Swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga
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Tour Details
Costs
EUR 4,590
per person in a double room
Group
Max. 7 guests
+ German- and English-speaking guide from Moby Wildlife Tours + Local guides
All dates
2 Trips in 2027
2027
Friday, September 24, 2027 – Thursday, September 30, 2027
Friday, October 1, 2027 – Thursday, October 7, 2027
Additional dates for private tours are available upon request
Where
Start & end at Nuku'alofa Airport, Tonga (airport code TBU) before and after a short domestic flight to Eua
We strongly recommend allowing for a buffer of 24–48 hours before and after your trip to Tongapatu to account for any flight delays to or from Tonga. Flexible flight booking options are also advantageous.
Price includes
What's included
Transportation (charter flight from Nuku'alofa to 'Eua and back), 5 days at sea, selected wellness services, yoga, land excursions, accommodation, group meals, presentations on whales and sharks in Tonga
What is not included
Personal expenses, massages, insurance, arrival and departure to/from Tonga (TBU), tips
Physical requirements
Be able to swim 100 meters with fins, a mask, and a snorkel
Be able to climb out of the water using a ladder
We are happy to accommodate dietary intolerances and sensitivities.
Notes
This tour is intended for snorkelers. Free and scuba diving is not permitted.
Ready for this journey?
Check availability for your desired date.
About the trip
The trip to Tonga is an expedition to the giants of the South Seas - the majestic humpback whales. Being in the water with these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience that words can hardly capture. Encountering a humpback whale while diving, singing or playfully spinning underwater is something you just have to experience for yourself to truly understand the magic!
We operate our daily trips with licensed charter boats to encounter the whales in their natural element. On five days, experienced guides accompany us on the open sea, where we have the unique opportunity to swim with the humpback whales and observe them in their peaceful rhythm.
In addition to the whale adventures, the retreat offers soothing wellness facilities such as ice baths, spa baths and a sauna. Regular yoga sessions take place on the newly built yoga deck, which is located directly on the ocean and brings body and mind into harmony. The program is complemented by exciting presentations on marine biology, which give you fascinating insights into the world of Tonga's whales and sharks.
To make your stay as pleasant as possible, transfers from Nuku'alofa to 'Eua and back are also included in the charter flight.
The Animals
Every year between June and November, during the southern winter, humpback whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm South Pacific to mate and give birth to their young. 'Eua is located in the south of the Kingdom of Tonga. Due to its location, the season is very long, as the migrating whales are the first to arrive here and the last to leave.
Over five days, we set off in search of these majestic sea giants - with licensed charter boats and experienced guides (including marine biologists) on the water. Encounters with mother and calf are particularly touching: the young whales are often curious and playful - and sometimes cautiously approach the strange little humans in the water, always under the watchful eye of their huge mother.
Swimming with humpback whales is a unique experience that you will never forget!
Accommodation & Catering
During our stay at the Blue Water Retreat on 'Eua we are accommodated for 6 nights in a fale (bungalow) with sea view, en-suite bathroom, private balcony and hot water. The accommodation is based on double occupancy. All meals and drinks (filtered water, tea and coffee) and a limited amount of alcoholic beverages are included. Bringing alcohol is permitted. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at least seven days before your arrival. Starlink WiFi is available in the restaurant area. There are daily yoga sessions and evening presentations on marine biology, especially about humpback whales and sharks in Tonga.
The island of 'Eua captivates with its impressive cliffs and dense rainforest. The resort is located directly on Tufuvai Beach, with absolute frontage. Here you will find a protected marine area. From the hotel restaurant and the bungalows you have a sea view and can see some whales just off the coast.
Transfers are included: You will travel comfortably from Nukuʻalofa to 'Eua by charter in a small plane. Please note that luggage per person must not exceed 15 kg (+5 kg hand luggage).
Daily Programme
Day 1: We are taken from Nuku'alofa to 'Eua on a charter flight. This usually takes place in the morning between 7-8 am. We then arrive at our accommodation, right on the beach. Arrive and settle in.
Days 2-6: We spend most of the day at sea looking for whales. We usually have breakfast at 7am, leave for the harbor at 8am and return after 7 hours at sea. We have lunch on board and after returning we enjoy the late afternoon hours together. In the evening, we round off the day with a good meal and a drink. Several times a week there are presentations on marine animals in Tonga.
Sunday is a rest day and is taken very seriously. On this day we will go on a land tour, as no work is allowed on Sunday. We use the day to explore the rainforest and the coastline. If you wish, you can visit the church and listen to the church songs - a fascinating cultural experience. Please dress appropriately and be on time if you are attending.
Day 7: In the afternoon between 3 and 4 p.m., we are again taken by the charter flight from 'Eua to Nuku'alofa.
Equipment & Photography
In Tonga we find a pleasant climate with temperatures of 17-27 degrees Celsius. Light, breathable clothing is ideal during the day - longer, warmer clothing is recommended in the evening. Sun cream with a high sun protection factor, headgear and sunglasses are essential for protection from the intense sun.
We provide snorkels, masks, fins, a 3mm shorty and a light jacket for our daily trips. However, if you have your own equipment that you feel comfortable with, feel free to bring it along. As the water temperature is around 22-23 degrees Celsius, we recommend bringing a long-sleeved 3mm or 5mm wetsuit. Bear in mind that we spend long days on the water and in the sun - long-sleeved UV shirts (rashguards) are therefore highly recommended! It is also helpful to practice your snorkeling technique beforehand, as we want to move as quietly as possible in the water without splashing - the fins should always remain under water!
Whether above or below the water - Tonga offers fantastic photo opportunities. Lenses with a medium focal length are ideal for capturing whales surfacing close to the boat. Wide-angle lenses (up to approx. 30 mm) or compact action cameras are suitable for underwater shots close to the humpback whales.
The local currency is the Tonga Pa'anga (TOP). It is advisable to bring some cash if you want to give tips or make personal purchases, as there is no ATM on 'Eua.
Please note:
Swimming with whales is not scuba diving. No diving license is required.
Contact us
Are you convinced yet, or do you have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form below, WhatsApp (+41765811893) or email (info@mobywildlifetours.com).