Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling in Ha'apai

In Tonga’s enchanting Ha’apai Islands, we paddle sea kayaks, snorkel amid an abundance of dazzling tropical fish, and delight in encounters with the humpback whales who migrate here annually to court, mate, and bear their young. This is one of the few places in the world where you can swim right alongside these majestic creatures, and our heart-pounding experiences may include witnessing mother-calf interactions. Along the way, we meet the Ha’apai islanders, the friendliest in the Tongan kingdom, who welcome us with time-honored hospitality and Polynesian ‘umu feasts. Swimming with whales, fabulous snorkeling, sea kayaking in crystalline waters, overnights in traditional beach lodges set on white-sand beaches—this is adventure in the South Seas!

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-5
Auckland, New Zealand / Foa Island, Tonga / Whale Watching and Swimming

Meeting in Auckland, we fly to the remote Ha’apai Islands, a group of low, coral islands with vibrant reefs and miles of deserted picture-perfect beaches. From our comfortable lodge on a private beach, we set out by sailing catamaran in search of humpback whales, a chance for up-close observations of these marvelous cetaceans breaching and spy hopping. Then, with snorkel, mask, and fins, we swim alongside them!

Days 6-12
Uoleva Island / Snorkeling / Kayaking / Whale Watching

Traveling as the ancient Polynesians did, we paddle our kayaks to Uoleva Island, where our base is a tranquil hideaway on a white-sand beach. Uoleva’s amazing geography of caves, canyons, vertical walls, and colorful coral gardens makes for incredible snorkeling, with plenty of reef fish, including Moorish idol, butterfly fish, wrasse, and clown fish, as well as stingrays and sea turtles. While here we enjoy more whale watching and swimming encounters, and attend a local church service to hear the harmonious sound of Tongan choir singing—a memorable experience! Throughout our journey, we experience warm Tongan hospitality as well as traditional ’umu feasts with our island hosts. Depart on Day 12 via Tongatapu.

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3, Moderate. Because one of the primary enjoyments of the trip is snorkeling and swimming with whales, we require that trip members know how to swim. Please bring your own good quality, well-fitted equipment with you, including wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. Try out your gear in a swimming pool before you go to make sure that it works for you and is comfortable. We will have a “refresher” snorkel in calm waters at the beginning of the trip. There is ample time for both scheduled snorkels and free snorkeling, and for the most part the water time is “at your own pace.”

The trip is relaxed enough to allow ample time for snorkeling, photography, kayaking, and beachcombing. Our kayaks are stable, seaworthy crafts well suited to novices and the ocean environment. No previous kayaking experience is required. All trip members should be comfortable in small boats.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended and you should be in good health and physical condition to get the most enjoyment from your trip. The Ha’apai islands are separated by reefs or open water, but they are not great paddling distances apart. In general, we choose routes that are largely protected from high winds and strong currents. We also adapt our daily schedule to local conditions. We generally paddle two to four hours on kayaking days, with daily snorkeling and island exploration.

Accommodations           
Our nights are spent at simple yet well located Tonga-style beach resorts in fales (bungalows) that lend an authentic, laid-back experience of this island paradise. We spend seven nights at Sandy Beach Resort, within walking distance of the nearest village. The 12 bungalows feature comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, and private verandas with chairs and table. Three nights are at Serenity Beaches Resort, with five private bungalows spread out on the beach. Since Uoleva is an isolated island with no electricity, the fales are lit by solar lamps, candles, and battery lamps. (There is a generator for refrigeration and charging cameras.) All resorts are staffed by friendly people and you’ll soon feel like an extended member of the family. We spend one night at a hotel in Auckland at the start of our journey.

Explanation of Trip Levels