Tonga and Fiji: Whale and Reef Snorkeling Adventure

Fly to Vava’u, Tonga (crossing the International Date Line), transfer to hotel.

During our time in Tonga, we will spend 5 days whale watching and reef snorkeling on boat- and shore-based outings, and one day (Sunday) relaxing on Tonga’s idyllic shores. On the days of our whale outings, we will typically we will head out at 9:00 am and return around 3:00 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 frigatebirds, and herons.

Sunday will be a day of leisure. By law, Tonga doesn’t allow any activities to take place on Sundays. We 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.

Read our 2018 naturalist’s report for more details about the types of activities we may enjoy in Tonga.

Today we will say goodbye to Tonga and board a short flight to Nadi, Fiji. Depending on the flight schedule, we will either spend the day exploring the country’s capital, Nadi, or continue our journey by flying to Taveuni (Matei) and taking a short boat transfer to Sau Bay Resort, adjacent to Rainbow Reef.

Note: Although this domestic flight is not included in the trip cost, it can be easily arranged on Fiji Airways, and we will assist you in making your flight arrangements.

Staying at the beautiful Sau Bay Resort, we will have 3 full days to snorkel in the beautiful reefs around Sau Bay and nearby Rainbow Reef. Just a short boat ride from the resort, in the tranquil, crystal clear water, is an incredible diversity of marine life, chock-full of soft corals, sea fans, garden eels, rays, reef sharks, and many fish species. 

Each day, after breakfast, we will head out on the water to go to multiple snorkeling sites, returning back to the resort in the early afternoon, with time to relax under the palm trees or snorkel the house reef. Following dinner, your naturalist may give a presentation about coral reef ecosystems and the global issues that impact them. There will also be opportunities to enjoy Meke, a traditional Fijian song and dance, while we drink kava out of coconut cups.

See our naturalist’s 2018 Fiji snorkeling expedition report for more details about the types of activities we may enjoy in Fiji.

After breakfast, we will fly back to Nadi. Should you wish, and if your departure schedule allows, you may elect to hire a driver to explore Nadi, before your evening flight back home.