and understand that there is a lot of swimming involved on these tours.

We generally get in the water with whales almost everyday, it really comes down to the quality of those swims. Typically you can expect 1-3 amazing days on a 5 swim day tour, and 3-6 amazing days on an 8 swim day tour. If this has been your dream, we highly encourage you to do an 8 swim day trip. You are coming all this way, and nature needs time to try and deliver. A high quality encounter to us is one that lasts over 10 minutes and is in close proximity to a set of whales.

Tonga law allows only 4 guests in the water at a time with certified guide. Allowing guests intimate encounters of a lifetime with humpback whales!

What Makes Us Excellent

Small groups

We take max 6 people. Other boats will put up to 12 people, this can become an issue, as you are only allowed 4 people in the water with the whales at a time. Can you imagine having the most amazing whale encounter of your life, and being tapped on the shoulder after 5 minutes to rotate with another guest? We keep our groups small, to optimize for water time. You gain an extra 33% more water time with 6 guests on the boat.

Best Boats & Crew

It’s an art to swim with the whales, and we have the best crew who have years of experience. Believe it or not, this can make or break your trip. Our boats are also the very best in Vava’u. They have been purpose-built in New Zealand for whale swimming in Tonga.

Top Accommodations

The island of Vava’u is small and quite undeveloped, there are not many places to stay. We book our accommodations years in advance, to ensure our guests have some of the best options available for their stay.

• whale watching in Vava'u
• Swim With Whales
• Photography & Filming

HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING TOURS IN TONGA

Join us on one of our ‘once in a lifetime’ whale watch tours and you may get the opportunity to swim with the  amazing humpback whale..

Often stated as a ‘Life Changing’ experience, for many swimming and interacting with a whale has been a life long dream. Let us help deliver that dream.

We can help you plan your trip or tour as much or as little as you would like. We have a wealth of Local Knowledge all freely offered.

Humpback Whales will be in Vava’u between July and October and we will be running daily trips throughout that time. Except Sundays.

All kinds of Humpback activity will be seen during this time as the whales mate and give birth and interact in their natural environment.

When conditions are right and the whales comfortable with our presence we will get you swimming with these majestic creatures.  Truly a unique experience and one never forgotten.

Click here  to find out more information about Swimming with Humpback Whales.

After 2 years of planning, we finally got to experience the thrill of a lifetime. Can't praise the staff and crew of Dolphin Pacific highly enough. Their professional, personable approach and understanding of the whales and their behaviour exceeded our expectations on all levels.

View our Price List

Join us on one of our ‘once in a life time’ Whale watching tours.

Book a tour now

LOSE   YOURSELF... DISCOVER YOURSELF...

Whale watch & swim, enquire  & book  now - [email protected].

Come Aboard & Whale Watch & Swim With Us...

We Love Whales!

Come join us aboard one of our 2 boats for private or shared whale watch and swim charters with all the gear you need, lunch & snacks, and our professional, licensed, and conservation-minded skipper & guide crew. 

Our Vessels...

Our 9-meter boats are both fast, twin-engine and purpose-built with observation deck, sunshade, toilet, easy access in and out of the water, and licensed experienced crew.

Enjoy a nice lunch, coffee/tea/water, snorkel gear if you don't have your own, shorty wetsuit, and a hooded neoprene jacket to wear while board if needed.  

Shared charters take a maximum of 8 guests on board. Shared and private charters swim in groups of 4 guests at any one time with our licensed guide.

LUMINESCENCE ("Lumi")

Luminescence  n.

Spontaneous emission of light as a result of the excitation of atoms by energy other than heat. Bioluminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence are examples of luminescence that can be produced by biological or chemical process. 

EMERSION  ("Emi")

Emersion  n.

The act of emerging; emergence. The time of reappearance: as in, the  emersion  of a whale from the depths of the water, the  emersion  of a whale tail from the water's surface. Chiefly used in contrast with  immersion .

LOSE   YOURSELF DISCOVER YOURSELF EXPLORE VAVA'U WITH US

From Beach Bungalows in the Ha'apai Islands

Tonga: swimming with humpback whales.

From $7,395

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Each year, humpback whales migrate 3,000 miles from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the remote Kingdom of Tonga to court, mate, and give birth in the warm waters. To swim and snorkel close to these majestic creatures, to see their spyhopping, breaching, and mother-calf interactions, is one of the great thrills of the natural world. In addition to our whale encounters, we paddle sea kayaks, snorkel over coral reefs, and enjoy presentations by our guides on whale behavior and Polynesian culture. Our beachfront bungalows offer relaxation and sunrise views.

Arrive: Tongatapu, Tonga

Depart: Tongatapu, Tonga

• Swim with humpback whales—in one of very few places on the planet where this is possible!
• Sea kayaking and snorkeling, optional paddleboarding
• Enjoy your beachfront cabana set in a tropical garden, with sunrise views from your lanai
• Stargaze in clear skies under the Milky Way
• Learn about the skills of early Polynesian navigators

We're off on our search for humpback whales! As we slip into the water to swim alongside them, we pause at times to listen for the haunting sounds of whale song, perhaps even hearing male humpbacks' elaborate “ballads,” whose stanzas evolve over generations. Our in-water encounters range from swim-bys, where the whales swim past us as we snorkel, to witnessing courtship displays. Afternoons are for snorkeling, kayaking, or biking around the island. Kayaking adventures include the channel between Nukunamu and Ha'ano islands, and we'll beach our kayaks to snorkel among brilliant Moorish idol, butterflyfish, wrasse, and clownfish. Our lodge, set on a private beach, has spacious bungalows and a beach bar and cafe that serves locally caught seafood. After dinner, we can stargaze under the Milky Way and learn how early Polynesians used the stars to navigate. Depart on Day 8 via Tongatapu.

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

At time of reservation: $600 120 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $600 per person 61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 60 days or less: 100% of trip cost Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in a Tongan-style beach resort
• PFDs (life jackets) and sea kayaking equipment
• All land and boat transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Our Beach Resort

Foa Island, Tonga

Days 1-7 (7 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You need to be comfortable snorkeling in the open ocean, potentially with moderate waves and current. While the typical whale encounter is not an athletic event, it can be a challenge at times for those who are not adequately prepared. Depending on whether the whale is stationary or on the move, you may have to swim a significant distance. Average Day

• 4 hours boating
• 1-4 hours snorkeling
• Village visits
• Cultural activities

Ocean Conditions

While we are typically not far from shore, we will be swimming in the open ocean and conditions can vary throughout the day. The seas are generally calm with low to moderate currents, but unexpected squalls or high winds can create rough ocean conditions at any time. Our boat will always be nearby and if you or our leaders ever fear conditions are getting dangerous, we can always end a swim early.

As the primary activity on this trip is snorkeling, we strongly recommend bringing your own snorkeling equipment to ensure a proper fit. However, the resort provides unlimited access to their equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) if you prefer. The deeper water in the region can create upwelling zones of cooler water, so we recommend a 2-3mm wetsuit if you get cold easily, or at least a lycra skin for sun and stinger protection. If you are a certified scuba diver and would like to do an optional scuba dive, you will need to bring your certification card (though you will miss a whale swim).

Extend Your Trip

Auckland and the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf Extension

From $2,395

Client Testimonials

"A once in a lifetime experience to interact with the whales."

Highland Park, IL

"A life event for sure. Swimming with Humpback whales is a rare, humbling, and thrilling experience."

Delray Beach, FL

"Snorkeling with the whales was an incredible, indescribable experience."

Falmouth, MA

"A very well designed itinerary, with plenty of time swimming with the whales..couldn't get enough of that! The time with the whales was the highlight of the trip."

Charlotte, NC

"Amazing. We had a wonderful experience swimming with the whales—each interaction did not disappoint. The snorkeling was terrific and it was a great blend of both snorkeling and whale encounters. We were always busy doing something."

Gilmanton, NH

"We loved every minute of the trip."

Kathleen G.

Overton, NV

"The highlight of the trip was snorkeling with the humpbacks, as anticipated, and we were not disappointed."

Louisville, KY

"The itinerary was well designed and flexible. Plenty of time swimming with the whales and enough time to spend with the others, snorkeling, beach combing or just relaxing at your fala. We had perfect tropical weather. The Sandy Beach Resort was a comfortable small resort with a laid-back atmosphere. The staff were all most accommodating and friendly. The food was excellent and plated like you were at an upscale restaurant. There was also a never-ending supply of homemade potato crisps during happy hour. Lunch and snacks were provided on the boat every day and we had a traditional Tongan feast. Great trip!"

Tupper Lake, NY

"Snorkeling with the whales was spectacular. We also enjoyed getting to know the Tonga locals. The trip was everything we’d hoped for and more."

University Place, WA

"An unbelievable experience to actually swim with the mother humpbacks whales and their calves, many times during the week. I still can't believe I was able to experience that. Everything about the trip was truly remarkable, from our group leaders, the swim guides, the boat operators, the resort staff, and the location of the resort. It was such an outstanding experience, I want to do this trip again."

San Diego, CA

"A very well-organized and well-run trip. Snorkeling with the whales is one of my great lifetime experiences! Just awesome."

"The experience of swimming with the whales was wonderful—it was a fabulous lifetime event!"

"The experience was one of the top ten of my life. Unbeatable!"

Dillsburg, PA

"Swimming with whales is a once in lifetime experience. We were lucky enough to have two great days in which the whales were accessible—fantastic!"

New Haven, CT

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Ready to swim with whales?

Join us for the adventure of a life time!

We take you swimming with whales in the ocean around the world!

Operating for more than 24 years , our WhaleSwim Adventures team is your most trusted and experienced Tour Company to go swimming with humpback whales, orca and blue whales . 
We are away from the crowds in some of the most exceptional locations , for you to experience magical encounters with different species of whales (and sometimes, other marine mammals!).

Everything is taken care of, you just have to join us, relax, slip quietly into the water & experience it all in wonder... 

It will touch your heart.   



Our amazing team are  passionate & experienced professionals who have been working closely with whales for the longest time. Our skippers & guides have frequently been labelled as ”Whale Whisperer" .

Every encounter is guided with the most respect for the whales, the environment and your safety. We care for our oceans and they give it back to us to the highest level. We are always in gratitude!   

Swim with Humpbacks

Tahiti, french polynesia.

A very popular tour! There is nothing that can describe the beauty and gentleness of a humpback whale despite their enormous size. You have to experience it for your self. Even though we have been snorkelling with them for 24 years, we are still deeply touched  on every encounter.  And Moorea, Tahiti is definitely the most magical, stunning island to experience it!

AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS

The humpbacks around the "most beautiful island in the world" during their breeding season & we will be there! This is a new exclusive destination allowing us for even more incredible interactions in the South Pacific paradise. A place where you have the whales for yourself!

Get ready to be gob-smacked with the people, the whales & the beauty!

VAVA'U, TONGA

Where our love for the whales began 25 years ago! 

The Vava'u archipelago in northern Tonga is perhaps the most famous place in the world for swimming with humpback whales— and for good reason. The islands form a natural nursery for migrating humpback whales between July and late October, allowing them to raise their calves in peace.

Swim with Blue Whales

Timor leste, ombai wetar strait.

Another new destination for 2024! While looking to get away from the crowds, we found this new destination on an island, in the Ombai Wetar Strait, north of Australia. A little gem, where you will swim with the legendary, biggest animal on the planet, the Blue Whale! You will also connect with so many different mammals & sea life, such as the pilot whales, many different species of dolphins and sometimes, sperm whales!

Swim with Orcas

Tromso, norway.

Close your eyes and picture yourself in one of the most beautiful backdrop swimming with Orcas. This liveboard is for our passionnate ocean lovers. In the comfort of a dry suit, jump in to meet for a week one of the most beautiful and misunderstood underwater creature, the Orca.

Join us for an adventure you will never forget!

Heidi, Colorado

« I cannot put into words how amazing this trip and company were. The entire crew was exceptional. They all made us feel very comfortable in the water and were true whale whisperers! I also liked the fact that they were very respectful of the whales. If there were too many people in the water we would go look for other whales and were always able to find them.  This was by far the best trip of my life and was truly life changing. I could not recommend this company enough and would love to come back some day!  »

Carmen, Melbourne

« I knew when we booked this tour it would be special but i had no idea how life changing it would be. Each day on the water provided a different and equally incredible interaction with the whales. From seeing babies come up from below, mothers and babies swimming together, hearing whale song as we swam, seeing juvenile whales and breaching whales it was as close to a spiritual experience that I could imagine. A big heart fell thank you to the whole team for the most amazing and unforgettable experience of my life.»

Rafa, San Diego

« My wife and I had an experience of a lifetime swimming with whales. Words cannot do justice to how amazing it was. The crew made our trip unforgettable, they treated us like family. Thanks to their expertise, we were able to swim with Humpback Whales every day, and they made sure we were all safe while providing an extraordinary experience. Another note, the food prepared by Emma was exceptionnal! We could definitely come back just for the amazing dishes she prepared!

 Thank you so much for this amazing week!»

"The moment you lock up with the eye of a whale, you will want to do it again, again and again"

What makes us special

Small groups, intimate encounters with the whales, experienced tour leaders and skippers known as the Whale Whisperers & your private chef on some tours... We aspire to make your experience with us not only special but also exclusive, ensuring a truly personalised and exceptional journey over the time you are here with us. You are our priority!

WhaleSwim Adventures Ltd.

New Zealand  based

Operating tours in the Pacific, South East Asia & Norway

For enquiries about Moorea, Aiutaki, Timor Leste, contact Rae :

Whatsapp : +64 21 1101 818

[email protected]

For enquiries about Tonga & Norway, contact Annah:

Whatsapp : +61 483 196 880

[email protected]

Thanks for contacting us! We will get back to you as soon as possible!

• Activities: Swim with Humpback Whales in Tonga

Whale Swim, Watching & Listening Tour

Please click here to check our Rates, Packages & Description of Services Rendered section for updated information on our current rates and packages

Vava’u is an island group like no other that consists of 56 islands within a 20 mile area and one of the few places in the world where it is possible to have the unique experience of swimming with humpback whales. The whales migrate to the protected calving and breeding grounds of the warm and tranquil waters of Vava’u during the months of July through October.

We are a licensed Whale Swim Tour operator with 18 years of experience. Our island resort is located in the heart of the whale sanctuary and on one of the two main channels where the whales enter the island group. We are not keen as other operators in utilizing the swimming with whales experience as a commercial enterprise but we are privileged by our location and therefore we only cater to our guests staying with us at our resort. Our location gives us the advantage of getting a head start on our tours verses the operators which depart from the main town of Neiafu which is 10 miles away.

We practice the art of approaching these gentle mammals with a noiseless manner and determining whether the calf is old enough to be curios to interact with the swimmers. Our tours are done on our traditional 37ft outrigger Tofua’a Moana. Taken from the Polynesian design, this outrigger has been built on the Eueiki Island by the owner, Mark Belvedere. The Tofua’a Moana (Ocean Whale) is an environmentally friendly vessel, moving quickly and smoothly to provide you with the most comfortable and non-obtrusive approach to the whales.

Our Swim with Whales / Whale Watching & Listening tours have a duration of approximately 4 to 6 hours. Our rate for this tour is T$60.00 per person per hour. Therefore, your Swim with Whales / Whale Watching & Listening package may be adjusted accordingly at the end of your stay.

Tonga Whale Watching and Swimming Regulations 2013

By law only four guests and one guide are permitted in the water at any one time. Our tour is usually a 6 hour tour weather depending and adjustable at the end of your stay. Please read the following link to get familiarized with our guidelines for this activity.

Please Read: Government of Tonga Whale Watching and Swimming Regulations 2013

Hiking and Exploring

Our 48-acre island is big enough to make it interesting and small enough to get to know it. Our Island has two beautiful hiking trails. The trail to the upper plateau takes its hikers to discover the unknown tomb of an ancient ancestor and rewards them with spectacular views of the islands to the south. The lower plateau trail takes hikers to a cave where our resident Coconut Crabs have been residing for hundreds of years.

This activity is free of charge.

Water Activities

The resort is surrounded by many nearby islands that make ideal destinations for kayaking, sailing and uninhabited island exploring. Our island is fortunate to have a beach that is swimmable at all tide conditions and its’ nearby reef is one of the best snorkeling area in the Kingdom. We provide snorkeling gear, but we suggest you bring your own equipment for maximum comfort.

Customize and Combine your own Tour

**All water related tours a dictated by weather conditions**

• Island Hopping Tours
• Cave Swimming Tours
• Snorkel Tour

All customized tour activities have a price of T$80.00 per person per hour with a minimum of two persons.

In-house PADI recreational scuba diving will soon be available at Treasure Island Resort.

For those water sport enthusiastic, enjoy the accommodation, hospitality and service that we give by staying at Treasure Island Resort and BOY (Bring your own) Gear to enjoy activities such as:

• Spear fishing

A support boat is available on site at a rate of T$80.00 per person per hour.

• Kite Boarding

Our island has a perfect beach with wind blowing side shore to the beach. Perfect for kite boarders!!!!

If needed a support boat is available for rescue, pick-up and drop-off for a cost of T$120.00 per hour

Historical Adventure in Paradise Snorkel Tour

Please click here to check our Rates, Packages & Description of Services Rendered section for updated information on our current rates and packages for this tour.

Historical Adventure in Paradise Snorkel Tour (Tour available from 16 October thru 14 July)

Venture off by boat on a guided tour to our neighboring island of ‘Euakafa where an interesting hike to the tomb of a Samoan princess and her lover awaits you. Learn some of the historical tales and legends of Tongas’ interesting cultural past and present. Continue on to discover the magnificence of various historical caves on different islands where you will stop for lunch, snorkel and swim inside the caves and their crystal clear waters. This tour is approximately 3 to 4 hours and include in the packaged rates.

Flora and Fauna

Tonga is located on the Pacific Ocean’s infamous “ring of fire” and prevailing currents bring an abundance of volcanic nutrients to the islands to nourish our rich soft and hard coral beds. Our lush tropical forest provides the ideal setting to discover nature’s non-marine beauty from a South Pacific perspective. You can learn to husk, grate and use coconuts for both food and crafts. The island is home to a large number of bird species and lucky bird watchers may even catch a glimpse of “flying foxes” or the Tongan Whistler, one of Tonga’s two endemic species.

Walk and Circumnavigate the Island

Walk and Circumnavigate the Island (Free of Charge) – At low tide you can walk and circumnavigate the entire island (proper shoe attire is recommended) to enjoy our coral garden, marine life, amazing caves, cliffs and rock formations that have been formed through time by the tides.

Seasonal Activities

Sundays in Tonga

In the Kingdom of Tonga, there is no trade on Sundays. Sunday is a day to relax and soak in the beauty and the culture of this island nation. There is no whale swimming activity on Sundays. The Kingdom of Tonga is the heart of the Polynesian Culture, and one of the oldest kingdoms in the world. This is the only Pacific nation which has never been conquered and is a true monarchy. It, therefore, retains the authentic character and traditions of the South Pacific. On Sundays you can just relax and enjoy our beautiful island and a magnificent beach and a protected reef. You can also enjoy a walk around the island or go to our “outlook” and enjoy the magnificent views. During the evening after dinner, enjoy a Historical talk and learn about the Maritime achievements and History of these great navigators and their unique voyaging vessels.

Whale Swim, Watching & Listening Tour (Tours available from 15th of July thru 15th of October)

Treasure Island Eueiki Eco-Resort is located in the center of the island group where the humpback whales come each year during the months of July, August, September and October. The whales leave the open ocean to give birth to their calves and breed in the warm and protected tranquil waters of Vava’u. Our Island is situated between two of the three deep water channels where the whales enter the island group from the south. We are a licensed whale swim operator. So…start with the advantage of already being in the center of the whale nursery to take our tour from the island on one of our two boats. “Tofua’a Moana” is our traditional 37ft outrigger. Taken from the Polynesian design, this outrigger has been built on Eueiki Island by the owner, Mark Belvedere. The Tofua’a Moana (Ocean Whale) is an environmentally friendly vessel, moving quickly, smoothly and quietly to provide you with the most comfortable and non-obtrusive approach to the whales. “Moana Loloto” (Deep Ocean) designed and built by the resorts’ owner, Mark Belvedere, is our newest addition to our fleet. Built in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, “Moana Loloto” is a 31ft. long, walk around cabin with a tunnel haul and we have her as an exploration, whale swim and scuba boat. This vessel is also very quiet and efficient when utilizing it for swimming with the whales. Enjoy the singing of the male’s song through our hydrophones

Children and Whale Swimming

Children are not allowed to participate in the “Swimming with the Whales” activity UNLESS THEY ARE STRICTLY UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A PARENT AND OR GUARDIAN AND THE RESPONSIBLE ADULT AND OR GUARDIAN SIGNS A WAIVER FOR THE CHILD.

The Beach House & Coral Cottage

Unique serviced holiday accommodation in vava'u,tonga, to make your  planning easier, we've put together some whale safari holiday packages to choose from for your perfect swimming with whales experience here in vava'u, tonga. we have only 4 people max on our boat (unless family or group of friends) which means every opportunity that comes up to swim with the whales, you are in the water., choose from 4, 5 or 7 night packages.

The Beach House  

4 nights accommodation, 2 whale safaris,

11440TOP/6790Aus$/4480Euro/5215US$

5 nights accommodation, 3 whale safaris

15080TOP/8925Aus$/5890Euro/6860US$

7 nights accommodation, 5 whale safaris  21640TOP/12830Aus$/8460Euro/9850US$

All packages include:

transfers (taxi from Lupepau'u airport, Vava'u & boat ride to Fofoa Island return) & daily meal plan*

Prices based on 4 person share.

Alcohol & soft drinks not included in daily meal plan.

Invoice will be charged in TOP

Humpback whale calf and mother in Vava'u, Tonga

Humpback whale fluke in Vava'u, Tonga

Who's watching who?

CORAL COTTAGE (2024)

4 nights accommodation, 2 whale safaris

10580TOP/6660Aus$/4300Euro/4465US$

13940TOP/8770Aus$/5660Euro/5880US$

7 nights accommodation, 5 whale safaris

20660 TOP/13620Aus$/8010Euro/8700US$

All packages include: Daily meal plan & transfers

 (taxi from Lupepau'u airport, Vava'u & boat ride to Fofoa Island return) 

Prices based on 2 person share.

Conversion rates are approximate - invoice will be charged in TOP

"The combination of stunning accommodation, delicious food with amazing whale swims made this our best family holiday ever"

Denise Woodward, Canada

Join our whale watching tours here in Tonga

come whale swimming with us www.swimmingwithwhales.com

Join us on one of our whale watching tours from The Beach House, Tonga

THE BEACH HOUSE  (2024)

18960TOP/11935Aus$/7700Euro/8000US$

25130TOP/15820Aus$/10210Euro/10600US$

  37470TOP/23600Aus$/15230Euro/15815US$

For more photos & info, check out our site:

www.swimmingwithwhales.com

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The Best Whale Swim Tours on ‘Eua 🐳 [2024]

Whale watching and swimming in ‘eua.

Humpback whales make an amazing migration from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warm and sheltered waters of Tonga each year between June and November to mate and calve. ‘Eua is on the main path of their migration, making the island one of the best for watching and swimming with whales. The best time to experience the whales is in the height of the season, from July to October . ‘Eua has a very small number of whale operators compared to Ha’apai and Vava’u , but after reading this guide to the whale tours in ‘Eua, you might just decide that ‘Eua is the place for you to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience…

For more on whale watching and swimming, see  The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga and   10 Tips for Swimming with Whales in Tonga .

Why Do Whale Swimming in ‘Eua

Unless you’ve been hiding in a shell like a hermit crab, whale swimming is a big deal across the four main island groups of Tonga . So, why choose to swim with whales in ‘Eua ?

‘Eua has a very small selection of whale tours that have a respectable approach to swimming with whales. You never have that feeling of “too many boats” on the water and whales being harassed, as you would in island groups like Vava’u . Whale swimming opportunities are also very close to shore, which means you won’t have to sit through a long boat trip before you get to the whales. The visibility is often some of the clearest from ‘Eua, which makes for some amazing underwater viewings of the whales among the expansive deep blue ocean.

Finally, you don’t even need to hop on a boat to watch whales from ‘Eua, as it’s very common to see them from shore – more on that towards the end of this guide!

For more of a comparison, check out  The Best Place to Swim with Whales in Tonga .

Blue Water Retreat

Offering one of ‘Eua’s most iconic accommodations, Blue Water Retreat also offers both full-day whale swimming tours and multi-day ‘Eua whale swim holidays with accommodation and all meals provided. Whether you want to make your getaway all about whale swimming or just a taste, they have the package to suit!

Whale swimming is from one of Blue Water Retreat’s three 10 ft custom-made charter boats designed with whale swimming and diving in mind with ladders making it easy to get in and out of the water. There is a maximum of eight passengers on the boat.

All of the snorkelling gear is provided, including masks, snorkels, fins and well-maintained wetsuits. A healthy albeit light lunch is also provided in a reusable lunch box (no, the same can’t be said for other whale tours across Tonga).

Onboard are a licensed and usually very passionate professional whale swimming guide/marine biologist, as well as an experienced skipper who has been boating on ‘Eua’s waters for years. The team have a very respectable approach to the whales; they go through some house rules and legal regulations and have a practice swim with swimmers before interacting with the whales.

Either join the team just for the day or their seven-day packages also include seven nights’ accommodation at Blue Water Retreat , all meals, transfers from the wharf/airport, a half-day land tour and more. Learn more about Blue Water Retreat in the Where to Stay on ‘Eua: The Best Accommodations .

Kiko’s Swim with Whales Tours

Get the real local experience, as well as local knowledge of the whales’ behaviour, with Kiko’s Swim with Whale Tours . Kiko is a certified whale swimming guide, which you can learn more about the importance of in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga .

Kiko is a local fisherman who started operating whale swimming and watching tours from his small fishing boat more than 15 years ago. The boat has been upgraded to a vessel that’s low to the water and shaded from the sun, providing a comfortable whale-watching experience. There is a limit of eight passengers, keeping with legislation and ensuring an uncrowded experience with the whales.

Onboard is also a passionate whale swimming guide, typically an expat volunteering for the season, who will guide the experience in the water and ensure a safe and respectable swim with the whales.

Wetsuits and fins are provided, but Kiko only has a few masks and snorkels, so those with any of their own gear are best to bring them along. Accommodation transfers are also included in the rate, as is breakfast and lunch.

Speaking of rate, Kiko’s Whale Watching has got itself a reputation for being the cheapest in the country for many years. Although it is now the same price as some operators in Tongatapu and Vava’u, it’s still on the more affordable end of the spectrum. However, if you don’t see whales during the trip, you only are required to pay for fuel costs; not the full cost of the tour – typically a TOP$150 shared cost with other boat passengers.

Kiko’s also hosts one of the largest guesthouses/backpackers on ‘Eua, complete with a small restaurant; ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House (more commonly known as Kiko’s). Learn more about it in the 5 Best Guesthouses on ‘Eua .

Watching Whales from Land on ‘Eua

‘Eua is famous for being the best island in Tonga to watch whales from land. The island runs adjacent to waters famous for “heat runs” where there are large pods of competitive whales. Whale mothers and calves are often seen closer to shore, with sightings around three times a day from the accommodations on the west side of the island.

From the east side of ‘Eua, particularly from the Lokupo Lookout and Laua Lookout in the ‘Eua National Park , there are excellent views of the water over the Tonga Trench which is the main migrating path for whales and is thought to be the main reason the whales migrate to Tonga. It is the world’s second-deepest ocean trench. Learn more about getting to the lookouts in the 5 Best Hikes in ‘Eua and 10 Best Things to Do in ‘Eua .

More About the Best Whale Tours in ‘Eua

That’s it for our list of the best whale swim tours in ‘Eua. For more about whale swimming tours in ‘Eua, take a look at more of our amazing literature:

• 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) ‘Eua
• The Best Place to Swim with Whales in Tonga
• 10 Best Things to Do in ‘Eua

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga and  The Complete Travel Guide to ‘Eua .

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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Related posts, 10 best whale swim tours in vava’u [2024], tonga whales: the guide to whale swimming in tonga 🐳 [2024], 10 tips for a better whale swim in tonga, 10 best whale swim tours in tonga 🐋 [2024], where to swim with whales in tonga: the best islands 🐳, 5 best whale swim tours in tongatapu & nuku’alofa 🐳 [2024], recommended for you, 10 best shops to buy souvenirs in tonga, 10 best places to see whales in tonga from shore, 15 best culture tours & experiences in tonga, accommodation, destinations, things to do, connect with us.

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Tonga Tours

Is a Tonga Island Tours on your travel bucket list? Our Tonga tours explore the long and interesting history of the Kingdom of Tonga that goes back over 3,000 years.

Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1773, it became known as the Friendly Islands due to the welcoming reception it gave him. It is the last remaining monarchy in the South Pacific, which has stretched back over 1,000 years. Tonga is well known for its hospitality and has a rich culture including dance, music, art and food that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Tonga Island tours

Our Tonga tours take you to its archipelago of 176 islands where you can find untouched beaches, amazing coral atolls, active volcanoes, deserted islands, national parks, caves, authentic local villages, rugged mountain ranges and virgin rainforests.

It boasts a wealth of marine life that can be easily explored on a guided fishing expedition, sea kayaking trips, snorkelling, or swimming with turtles. We also offer Tonga whale swimming tours, chat to one of our friendly travel consultants today to find out more.

With so much to see and do on our Tonga tours, you're bound to have an amazing time. Tonga whale tours are extremely popular - just make sure you don't forget to relax and enjoy the island life on some of the many postcard beaches.

If you're looking for travel inspiration, head over to our blog which provides excellent insight into our many travel destinations.

More information about Tonga tours

Do you want to know more about Tonga and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?

Contact the Tonga tourism board for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tour reviews.

My contact with Encounters representative was a pleasure, she answered my questions promptly, provided a quotation and changed it quickly when different flights were preferred. Both by e-mail and phone the response was very timely.

I thought it was very good we didn't have to worry about anything everything was in order and kept with the schedule as planned, unless we wanted to deviated from it to do somethingelse. The trip really a trip of a life time. There was a time many years ago that I wanted to travel to Egypt and didn't because of the cost. This trip was, to me, very affordable. I think everyone should experience this trip. The tour guide was alos excellent, Sherif Mohammad.

Amazing tour. Any issues we had were addressed in a timely fashion and the resolutions were satisfactory. My only complaint is the driver picking us up was late and none of the cell numbers worked when we tried to call and figure out what to do.

When a single women in her 50's, traveling from the US to Egypt, stumbles across a website offering a tour, and then they make her feel totaling comfortable about every step of the process, you know you've hit a homerun!

Anthony has been amazing throughout my planning of my tour. He has been very quick in replying to my emails and always answering with everything I wanted to know. I look forward to hopefully planning my next trip through him next year!

Tonga Country Guide

Time: GMT+13 Dial Code: +676 Area: 748 km2 Elevation: The lowest point in Tonga is the Pacific Ocean at 0m | The highest point in Tonga is an unnamed elevation on Kao Island that peaks at 1,033m (3,389 ft.) Population: 109,008 (2018) Capital: Nuku'alofa Government: Democracy, Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy Language: Tongan, English

Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga, is a Polynesian country and archipelago with 169 islands, of which 36 are inhabited. The main island, Tongatapu, is where 70% of the locals reside. The country is surrounded by Samoa to the northeast, Futuna, Fiji and Wallis to the northeast, Vanuatu to the farther west, Niue to the east, Kermadec (part of New Zealand) to the southwest, and New Caledonia (France).

In the West, Tonga became known as the 'Friendly Islands' because of the welcoming reception Captain James Cook received on his first visit in 1773. From 2010, Tonga chose to be a constitutional monarchy rather than a traditional absolute kingdom. The citizens of Tonga have free and mandatory education, provided by the government. The Tongans also have universal access to a national health care system.

Situated in Oceania, the islands of Tonga are divided into three main groups: Vava'u, Ha'apai, and Tongatapu. The islands either have a limestone base created from coral formations or limestone on a volcanic base. The climate of Tonga is tropical with a very warm period (December to April). The wettest period in Tonga is March. Bats are viewed as sacred, and property of the monarchy. Flying fox bats frequent the islands of Tonga.

Tongan is the official language spoken in Tonga, along with English. Tongan is a Polynesian language, closely related to Samoan, Hawaiian, Wallisian and Niuean. Although Tonga is a secular state, the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga is the established religion in the state.

• Neiafu - the second largest town, located by the Port of Refuge, on the island of Vava'u.
• Niuafo'ou - the most northerly island in Tonga, with a volcanic rim and two lakes.
• Ha'atafu Beach - a beautiful beach protected by a reef, with a sheltered swimming area, and lagoon.
• Talamahu Market - a main fresh-produce market, also selling crafts that is open on Saturday mornings.
• Port of Refuge - this picturesque harbour has a collection of bars and restaurants on its waterfront.
• St Joseph's Cathedral - located by the Port of Refuge, this local, Catholic church rests on a small hill.
• Mariner's Cave - this cave has a hidden entrance and glows a deep blue with the sunlight.
• Hufangalupe Archway - also known as 'the pigeon’s doorway', this is a natural land bridge by the coast.
• As Tonga is a conservative country, swimsuits should only be worn in resorts.
• On Sundays, shops, businesses and restaurants close for the day, so you should plan ahead.
• Learn a few phrases of Tongan to speak with the local people.
• Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service.
• Tonga is essentially a cash society, so make sure that you have enough.
• Tonga is a deeply Christian country, so you should abide by the rules and show respect.
• The best time for whale watching is from mid-July to mid-October.
• To join the main tour, you need to be comfortable swimming in the sea.

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