From Beach Bungalows in the Ha’apai Islands
Tonga: Swimming with Humpback Whales
Overview
Humpback whales migrate 3,000 miles each year from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the remote Kingdom of Tonga to court, mate, and give birth in the warm waters. To swim and snorkel close to these majestic creatures, to see their spy-hopping, breaching, and mother-calf interactions, is one of the great thrills of the natural world. We’ll be in the Ha’apai Islands, where long white beaches are fringed with coconut palms. In addition to our whale encounters, we paddle sea kayaks, snorkel over coral reefs, and enjoy presentations by our guides on whale behavior. Our beachfront bungalows offer relaxation and sunset views.
Arrive: Tongatapu, Tonga
Depart: Tongatapu, Tonga
Highlights
- Swim with humpback whales—in one of very few places on the planet where this is possible!
- Learn about humpback whale behavior, hear their songs
- Paddle a sea kayak, go snorkeling, or try paddleboarding
- Relax in a beachfront cabana, enjoy sunrise views from your lanai
- Stargaze in clear tropical night skies under the Milky Way
- Learn about the skills of early Polynesian navigators
Itinerary
A flight from Tongatapu, Tonga’s capital, brings us to Foa Island, set in an outer archipelago of Tonga that sees few visitors. Our welcoming lodge is set on a private beach on Foa.
Humpback whales, growing up to 50 feet long, make some of the longest migrations of any mammal. They come to Tonga by crossing the great Southern Ocean, and from June through October they bask in the warm waters. It is the dual imperatives of mating and calving that bring the whales here—they are the original tropical island honeymooners! As we slip into the water to swim alongside them, we listen for the haunting sounds of whale song, perhaps even hearing male humpbacks’ elaborate “ballads,” whose stanzas evolve over generations. Our in-water encounters range from swim-bys, where the whales swim past us as we snorkel, to witnessing courtship displays. Other daily activities are snorkeling, kayaking, or biking. Kayaking adventures include visiting a channel where we can beach our kayaks to snorkel among brilliant Moorish idols, butterflyfish, wrasse, and clownfish. Our lodge has a beach bar and cafe that serves fresh seafood. After dinner, we can stargaze under the Milky Way and learn how early Polynesians used the stars to navigate. Depart on Day 8 via Tongatapu.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You need to be comfortable snorkeling in the open ocean, potentially with moderate waves and current. While the typical whale encounter is not an athletic event, it can be a challenge at times for those who are not adequately prepared. Depending on whether the whale is stationary or on the move, you may have to swim a significant distance.
Average Day
- 4 hours boating
- 1-4 hours snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Biking
- Village visits
- Cultural activities
The climate in Tonga is very pleasant, slightly cooler and less humid than Fiji and Samoa. The winter months (June to September) tend to be the best months for travel, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the low 80s. Each day may vary from quite sunny to rainy in a matter of hours. Do note that it can feel cold when we're on the boat. Mosquitoes aren’t as persistent in the winter months but we recommend bringing repellent, especially for the evenings.
Our nights out in the islands are spent at Sandy Beach Resort, a simple yet well located Tongan-style beach resort in fales (bungalows) that lend an authentic, laid-back experience of this island paradise. The 12 bungalows feature comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, and private verandas with chairs and table.
Breakfast is served at the resort, and includes fruit and eggs made to order. Lunch is picnic style, either on the boat or on a beach, and typically includes sandwiches. Dinner is also at the resort, and consists of Tongan specialties typically consisting of seafood and vegetables.
Since we are out on the water for 6 hours a day (generally 9am-3pm), all trip members should be comfortable in small boats. You will be required to climb the ladder to get back into the boat after swimming with the whales which requires some coordination and upper body strength. Our whale boats are comfortable, have shade, are staffed by a certified captain and two whale swim guides, and meet all the requirements for relevant safety equipment.
While we are typically not far from shore, we will be swimming in the open ocean and conditions can vary throughout the day. The seas are generally calm with low to moderate currents, but unexpected squalls or high winds can create rough ocean conditions at any time. Our boat will always be nearby and if you or our leaders ever fear conditions are getting dangerous, we can always end a swim early.
As the primary activity on this trip is snorkeling, we strongly recommend bringing your own snorkeling equipment to ensure a proper fit. However, the resort provides unlimited access to their equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) if you prefer. The deeper water in the region can create upwelling zones of cooler water, so we recommend a 2-3mm wetsuit if you get cold easily, or at least a lycra skin for sun and stinger protection. If you are a certified scuba diver and would like to do an optional scuba dive, you will need to bring your certification card (though you will miss a whale swim).
Client Testimonials
"A once in a lifetime experience to interact with the whales."
Bill B.
Highland Park, IL
"A life event for sure. Swimming with Humpback whales is a rare, humbling, and thrilling experience."
Deborah D.
Delray Beach, FL
"Snorkeling with the whales was an incredible, indescribable experience."
Hila L.
Falmouth, MA
"A very well designed itinerary, with plenty of time swimming with the whales..couldn't get enough of that! The time with the whales was the highlight of the trip."
Jeanne S.
Charlotte, NC
"Amazing. We had a wonderful experience swimming with the whales—each interaction did not disappoint. The snorkeling was terrific and it was a great blend of both snorkeling and whale encounters. We were always busy doing something."
Karen S.
Gilmanton, NH
"We loved every minute of the trip."
Kathleen G.
Overton, NV
"The trip is a 'must-do' for anyone that loves the ocean life and especially the whales! They are so beautiful, graceful, and powerful! It was majestic!"
Kristen B.
Highlands Ranch, CO
"The highlight of the trip was snorkeling with the humpbacks, as anticipated, and we were not disappointed."
Larry M.
Louisville, KY
"Awesome, magical, a wonder. I feel privileged to have had the whales share their home with me."
Loch G.
Sonoma, CA
"The itinerary was well designed and flexible. Plenty of time swimming with the whales and enough time to spend with the others, snorkeling, beach combing or just relaxing at your fala. We had perfect tropical weather. The Sandy Beach Resort was a comfortable small resort with a laid-back atmosphere. The staff were all most accommodating and friendly. The food was excellent and plated like you were at an upscale restaurant. There was also a never-ending supply of homemade potato crisps during happy hour. Lunch and snacks were provided on the boat every day and we had a traditional Tongan feast. Great trip!"
Maggie G.
Tupper Lake, NY
"Being able to get in the water and see humpback whales and their babies up close is among the most remarkable travel experiences of my life. Given the relative remoteness and necessary operational logistics, I was very impressed by the accommodations and staff. The food was delicious, and the staff always friendly and helpful."
Nagesh M.
Cambridge, MA
"Snorkeling with the whales was spectacular. We also enjoyed getting to know the Tonga locals. The trip was everything we’d hoped for and more."
Pam R.
University Place, WA
"An unbelievable experience to actually swim with the mother humpbacks whales and their calves, many times during the week. I still can't believe I was able to experience that. Everything about the trip was truly remarkable, from our group leaders, the swim guides, the boat operators, the resort staff, and the location of the resort. It was such an outstanding experience, I want to do this trip again."
Renee R.
San Diego, CA
"A very well-organized and well-run trip. Snorkeling with the whales is one of my great lifetime experiences! Just awesome."
Rick L.
Falmouth, MA
"The experience of swimming with the whales was wonderful—it was a fabulous lifetime event!"
Robin K.
Katy, TX
"The experience was one of the top ten of my life. Unbeatable!"
Sally R.
Dillsburg, PA
"Swimming with whales is a once in lifetime experience. We were lucky enough to have two great days in which the whales were accessible—fantastic!"
Shelly A.
New Haven, CT
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.