Swim with Humpback Whales
in Vava'u in the Kingdom of Tonga in 2027
2027 tours now online
and booking fast!!!
Vava'u
The Vava'u archipelago in northern Tonga is perhaps the most famous place in the world for swimming with humpback whales— and for good reason. The islands form a natural nursery for migrating humpback whales between July and late October allowing them to raise their calves in safety.
We have been operating our swim with whales tours in Vava’u, Tonga since 1999 and our dedicated and passionate Tour Leader & crew are experts. We know how to take care of every detail of your time with us.
We offer personally-escorted, small group/8 guests ‘snorkelling with whales’ eco-tours you will never, ever forget!
Tonga has whale-swimming legislation in place to protect the whales and promote quality encounters.
All whale-watching boats in Tonga must be licensed and skippers must be trained and certified to take people swimming with whales. The legislation limits the number of swimmers in the water during an encounter to just 4 people plus a certified whale-swim guide, and only one boat can have swimmers in the water with those whales. Diving down with the whales is not allowed in Tonga and our encounters are much better with this regulation in place, as the whales are more likely to relax with us. With a maximum of 8 guests on board our tours, this means that you will be in the water every second encounter at a minimum. We are generally in the water multiple times during our whale-watching day and this rotation allows you to enjoy the often up close time with the whales from the boat and in the water - breaching and other surface activity is often best seen boat-side!
Vava'u was one of the first places in the world to offer the opportunity to swim with whales and the years of experience and observation of humpback whale behaviours here have created a wealth of knowledge about these wonderful marine mammals. We are proud to support the Tongan Whale Watching Legislation and deeply appreciate the work that has been put into developing these rules. We have been running WhaleSwim tours in Vava'u for 25 years and it is an affair of the heart for us. We are so grateful to be working with our wonderful teams here, and to be able take people to meet the magnificent humpback whales out among these beautiful islands.
Our tours include 5 or 7 nights at a beautiful, beach-front boutique-style resort, with friendly and welcoming hosts, a pool, most meals (delicious food!), snorkelling on reefs and in gorgeous marine caves, beach combing on deserted island and of course, swimming with whales! We also include airport transfers in Vava’u.
Consider adding a few extra days to your time in Vava'u and exploring the island, if you're a scuba diver the resort has a dive centre and there's some great dive sites! Ask us about adding a day trip on the resort's beautiful charter yacht!
2027 Tour Dates & Prices Vava'u TONGA
7 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Choose your tour!
2027 tours
Maximum of 8 guests only per tour.
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T727B Mon 26 July - Mon 22 Aug - 4 x places available
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T727C Sat 7 August - Sat 14 August - 7 x places available
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T727D Sat 4 September - Sat 11 September - 3 x places available
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New in 2027 -ask about our 8 night tour with 6 days on the water! Sat 21 August to Mon 30 August!! 6 x places available Details posted soon! Email annah@whaleswim.com.
Choose your accomodation!
Tour prices are per person
Single person - Beachfront studio with Ensuite:
AUD$ 7,795
Twin/Double sharing - Beachfront studio with Ensuite: AUD$ 6,495
Twin/Double sharing - Deluxe Beachfront studio with Ensuite: AUD$ 6,650 (on request)
3 people sharing - Deluxe Beachfront studio with Ensuite: was AUD $ 5,950
Double sharing - Premium Waterfront: AUD$ 6,895 (on request)
5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Choose your tour!
2027 tours
Maximum of 8 guests only per tour.
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T527A Mon 2 August - Sat 7 August - 8 x places available
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T527B Mon 16 August - Sat 21 August - 7 x places available
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T527C Mon 30 August - Sat 4 September - 6 x places available
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T526D Mon 4 September - Sat 18 September - (tour full - pending)
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T527E Mon 27 September - Sat 2 October - 2 x places available
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T527F Mon 4 October - Sat 9 October (tour full pending)
Choose your accomodation!
Tour prices are per person
Single person - Beachfront studio with Ensuite:
AUD$ 6,150
Twin/Double sharing - Beachfront studio with Ensuite: AUD$5,250
Twin/Double sharing - Deluxe Beachfront studio with Ensuite: AUD$ 5,400 (on request)
3 people sharing - Deluxe Beachfront studio with Ensuite: was AUD $ 4,750
Double sharing - Premium Waterfront: AUD$ 6,195 (on request)
What is included?
7 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Transfers : Return airport & boat transfers in Vava'u
7 nights - Beachside Room at the Tongan Beach Resort with ensuite bathroom - a fabulous resort on the edge of the whale nursery
Full buffet breakfast at the hotel, delicious lunches on the boat each day, plus Sunday lunch, as well as 5 evening meals
The other evening, you are free to experience the great little restaurants in town.
5 full days on the water with the whales guided by certified/experienced/passionate Guides | education/research data collection
Discovering the beautiful Vava'u islands!
Your whale-watching days will include opportunities to snorkel and explore coral reefs | beautiful cathedral and swim through underwater caves | beach-comb on uninhabited islands.
Kayaks are available at the resort if you would like to do more exploring in your free time.
1 day leisure day (Sunday is a compulsory holiday in Tonga)
5 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Transfers : Return airport & boat transferts in Vava'u
5 nights - Beachside Room at the Tongan Beach Resort with ensuite bathroom - a fabulous resort on the edge of the whale nursery
Full buffet breakfast at the hotel, delicious lunches on the boat each day, plus Sunday lunch, as well as 4 evening meals.
The other evening, you are free to experience the great little restaurants in town.
5 full days on the water with the whales guided by certified/experienced/passionate Guides | education/research data collection
Discovering the beautiful Vava'u islands!
Your whale-watching days will include opportunities to snorkel and explore coral reefs | beautiful cathedral and swim through underwater caves | beach-comb on uninhabited islands.
Kayaks are available at the resort if you would like to do more exploring in your free time.
1 day leisure day (Sunday is a compulsory holiday in Tonga)
Tour places are going fast, book now!
Not included :
- All international flights to Vava'u, Tonga
- Travel Insurance
- Snorkelling gear
- Some evening dinners depending on your package
Louise & Craig, Sept 2026
Annah is worth her weight in gold, a world-class subject-matter expert.
We always felt very safe with a highly professional, experienced local boat crew. The organised catering was enjoyed with a pictures views on the water.
Our takeaway: Whale Swim Adventures encapsulates what a lifetime dedicated to conservation looks like, a true wildlife warrior.
The team gives you the reassurance that wipes away the trepidation of jumping into the cobalt-blue deep. It strips away vulnerability and immerses you in an otherworldly,world of giants that has to be experienced.
We highly recommended. If you want to swim with whales, make Annah and her team at Whale Swim Adventures in Vava'u your first choice.
Mareli V, Sept 2025
Can’t wait to do it again!!
We joined a 7-day tour (5 days on the water) with Annah and Whale Swim Adventures in Vava’u and it exceeded all our expectations!!
Despite not having the best weather overall, we still saw whales every day and had a wide variety of sightings: mothers and calf’s, male singer, small heat run with 5 whales etc. Some are quick, thrilling, high adrenaline encounters and others feel like you’re in a dream - so peaceful it feels like the world stops turning and the time stands still. We had one 8-minute continuous swim with a mother, calf and escort where they just allowed us to swim above them as they gracefully glided below (not swimming away)… it was like they welcomed us as part of their pod - amazing! Annah is an amazing guide - she has fantastic people skills and managed our group (consisting of a mix of younger, more confident swimmers and older, less mobile guests) really well. It was always great chatting to her about the whales and just life in general - you can tell she is a very wise woman with incredible respect for the ocean. Our skipper, Pila, and second local guide, Tonga, were also fantastic. The boat was comfortable (although you have to be aware this is an adventure after all so pack your sea legs!) and our stay at the Tongan Beach Resort was lovely. All in all we had an absolutely amazing trip and we can’t wait to get in the water with these magnificent whales again. Thanks Annah and the whole team for creating life-long memories - we hope to see you in Timor Leste (blue whales) or Norway (orca) in the future!
Houssam K, Sept 2025
Absolutely phenomenal experience!!! Highly highly recommend doing this with Annah and her team. Everything was perfect, and Annah is super friendly and accommodating. She has also been doing this over 20 years, and has a lot of knowledge and understanding of whale behavior. Tonga and Pila are also really impressive at spotting whales, which makes a big difference. We had an incredible week that has beaten my expectations, which were already high. We spotted whales every day of all our swimming days, and had a wide variety of encounters: heat runs, super playful calves, singers, mothers and calves (both stationary and moving up and down) … it was incredible and jaw dropping!!Also if you happen to need a visa Annah is super helpful (unlike other operators) - a few of us in the group needed one and were happy with the process.
Gemma H, Sept 2025
I recently travelled my with Whaleswim Adventures, and the experience was nothing short of epic! It far exceeded every expectation I had going in. The whale encounters themselves were absolutely breathtaking, being that close to these incredible creatures is something that will stay with me forever.
A huge part of what made the trip so special was Annah. With over 20 years of knowledge and experience, she guided us with such passion and expertise. Every moment reflected her deep connection to these whales, and thanks to her, we had the most meaningful, safe, and unforgettable encounters.
If you’re even considering a whale swim adventure, I cannot recommend Whaleswim Adventures highly enough. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Paul K, Aug 2024
My fiancé and I had the most wonderful time with Whale Swim Adventures in Tonga – truly a once in a lifetime experience... that we must do again.Annah and her team were incredible guides with such deep love and respect for the whales and the ocean. They kept all of us safe while creating the most unforgettable encounters – from hearing whale song underwater to swimming with mothers and calves and watching whales breach from in the water.Every moment was magic. It is hard to put into words just how special this outdoor adventure was. Five star recommendation!!!
Pam L, Aug 2025
The Whale Swim Adventure was well run with excellent crew, our Guide Annah was exceptional. We saw and swimming with whales each of our 5 days tour. Mom and calf, escort whale, heat run, lots of sightings on the water, we even heard singing whales. We had good instructions of how important it was to respect, keeping our safe distance. Annah knows our abilities and making sure the conditions were safe for me to join in, since I’m not a strong swimmer. It was a surreal and unbelievable experience.
I’m most grateful for Annah’s assistance and attentiveness to my safety.
Tonga Beach Resort is s very peaceful place with wonderful staffs and the food was delicious with 5 stars ratings.
What a super experience.
Jillian B, July 2024
This had been a bucket list item for a long time. Finally did it, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. What an amazing experience! Swimming with these beautiful whales was extraordinary, going out on the boat everyday was exciting and fun, with a wonderful crew and guide. Staying at the Tongan Beach Resort was lovely and relaxing, my room was right on the beach, and was very comfortable. The food at the resort was delicious, and so fresh. All the staff were so friendly and helpful with any requests, I’d certainly stay there again.I went on my own and everything was made so easy and welcoming for a solo traveler. Just do it!
Abby M, Aug 2024
Had 5 days out on the water at Vava’u island with Annah at WhaleSwim Adventures, we saw whales every day. Such an amazing experience. There was laughter, a few tears, pictures and stories to keep. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew, or days out. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone! Good for the soul, going back home with my bucket well and truly full. Had the most beautiful stay at Tongan Beach Resort, staff were wonderful, right on the waterfront and everything you need is right at your doorstep.
Couldn’t fault it.
Mālō, you’re a special one.
What you will experience in the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga
Vava'u, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, is not just a paradise for whale watching but also offers a plethora of other mesmerising experiences. During the whale season, Vava'u and Tonga boasts one of the highest populations of humpback whales in the world, offering you a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Moreover, the islands are teeming with diverse marine life, inviting you to swim amongst colorful coral reefs and explore stunning underwater caves.
Yet, beyond its natural wonders, Tonga captivates visitors with its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The genuine kindness of the Tongan people and their vibrant culture create an unforgettable atmosphere of friendliness and hospitality.
We hold a deep affection for this remarkable island and its people, and we are thrilled to share its wonders with you during your visit. From encountering majestic whales to immersing yourself in the vibrant marine life and exploring the island's scenic beauty, your time in Tonga promises to be nothing short of magical.
Want more of tour information?
You have questions, and we've got the answers! We've compiled them right here so you can have all the information at your fingertips!
Where will you stay?
You will stay in the fabulous Tongan Beach Resort.
Tongan Beach Resort spans 180 meters of beachfront with all 18 guest rooms enjoying views of the golden sand beach and crystal clear turquoise waters of the Port of Refuge Harbour and on some days the humpbacks are seen frolicking in the beautiful clear waters in front of the resort. Our boat picks you up at the jetty each morning and heads out into the whale nursery.
All rooms have top quality beds and 100% cotton bedding and towels and are only meters away from the water’s edge. The rooms have air-conditioning 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 and watch the sun set.
