Once in a lifetime!
Once in a lifetime!
Other than Tonga being uniquely known as the only remaining monarch in the South Pacific, Tonga stands out for playing host to humpback whales and offers truly unique, life-changing whale experiences that give your soul the restorative, wide-open adventure you’ve been craving for.
Majestic creatures
From June - November every year, Tonga is home to these incredible southern humpback whales as they find shelter in the warmer waters of Tonga. These rare larger-than-life gems test their limits as they make Tonga’s tropical waters their playground.
Giving birth to new life, conceiving new life and nursing young calves are profound behaviours showcased by these majestic creatures throughout Tonga’s four-month whale season. Like any other home known to us, Tonga’s waters play a crucial role in a young calf’s development. Within their four-month home, Mothers nurse their calves with an impressive 500L of milk a day from fat reserves that their bodies have generated down South before commencing their journey to Tonga. Equally amazing, the calves develop the stamina in Tongan waters to be able to withstand their maiden journey back to the Antarctica.
We believe that the magic takes place in our waters and that such a true spectacle should be shared with our local residents and our visitors from around the world.
Whether you're into chasing adventure or just in the mood to try something new, our packages & experiences cater for all tastes and tempos.
Take your bucket list to the next level with our perfectly designed packages. With 20 years shared experience with skipper and whale guides on board, and only two swim groups per charter meaning less waiting time, you will get the most out of our once-in-a-lifetime whale experience. Go the extra mile in luxury, comfort & adventure with this all-inclusive package that ensures an over-the-top experience from beginning to end. We’re here to turn your dreams into reality.
5 day
$TOP 3,000
Per Person- Whale Swim & Whale Watching Trips.
- Wetsuit & beach towel provided.
- Snorkel gear & fins provided.
- Includes lunch, water & snacks.
- Includes transfers.
All-inclusive
$TOP 6,580
Per Person- 7 Nights in a Superior Room.
- Buffet Breakfast and WIFI.
- 5 Day Whale Swim.
- Dinner for 5 nights.
- Return airport transport.
For more information, or to book - fill out the contact form and one of our experienced team members will get in contact with you.
All year round expeditions
FAQs
Where do these trips take place?
These trips take place in Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
What should I expect out on the ocean?
The weather can be flat calm or you can have rough seas and everything in between — it’s the ocean, after all. We go out to sea as long as our captain says it’s safe. You should expect to be out on the boat all day; we don’t come back to dock unless there is an emergency on board. The water temp is roughly 77°F (25°C), and you will want to bring a boating jacket for wind protection. The whales visit Tonga outside of cyclone season, so there is no concern regarding cyclones.
Are whales always visible during trips?
- Well, it’s the ocean, so you never know, we can’t guarantee anything. However, these trips are scheduled during the peak season to optimize the chance of great encounters. We are quite confident that you will get in the water with the whales.
- Swimming with the whales is a craft. Knowledge and respect for these animals go hand-in-hand to create a good encounter. Being able to read the whales, how comfortable they are, and giving them space when they need it — we implement many tactics borne of experience to help ensure long, safe, and fun encounters for our guests and the whales
- All our guides and skippers are local to Tongatapu and are great watermen, with years of on- and in-water experience in local waters. They’re a great team with high respect and regard within the community and industry, Bottom line…they know what they’re doing, and they are good at it!
Do I need to be an experienced diver?
- The humpback whale trips are snorkelling only; There is no need for freediving experience or a diving certification as most of the whale encounters happen at the surface.
- These encounters are quite intimate and special. We work as a group when in the water, and we stay close to one another, making sure we don’t spook the whales or cause them any stress. You will see on your tour that every encounter is different, and some whales will be much more interactive than others.
- There is a lot of respect for the whales and for these in-water encounters with them in Tonga. Another boat will never come and jump in on your whale encounter. If a boat is with a whale, it’s their whale until they sign off to another boat, if there is one in the area.
Do I need to stay at Tanoa Hotels to go on Tanoa Expeditions?
No, you don’t need to stay at Tanoa Hotels to enjoy Tanoa Expeditions. Everyone is welcome to experience the adventure!
