Seven Nights · Five days on the water · Small Groups · Wild Humpback Whale Expeditions
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.
Our small-group expeditions give you the time and expertise to experience Tonga’s humpback whales in the beautiful archipelago of Vava’u.
Curated by award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli, drawing on more than 25 years of experience with humpback whales in Tonga.
25 years of experience in Tonga's waters. Decades spent observing, photographing and understanding humpback whales, shaping every expedition we offer today.
Respectful whale encounters are at the heart of every expedition, with a commitment to marine conservation, responsible tourism and opportunities for guests to contribute to citizen science.
Every expedition includes a professional wildlife photographer and marine biologist, offering expert guidance and deeper insight into every whale encounter.
EXPERIENCE HUMPBACK WHALES IN THE WILD
Meet the giants
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 full days, we head out among the islands and channels of Vava’u, following the conditions and seeing where each day takes us.
7 nights. 5 days on the water
Your week in Vava’u is built around time with the whales.
Five days on the water and seven nights of waterfront accommodation with a small group 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. A archipelago of islands to discover.
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: JULY TO OCTOBER
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 island 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.
Discover the full Swimming with Gentle Giants experience
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