The Kingdom of Tonga is a hidden gem in the South Pacific. A lush group of islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. From July to October, humpback whales visit the calm, protective waters of the Vava’u archipelago to mate and give birth. This natural migration allows us to observe the whales in their natural home.
Snorkeling with Humpback Whales in Tonga
Our land-based expedition offers you the unique opportunity to go snorkeling with humpback whales. Expert guides will take you out for daily snorkeling trips to have the most incredible whale encounters. Humpback whales are curious creatures, and even though they are the giants of our oceans, underwater encounters are usually very gentle. While snorkeling with the whales, you will witness the bond between mother and calf and their unique behaviour. The curious calves explore their environment and seek out interactions with the new world they have entered.
Responsible Whale Expeditions
Tonga is one of only a few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales. Whale swimming is a carefully regulated activity with specific rules in place to protect the animals and ensure a safe and respectful experience. Only 4 people and a guide can be in the water with the whales at any one time. We believe it’s a privilege to swim with whales and practice a soft approach to interactions with these amazing mammals. The encounters can last 1 minute or 1 hour, depending on how comfortable the whales are, but expect to get up close and personal with them at some stage on your trip.
Expert Tour Guides
A team of award-winning photographers and professional marine biologists will be the tour leaders during your whale snorkeling expedition. They will share their experiences and knowledge about the humpback whale, and take you to the best secret spots around the islands. The time we spend snorkeling depends on the whales, weather and location. There are endless snorkeling spots to try and we attempt to stay out on the water for approximately 7 hours per day.
Swimming with Humpback whales in Tonga
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water
- 7 nights shared accommodation
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (onboard) and Dinner
- Photography/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u
- International and domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar and telecommunication charges
- Insurances
- Gratuities
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Map
Downloadthe brochure for this expedition
Map
Downloadthe brochure for this expedition
Programme
These land-based expeditions include 7 nights in premium (shared) accommodation on the island Vava’u, during which you will have 5 days in the water. Groups consist of only 6 people in order to maximise your time in the water with the whales. On snorkeling days, we usually embark around 7:30am for a full day of swimming with humpback whales and exploring the coral gardens, impressive caves and abundant marine life that Tonga has to offer.
This itinerary is an example, and things change often when you are on an Island in Tonga. The locals are on what we call ‘Tonga Time’, so don’t be disappointed if the skipper is late, or your meals are not served on time, just relax and enjoy this tropical paradise.
Day 1 | Arrival to Vava'u, Tonga
Once you arrive to the island of Vava’u, the driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you to your accommodation. Your guides will meet you for dinner and organise a briefing about the upcoming tour.
DAY 2 - 4 | Swimming with Whales & Snorkeling
Around 7.30am you will be picked up from your resort for a full day of swimming with humpback whales. We use a small boat with easy access into the water. The Vava’u islands provide an ideal nursing ground for the humpback whales. We’re likely to encounter mothers with their calves, and the boisterous males are never far away. You might even be lucky enough to see a large groups of males on a heat run. We go snorkeling with those whales we think will be approachable and interactive. Lunch depends on the whales and afterwards we try to stop in a number of snorkeling spots each day. Around 4pm, you will return to your accommodation.
DAY 5 | Leisure day
Sundays are a time for rest in Tonga and most places are closed except for some cafes and restaurants. It’s a good moment to relax, go for a stroll or take a nap on the beach.
DAY 6 - 7 | Swimming with Whales & Snorkeling
More whale swimming today, and a chance to experience some of the varieties of whale behaviour found in Tonga. You might encounter curious humpback calves, or the eery beauty of a singing male. In the afternoon, we might visit the legendary Swallow’s cave, or Mariners cave for some more exceptional snorkeling.
You will get to visit some of the most pristine snorkeling spots around Tonga, including untouched coral reefs, lagoons and caves. But if you haven’t had enough after your days on the water, there are lots of other activities to enjoy. Spend a few more days exploring the islands, snorkeling, diving, quad bike riding or just relaxing on a beach. There is plenty to do on land and in the water!
DAY 8 | Departure
Checkout is at 10am. The driver will be waiting for you at your accommodation to take you to the airport.
Flights are not always reliable and it’s best to give yourself a buffer day before and after your trip. When flying interisland, flight times may be changed without notification, so make sure to check regularly with the airline.
Impression
Dates & Rates
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water
- 7 nights shared accommodation
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (onboard) and Dinner
- Photography/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u
- International and domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar and telecommunication charges
- Insurances
- Gratuities
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Other dates
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water
- 7 nights shared accommodation
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (onboard) and Dinner
- Photography/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u
- International and domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar and telecommunication charges
- Insurances
- Gratuities
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water
- 7 nights shared accommodation
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (onboard) and Dinner
- Photography/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u
- International and domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar and telecommunication charges
- Insurances
- Gratuities
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water
- 7 nights shared accommodation
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (onboard) and Dinner
- Photography/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u
- International and domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar and telecommunication charges
- Insurances
- Gratuities
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!FAQ
We suggest bringing your own mask, snorkel and fins as it’s easier to use the gear you are familiar with. Below is a basic packing list of items to bring with you:
- Sunblock 30+ (ideally reef-friendly)
- Sun glasses
- Wetsuit – mainly for buoyancy as the water temperature is about 25°C. We recommend a 3mm wetsuit.
- Mask, fins, snorkel
- Camera or action cam
- Swim suit / bikini
- Sun hat / cap
- Beach Towel (mainly for the boat)
- Spray jacket/Windproof jacket
- Summer attire (shorts, T-Shirts, sandals, etc.)
- Bug spray
- Basic medical supplies
You’ll be out on the water for approximately 7 hours per day. However, the time depends on the whales, weather and location. There are numerous snorkeling spots that we will try and stop at each day during lunch.
Please note, by law 7 hours is the maximum time on the water whale watching.
Swimming with the humpbacks is limited by regulations to snorkeling. The whales often stay close to the shallows or on the surface of the water, so there is no need to dive. If you would like to scuba dive in other locations around the islands, this can be arranged with the local dive operator.
Tonga is tropical so it’s usually quite hot during the day, although there can be wind or sometimes rain. Average temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C (July – October). Temperature varies at night, it can be quite humid, but generally it’s cool in the evenings, around 20°C. The sea in Tonga is warm all year round, usually between 24°C and 27°C.
It rains mainly in the night, but rain does not stop us from going out. We are on the water all the time, no matter what conditions, and weather is rarely a problem.