Swim with Humpback Whales
in the Kingdom of Tonga
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 50 beautiful islands of Vava'u form a sheltered 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.
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We offer personally-escorted, small group/8 guests ‘snorkelling with whales’ eco-tours you will never, ever forget!​​
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Our tours include 7 or 9 nights at a beautiful, beach-front boutique-style resort, with friendly and welcoming hosts, a pool, delicious food, snorkelling on reefs and in caves, beach combing on deserted island and definitely lots of fun!
We also include airport transfers in Vava’u.
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LAST MINUTE SPECIAL!!!
AUD$800 OFF THE LAST SPACES ON OUR LAST 2024 TOUR
JOIN US FOR THIS AMAZING SEASON WITH THE HUMPBACKS IN VAVA'U
SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFO!!
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Tour Dates & Costs Vava'u TONGA - 2024
7 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Choose your tour!
AUD$800 PP OFF THE LAST SPACES ON OUR LAST 2024 TOUR - BOOK NOW !!
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#T7024A 6-13 July 2024 - N/A
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#T7024B 13-20 July 2024 - completed - fab tour!
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#T7024C 20-27 July 2024 - completed - so good!
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#T7024D 30 July - 6 Aug - - completed - amazing swims!
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#T7024E 17-24 August 2024 - time is flying!
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#T7024F 24-31 August 2024 - fully booked
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#T7024G 14-21 September 2024 - fully booked
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#T7024H 21-28 September 2024 - happening now!
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#T7024I 1-8 October 2024 - 2 x spaces available
Choose your accomodation!
Tour prices are per person
Single Beach side with Ensuite:
AUD 7,400 - less $800 = AUD$6,600
Beach side Twin/Double with Ensuite:
AUD 6,100 - less $800 = AUD$5,300
Family Beach side with twin/double:
AUD 6,200 - less $800 = AUD$5,400
Family Triple:
AUD 5,800 less $800 = AUD$5,000
9 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Choose your tour!
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#T9024A 8-17 August 2024 - completed - so many swims!
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#T9024B 5-14 September 2024 - fully booked
Choose your accomodation!
Tour prices are per person
Single Beach side with Ensuite:
AUD 8,850 - less $900 = AUD$7,950
Beach side Twin/Double with Ensuite:
AUD 7,000 - less $900 = AUD$6,100
Family Beach side with twin/double:
AUD 7,150 - less $900 = AUD$6,250
Family Triple (3 persons):
AUD 6,550 - less $900 = AUD$5,650
What is included?
7 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Transfers : Return airport & boat transfers in Vava'u
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
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The other 2 evenings, you are free to experience Traditional Tongan food night or a restaurant 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)
9 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS ON THE WATER PACKAGE
Transfers : Return airport & boat transferts in Vava'u
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 6 evening meals
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The other 3 evenings, you are free to experience Traditional Tongan food night or a restaurant in town
7 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)
Our tours start with a welcome dinner on the evening of the first date of the tour, and conclude on the morning of the last date of the tour, with a final breakfast before flying home.
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
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Jan H, Sept 2019
« If you are considering a trip to Vavaú to swim with Humpback whales, then WhaleSwim Adventures is the company to book with. I've just spent seven amazing days doing just that and have no hesitation in recommending this company. Our boat captain, Noa, our guides, Annah and Michael, are second to none. We had many amazing whale encounters, visited beautiful bays and islands, all in great company. My time there far exceeded my expectations. We were so well looked after, ever aspect of the tour was exceptional. Thanks WhaleSwim, I hope to be back.
Returning in 2024!!»
Nicky, Aug 2023
« Whaleswim Tonga - experience of a lifetime!!
This was a trip that had been postponed since 2019/20 and was a long time in the making as a result of delays due to Covid and the eruption and Tsunami in Tonga. It was well worth the wait and was definitely a trip of a lifetime.
Shane and Helen at the Tongan Beach Resort made sure that our stay was as enjoyable as possible. Attending to issues such as towels, proper fitting fins etc. The packed lunches on the boat were excellent! Annah was very attentive and ensured that we knew what was happening each day even though she was feeling under the weather. Checking our confidence levels in the water so that she could gauge the types of encounters that we could manage. We had a lot of swims with the whales which included mothers with calves, heat runs, adolescents, solo whales. It was a magical experience being able to get that close to these amazing creatures. We were fortunate to encounter lots of whales every day of swimming... Thank you Annah, Helen, Sasha and Shane for a bucket list experience.»
Anne, Sept 2019
« A Whale of a Time!
What an amazing time I had with Whaleswim in Vava'u, Tonga. The Tongan Beach Resort was a delightfully uncluttered place to stay with wonderful staff. My whole experience swimming with the mighty humpbacks, as well as pilot whales & false killer whales, is almost beyond description.
Our interaction with these awesome creatures every day was truly beautiful.
How can I describe my feelings when I heard & saw my first singing humpback on the first day out except to say it is beyond any words I could say. Annah Evington, our leader & guide, is absolutely beautiful & so wise.. Her love of & passion for the humpbacks is exceptional. She made my whole experience so enriched because of who she is... I cannot recommend Whaleswim, Tonga enough»
What you will experience in the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga
Tonga, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, is not just a paradise for whale watching but also offers a plethora of other mesmerizing experiences. During the whale season, 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 island is 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.
© All photos from Annah Evington
Want more of tour information?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions here!
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.
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