About This Trip
- A once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with humpback whales and snorkel coral gardens off the coast of Vava'u, Tonga.
- Observe unique whale behaviors from above and below the surface, including courting adults and playful calves.
- Tonga is the best place on Earth to swim with humpback whales, and our expert-led Tonga whale tours aim to maximize whale swimming encounters.
- Explore Tonga and experience authentic Polynesian culture.
- Enjoy 5 days dedicated to swimming with Tonga's humpback whales.
Our Tonga whale swimming tours were named one of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime"!
Don't miss -> Tonga whale trip report including photos, recordings of whale vocalizations, and more!
Tonga's tropical waters are the mating and calving grounds for endangered humpback whales who migrate here annually from their feeding grounds in Antarctica. From July through November, the cows remain in Tonga to allow their newborn calves to grow in strength and stamina in preparation for their journey to summer feeding grounds in the south. The whales' prolonged presence in Tonga's calm, tropical waters creates a unique opportunity to observe and swim with humpback whales, and our expedition is designed around these experiences.
Off the beautiful coral formed island of Vava'u, we immerse ourselves in whale watching above and below the water's surface. From our comfortable beachfront accommodations we make daily excursions by private boat to snorkel with and observe the whales and other colorful marine life. On land, we will have a night out in Vava'u for dinner at a local restaurant, and a whale natural history presentation. Time will also allow for opportunities to learn about Tonga's unique culture, visit the local market, and to meet with local conservation groups, as well as enjoy a day of relaxation by the beach.
This is an unforgettable and intimate experience available in just a few places on Earth.
Wildlife Highlights – Tonga Whales
The focus of our trip will be to see and swim with humpback whale mother and calf pairs that reside here for several months each year. We will have the opportunity to observe many whale behaviors and may also hear the whales' beautiful songs. For more information about this experience, see Swimming with Whales in Tonga: Your Guide to Common Questions.
We'll also take time each day to snorkel Tonga's beautiful and relatively untouched coral reefs that surround Vava'u, where we'll see a colorful array of invertebrates, fish, and corals.
Note: Good swimming ability in open ocean waters and some strength is required in order to participate in this expedition. If you are lacking in these areas, sea conditions could impact your total time in the water; the guides and captain will make these determinations for your safety.
Notes on Trip Costs
There is a single supplement fee of $1,350. Trip prices do not include international airfare. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions. We highly recommend Travel Insurance to protect your investment.
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
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tonga
Fly to Vava'u, Tonga (crossing the International Date Line), transfer to hotel. Most common route is from LAX- Nadi (Fiji) - Vava'u (Tonga)
Days 2–6: Whale Watching and Snorkeling
Full days spent whale watching, swimming with whales, and reef snorkeling. Typically we will head out at 9:00 am and return around 2:00 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 frigate birds, and herons.
For more information about what to expect on this trip, see Swimming with Whales in Tonga: Your Guide to Common Questions and our interview with naturalist Rosie Jeffrey about the experience of swimming with humpback whales in Tonga.
Sunday: Free Day
Sunday will be a day of leisure. By law, Tonga doesn't allow any activities to take place on Sundays. You 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.
Day 8:Whale Watching and Snorkeling
Enjoy another full day whale watching, swimming with whales, and reef snorkeling
Day 9: Fly Home
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Vava'u airport in time for your flight home.
Accommodations
Utungake Island (Vava'u), with Tongan Beach Resort in foreground. © Doug Perrine
Participants stay at the comfortable Tongan Beach Resort. © Doug Perrine
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
Pre or post trip extensions in Fiji to snorkel in Beqa or off-the-beaten-track culture experience in Nadi are available, please contact our travel team for more information.
