EXPERIENCE AN EXTRAORDINARY WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER IN VAVA’U
Swim with humpback whales in Tonga
25 Years with the humpback whales in Tonga
Every year, humpback whales return to Tonga to mate, give birth and raise their calves. For 25 years, we’ve returned too, spending more than 1,000 days on the water and learning that no two encounters are ever the same.
We’ve spent more than 1,000 days on these waters, learning where to look, how whales behave and, most importantly, when to let them come to us.
Our small-group expeditions give you the time and expertise to experience Tonga’s humpback whales where they belong: in the wild.
Meet the gentle giants
EXPERIENCE
A mother rests below. Her calf rises to breathe. A curious juvenile turns towards you. These are wild whales, encountered on their terms, in their world. For five days, we head out among the islands and channels of Vava’u, following the conditions and seeing where each day takes us.
Seven nights. Five days on the water
Your week in Vava’u is built around time with the whales.
Five days on the water. Seven nights of waterfront accommodation. Small groups and an experienced team alongside you throughout the journey.
Beyond the whales, there are coral reefs and caves to explore, photography guidance, marine biology and time to settle into the slower rhythm of island life.
SMALL GROUPS
A more personal experience, above and below the surface
EXPERT GUIDANCE
Marine biology, wildlife photography and expedition expertise.
25 YEARS IN TONGA
Experience built over thousands of encounters in Vava’u.
MEANINGFUL TIME
Expeditions designed around time on the water, not rushing between experiences.
THE WHALE SEASON
Every year, they return to Tonga
From July to October, humpback whales gather in the waters around Vava’u.
Each stage of the season brings something different, from the arrival of the whales to mothers with young calves and the changing behaviour of the breeding season.
Find the week that works for you.
ACCOMMODATION
Your home in Vava’u
After a day on the water, return to the harbour and settle into island life.
Your expedition includes seven nights of waterfront accommodation, giving you somewhere to slow down, look through the day’s photographs, share meals, explore the island and watch the sun disappear over Vava’u.
CONSERVATION
More than a moment
The more time you spend with humpback whales, the more there is to understand.
Our time in Tonga contributes to the identification and observation of the whales that return to these waters, including work through the Tongan Fluke Collective.
It means an encounter can become something more: a contribution to what we know about these animals and their journeys.
