Waterproof Cruises

Swimming with Humpback Whales

The crystal clear waters of Vava’u are the perfect place for snorkellers to witness nurturing mothers teaching their calves how to be whales.

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Swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga

As the Humpbacks arrive to Tonga in large numbers to breed and give birth, you will bear witness to one of nature’s great events. During summer, the crystal clear waters of Vava’u are the perfect place for nurturing mothers teaching their calves how to be whales. The curious calves explore their environment and seek out interactions with the new world they have entered.

Humpback Whales Expedition

This is a land-based expedition where you stay in a hotel or resort and go out for daily expeditions on the water. These tours, with a small group of maximum 6 guests, and extremely experienced crew, give you the best chance to interact with the humpback calves and mothers in the crystal clear water around the Islands. We keep a safe distance of the animals and will only go in the water with a few people at a time to make sure we don't disturb the whales.

Every morning we embark at 7:00am for a full day of swimming with Humpback whales, stopping only for lunch or to explore the coral gardens, impressive caves and abundant marine life that Tonga has to offer. You will encounter boisterous males, nurturing females and energetic calves. With a bit of luck you might also see large groups of pursuant males on a heat run, or experience the eery beauty of a singing male.

These gentle giants of the sea give birth in the tropical waters of Vava’u to ensure the safety of their new born calves. You will witness the bond between mother and calf and the unique behaviour that can only be experienced by observing these amazing creatures in their natural environment.

Professional tour leader on board

A team of professional award winning photographers and marine biologists will be the tour leaders your snorkeling expedition. They will share their experienes with these amazing animals, and will show you the best secret spots to visit. Your days will be filled with excitement and admiration while snorkeling with the whales.

Note: Trips vary from 7 nights (5 days in the water) to 11 nights (7 days in the water). This itinerary is an example and is subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.

  • Day 1 - 3

    Early pickup from your resort for a day of whale watching & snorkelling.
    We embark every day from your resort for a full day of swimming with Humpback whales, stopping only for lunch and to admire this marine sanctuary and snorkel pristine coral reefs. You will encounter boisterous males, nurturing females and energetic calves, and may be lucky enough to join large groups of pursuant males on a heat run, or experience the eery beauty of a singing male. We jump in with those we think will be approachable and interactive. Lunch depends on the whales, but we try and stop in a number of snorkelling spots each day.
    In the afternoon you will return to your resort for a warm shower before you venture out for dinner in Neiafu.

  • Day 4

    Leisure Day – Spend the day exploring the islands, snorkelling, diving, quad bike riding or just relaxing on a beach. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

  • Day 5 - 6

    Another early pickup from your resort for a day of whale watching & snorkelling.
    Anytime – More whale swims, and a chance to experience some of the varieties of behaviour found in Tonga – large groups in a heat run, curious calves, or singing males. Lunch again depends on the whales, but will probably also involve a visit to the legendary Swallow’s cave, or breath-taking Mariners cave.
    In the afternoon you will return to your resort for a warm shower before you venture out for dinner in Neiafu.

  • Day 7

    Leisure day – Sunday’s are a time for rest in Tonga and most places are closed except for the café’s. You can still spend the day exploring the islands, snorkelling near your resort or just relaxing on a beach.

  • Day 8 - 9

    Early pickup from your resort for a day of whale watching & snorkelling.
    Anytime – Humpback whales, and also the opportunity to jump in with other wildlife if we spot anything. On previous trips we have encountered everything from Sperm whales, to Manta rays, to Whale sharks, to Pilot whales. When we’re ready for a break, we’ll have lunch before snorkelling pristine coral reefs.
    In the afternoon you will return to your resort for a warm shower before you venture out for dinner in Neiafu.

Accommodation in Tongatapu

Winnies Bed & Breakfast

Located about 3km out of the CBD, Winnie’s sits in a part of the Tonga Copra Board estate, a homely five-room guest house. This fully refurbished Bed & Breakfast has a public bus stop right outside its front gate – so getting in and out of town is still convenient and affordable!

Aloft Airport Accommodation
Aloft Airport Accommodation comprises of 7 rooms. Additional amenities include airport transfer service, housekeeping service and ironing service. The international airport Fua’amotu, less than 5 km from the property. The domestic airport is less than 300m away.

Accommodation in Vava’u
We provide premium shared accommodation for all our tours in beautiful location on the waterfront near the harbour.

Hibiscus House
Hibiscus House is a beautiful newly renovated 2 bedroom 2 bath home on the beautiful Port of Refuge Harbor in Vava’u, Tonga. Relax with your family or friends on the spacious deck overlooking the harbor or take a swim right from your own private wharf. Each bedroom has a queen size bed and a single size bed and the Livingroom has a comfortable fold out that makes an additional bed, if needed.

Seastar House
Seastar is a 2 bedroom 2 bath holiday home with shared dock water access. It has a comfortable living room with a tv. Dining room with seating for 6. Fully appointed kitchen and a beautiful wrap around deck with outdoor seating.

WatersEdge Lodge
Waters Edge lodge shared accommodation next to beautiful Neiafu Harbour caters for the entire tour group with multiple living spaces. The lodge accommodates 8 guest all with their own separate rooms.

Accommodation in Haapai

Matafonua Resort

All our Haapai departures/tours are based out of Matafonua Lodge. The Lodge is on one of the South Pacific’s most beautiful beaches on the northern tip of Foa Island. It is 12 km to the airport and 14 km to Pangai, the capital of the Ha’apai island group, which are both located on Lifuka Island. Foa & Lifuka are linked by a causeway.


 


Tours include a stay in a shared accommodation. If you wish to extend your stay or arrive early and depart later, we can organise accommodation. Any dates outside the tour package will be charged accordingly.

Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583

Tours include a stay in a shared accommodation. If you wish to extend your stay or arrive early and depart later, we can organise accommodation. Any dates outside the tour package will be charged accordingly.
Note: Prices are depending on exchange rates.

Dates & Rates

Please for further details on current schedules, rates and special offers.

Extensions

Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583