Swimming with Gentle Giants
Check out all our tour dates here
THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
- SNORKELING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES IN CLEAR WARM WATER
- SMALL GROUP TOURS – MAXIMUM OF 6 PEOPLE ON ANY TOUR
- OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN TONGA
- LICENSED GUIDES THAT UNDERSTAND WHALE BEHAVIOUR
- INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND MARINE BIOLOGISTS LEADING TRIPS
- DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE/MARINE LIFE
As the humpbacks arrive in large numbers to breed and give birth, you will bear witness to one of nature’s great events. The crystal clear waters of Vava’u are the perfect place for nurturing mothers teaching their calves how to be whales – the curious calves explore their environment and seek out interactions with the new world they have entered. This tour, with small groups and extremely experienced and friendly crew, gives you the best chance to interact with lively calves and nurturing mothers lazing their days away in the crystal clear water around the Islands.
We embark at 7:00am every day from your resort for a full day of humpback whale swimming, stopping only for lunch and to admire this marine sanctuary and snorkel pristine coral reefs. You will encounter boisterous males, nurturing females and energetic calves, and may be lucky enough to join large groups of pursuant males on a heat run, or experience the eerie beauty of a singing male.
These gentle giants of the sea give birth in the tropical waters of Vava’u and Ha’apai to ensure the safety of their new born calves. You will be witness to the bond between mother and calf and the unique behaviour that can only be experience by observing these amazing creatures in their natural environment. Award-winning photographer Scott Portelli will share what he has learnt in his 25 years of experience photographing these amazing animals, and the best secret spots to visit. Your day is filled with excitement and admiration only stopping to explore the coral gardens, impressive caves and abundant marine life that inhabits Tonga.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival (Flight)
Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you to your accommodation (Check-in 1pm). In the evening your guides will meet you for dinner and give you a briefing about the upcoming tour and what to expect during your time in Tonga.
Day 2 -4 Swim with whales
Pickup from your accommodation for a day of whale watching & snorkeling.
Day 5 – Day of rest (Sunday)
Sundays are a day of rest in Tonga, so it’s a great time catch up on a good book or just relax on a beach.
Day 6 – 7 Swim with whales
Pickup from your accommodation for a day of whale watching & snorkeling.
Day 8 Departure (Flight)
Our driver will be waiting for you at your accommodation to take you to the airport (Checkout 10am). As flight schedules can change, we recommend confirming your flights the day before you leave.
Here’s what previous guests have thought about the tour:
“Vava’u is a special place, a magical place and we have Scott Portelli to thank for sharing this part of his life with us, as well as the incredible people of Tonga for making us feel so welcome.
Extraordinary and indescribable are two words that come to mind when attempting to retell the experience of swimming with humpback whales. The pristine blue and turquoise waters allows you to greet these enormous, yet curious mammals and literally meet them eye to eye.
To swim alongside these gentle giants is a humbling experience and it’s the skill and experience that Scott and his crew bring that makes all of it possible. The knowledge that Scott shares and his passion for everything to do with the oceans is infectious. His humble dedication and commitment to environmental sustainability and protection is admirable.
If you’re one of the few who get to experience this magical place with Scott and his team, consider yourself really really lucky. We can’t wait to do it all over again.” – Louise Tran
Read more of our testimonials
Dates & Rates
Tour Cost from USD $6,990
Inclusions
- Boat, crew and guide
- Accommodation (Shared premium lodge/house on the water)
- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & snacks while onboard, Dinners)
- Photography/Marine/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u.
- Maximum of 6 people to maximize your time in the water with the whales.
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Excess baggage charges on flight
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar, beverages and telecommunication charges
- Gratuities
More details about the trips, availability, accommodation and advice at the Swimming with Gentle Giants website.
To register your interest to join us in Tonga for this once in a lifetime experience, click here.
What’s it really like to swim with whales?
Read about it in our trip report here