Tonga
Tonga
Your dream to swim with whales can come true
In Tonga, you can fulfill your dream of swimming with whales. Every year, a specific population of humpback whales travels 3,000 miles to breed and give birth in the warm waters of Tonga. During this time, these magnificent sea mammals remain around the Tonga Archipelago for several months, allowing visitors the chance to encounter them. Tonga is also renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. The diving includes some wrecks and caves, and diverse marine life, such as manta rays, sea turtles, reef fish, and reef sharks.
THOUSANDS OF HUMPBACK WHALES
The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago of 176 islands in the central South Pacific, white beaches fringed by palm trees, transparent waters, and a super friendly population of thousands of humpback whales.
Whales migrate to Tonga’s warm waters from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to breed and give birth. While the exact number of whales visiting Tonga is unknown, estimates place the population in the low thousands, with hundreds migrating each season. Tonga is a well-known destination for swimming with humpback whales, attracting thousands of these “gentle giants” yearly.
SNORKELING WITH WHALES
Is it possible to snorkel with whales? Yes, you can snorkel and approach whales in Tonga! However, it is essential to do so under the guidance of an authorized local guide. They will ensure the safety of participants and the respectful treatment of the animals. Diving is not allowed.
The best location for this experience is the Vava’u group of islands in northern Tonga. Although humpback whales can be seen throughout the entire archipelago.
WHALE SEASON
The best season for swimming with whales in Tonga is from July to October, with September being the ideal month. During this time, humpback whales migrate from their habitat in Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of Tonga to give birth to their young. These whales prefer the shallow, sheltered waters between the islands, where they can feed and care for their calves.
A TYPICAL DAY IN SEARCH OF WHALES
We begin our day in the morning, sailing slowly as we search for whales willing to engage in a close encounter.
When we find the right subject, it’s important to enter the water calmly, avoiding any fidgeting or noise, as this could cause the whales to move away.
Then they expect humpback whales that usually make several laps around you to get to know you.
Once the meeting that lasts a few electrifying minutes is over, you go back on the boat and start looking for other subjects.
At the end of the long and busy day, we stop on a paradise island for a few moments of relaxation on the fantastic Tongan beaches.
The most frequent encounters are with curious baby whales and the mother, in some cases, young solitary males are also encountered.
In Tonga, you stay in a resort, usually located on a splendid beach of some small island, and you make day trips with the boats of the diving centers.
It is also possible to base in Neiafu, the pretty capital town of Vava’u.
