About This Trip
Trip Highlights
- Spend 5 days snorkeling alongside humpback whale mother-calf pairs in Vava’u, Tonga.
- Spend 3 days exploring Fiji's Rainbow Reef, 4,000 square kilometers of vibrant coral gardens known as the "soft coral capital of the world."
- Explore the rich cultures of both Tonga and Fiji through traditional meals, performances, and more.
Explore two of the best ocean destinations in the South Pacific on this one-of-a-kind itinerary. This two-week snorkeling odyssey will have you swimming with humpback whale mother and calf pairs in the blue waters of Tonga and then plying the vibrant, shallow water coral reefs of Fiji’s Rainbow Reef. You will have ample opportunity in both countries to also explore the rich cultural heritage that each country has to offer, and your participation will directly benefit our conservation partners in both Tonga and Fiji.
Our trip begins in Tonga, where we'll have 5 days dedicated to watching and swimming with the humpback whales that arrive here seasonally to reproduce.
During our stay in Fiji you will explore the first day in the nation's capital, Nadi, before traveling to Sau Bay, adjacent to the world renowned Rainbow Reef. to start your reef snorkeling adventure. Flights between the destinations (and the U.S.) are easily arranged on Fiji Airways.
Read our naturalists' reports for more details about the types of activities we may enjoy in Tonga & Fiji!
Notes on Trips Costs and Expectations
Trip price does not include international or domestic airfare. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Note: Good swimming skills are required for the Tonga portion of this expedition.
Conservation Impact
Established in 1969, Oceanic Society stands as the oldest nonprofit organization in America committed to ocean conservation. We are trailblazers in the realm of "eco travel," crafting expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. Moreover, with every booking made, we take pride in sponsoring the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic waste from the ocean. Dive deeper into our innovative travel approach here.
Dates & Prices
Sep 25 - Oct 8, 2025
Book this TripItinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vava'u
Fly to Vava'u, Tonga (crossing the International Date Line), transfer to hotel.
Days 2–7: Whale Watching and Snorkeling
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.
Days 8-9: Vava'u, Tonga - Nadi, Fiji - Taveuni - Sau Bay
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.
Days 10–12: Snorkeling Fiji's Rainbow Reef
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.
Day 13: Taveuni - Nadi - Fly home
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.
Accommodations
In Tonga, participants will stay in double-occupancy rooms at the highly-rated, beachfront Tongan Beach Resort. This small resort, known for its great staff, features 12 guest rooms and 180 meters of beachfront. All rooms are only steps away from the water’s edge and are fitted with electric ceiling fans with open entrances allowing for a natural sea breeze if desired. Each room has its own covered decked balcony with table and chairs to relax on. Daily excursions will be made by private boat or vehicle.
Tonga Beach Resort © Doug Perrine
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
Extensions to Beqa, Fiji are available, please contact our travel team for more information.
