What an extraordinary week in the turquoise waters of Vava’u, Tonga! Our Oceanic Society group dove headfirst into an unforgettable adventure, swimming alongside majestic humpback whales, exploring vibrant coral reefs, and immersing ourselves in the warm spirit of Tongan culture.
Whale Sightings & Behaviors [September 2025]
As a naturalist, I carefully log every whale sighting and behavior, from cow-calf pairs to high-energy heat runs, not only to guide safe and responsible swimming experiences but also to contribute to ongoing research on humpback whale populations in Tonga. Each entry tracks individual whales and pods, how many are present, behaviors like breaching, tail slapping, or singing, and the presence of calves. These logs help us recognize recurring whales during the week, understand social dynamics, and ensure safe, ethical encounters for swimmers.
The numbered labels on the map correspond to each daily outing and encounter (for example, 13a correlates with our first encounter on September 13), which makes it easy to reference when and where each sighting occurred throughout the expedition.
Whale sightings from our September 2025 Tonga expedition, mapped by our naturalists to show where individual whales and pods were encountered throughout the trip.
Here’s a glimpse into the daily adventures and whale sightings on our 9-day expedition.
Day 1: Arriving in Tonga [September 12]
Touchdown in Vava’u! After flights and transfers, we settled into Tongan Beach Resort, greeted by the island’s warm breeze and turquoise waters. Dinner was our first chance to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and anticipate the adventures ahead. The evening ended early for much-needed rest before the busy day to follow. Whales await!
Day 2: First Swims and Whale Magic [September 13]
We awoke the next morning to a breakfast briefing on Vava’u’s geology and humpback behavior before wasting no time hitting the water. Our first sighting? A tender cow-calf pair near Swallow Cave and Longomapu Island. Crystal-clear, shallow seas made for magical swims. Here we spent over an hour gliding alongside them.
The day peaked with a cow-calf-escort trio, featuring an impressively large calf that stole our hearts.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion & Tongan Sabbath [September 14]
Embracing Tonga’s Sabbath traditions, on this Sunday, we joined a vibrant church service alive with song and heartfelt community energy. After service, we visited Tiulipe and her husband, Alex, for afternoon drinks and a glimpse into island life. Reef snorkeling in the late afternoon and a sunset dinner at the resort rounded out a day of reflection and connection.
Day 4: Resting Whales & Reefs [September 15]
Calm seas led us to Vaitukakou Bay, where two resting adults, including a striking white female, oscillated between quiet, peaceful moments and sudden breaches and tail slaps. After some great swims, we headed over for a snorkel at Bird Rock and enjoyed lunch. From there, more incredible encounters were had with a nearby cow-calf pair hanging out at the surface.
We returned to the Tongan resort, had a quick rinse, and went into town to check out Coffee & Tees, a handicraft market, and order custom group t-shirts.
Day 5: Energetic Pods & Cave Wonders [September 16]
Today was action-packed! We began our day heading south and found an energetic group: a cow, calf, and two escorts displaying pec slaps and tail lobs. After some challenging swims, both mother and calf breached impressively, and we decided to tuck into Mushroom Rock Cove for lunch.
A humpback whale leaps from the water in a spectacular breach, thrilling travelers during our September 2025 Tonga expedition
Day 6: Songs of the Sea and Sunset Feasts [September 17]
The morning started quietly offshore but built to a lively afternoon. Near Hunga, we found a powerful singer whose deep song carried underwater. Our bodies shook with the resonance of the song, and all around us, dolphins played nearby. Multiple short heat runs followed, with whale tail-slapping, chasing, and surfacing close to the boat.
After one last swim, we finished our whale activities for the day, cleaned up, and drove into town again. After picking up our custom T-shirt orders and having a drink at Basque Tavern, we went over to Bella Vista restaurant and enjoyed a lovely meal and a stunning sunset.
Day 7: Colorful Reefs and Harmonious Evenings [September 18]
After a slow start whale-wise, we enjoyed a colorful snorkel at Middle Fingers coral garden, surrounded by reef fish and seabirds.
Later, we tracked a fast-moving cow–calf–female escort trio and ended the day alongside two calm, resting whales.
That evening, the Vava’u Community Library’s talented musical family, five sisters and their brother, performed a beautiful mix of Western and Tongan songs during dinner, filling the resort with laughter and harmony.
Day 8: Thrilling Finale on the Water [September 19]
Our final day on the water started with a thrill: an active five whale heat-run off Hunga! After lunch in Vaitukakou Bay, we took a final swim through Coral Garden and eventually spent time with a playful cow–calf pair.
To wrap up our whale swims, we found two peaceful whales where we’d been the day before — a fitting way to end our week at sea.
Before our last dinner, I gave a wrap-up presentation with the map of our whale encounters and some of the best photos and videos from the week. Documenting each sighting, including pod composition, behavior, and location, helps us contribute to conservation research and ensures safe, ethical swimming experiences.
Day 9: Farewell to Paradise [September 20]
Departure morning came too soon, as it always does. The Tongan Beach Resort staff sent us off with a heartfelt farewell song that captured the warmth and spirit of the islands.
As a group of travelers now deeply bonded, we took to the skies for Nadi, some continuing on to Vanuatu, Fiji, Canada, and the U.S., each carrying memories that will last a lifetime. Bittersweet goodbyes marked the end of an extraordinary adventure.
For those who want to explore the data in depth, you can also view our full Whale Sightings Log, which lists every sighting from the week along with pod composition, behaviors, and locations.
Reflections from Swimming with Humpback Whales in Vava’u, Tonga
Our week in Tonga was more than an expedition; it was a celebration of exploration, learning, and conservation. Each encounter, song, and splash shared with the whales became a story we carry with us. From quiet moments beside resting cow-calf pairs to the thrill of heat runs, these waters and their extraordinary inhabitants left an enduring imprint on our hearts.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to protecting the oceans we love so deeply. We hope you’ll join us on the next adventure to continue experiencing and safeguarding these incredible creatures.
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