Whale watching

In-the-know Pacific travellers aren’t the only ones to return to Tonga’s shores on a regular basis. After a long journey north from the icy krill-laden depths of Antarctica, southern humpback whales take shelter in the tropical reef-protected waters of Tonga to give birth to their young. The arrival of the whales from June to November completes a remarkable cycle, as the new calves return to where they were conceived 11 months earlier. Seen from a boat, the 40-ton whales combine grace and power, breaching out of the cobalt waters or effortlessly submerging with a final, languid flick of their tail flukes. Immersed with them in their own environment, their immense size is magnified, even a sleek two-metre calf tucked carefully beside its much larger mother. The shallow and warm waters of the Kingdom of Tonga provide the perfect viewing platform, with excellent visibility in the crystalline reefs surrounding the islands of the Vava’u group. The occasional ‘singing’ soundtrack of courting male humpbacks – a natural symphony of low notes that can carry 100km through the open ocean – segues with the excited breathing of snorkelling visitors, amazed they’re floating gently above a nursing humpback and her calf. By November, the young humpbacks’ development is well-advanced, and the magnificent creatures depart the nurturing sanctuary of Tonga’s protected reefs for the southern migration back to Antarctica. For visitors lucky enough to swim alongside the giant cetaceans, it’s the kind of indelible experience that makes them immediate advocates of the South Pacific’s only Kingdom.

Whale Watch Vava’u

Whale Watch Vava’u pioneered swimming with the humpback whales obtaining the first licence from the Tongan Government in 1993. We had our first purpose designed boat, Phoenix , built in New Zealand…

Read More

Whales in the Wild Ltd

June thru October Whales in the Wild have been taking people out to find, watch and swim the the Humpback whales for 10 years now. We have 2 comfortable but different boats being Maris King, a …

Read More

Vava’u Adventures Kart Safaris & Booking Agent

Vava’u Adventures is the home of the Kart Safaris. Vava’u Adventures is your premier booking specialist for island tours, adventure activities and relaxing accommodations in Vava’u. Kart Safaris is a…

Read More

Vavaú Game Fishing Charters

Kiwi Magic is a 34 foot sport fishing and whale watching vessel with all safety equipment, large cockpit with shade cover for protection from sun and rain, toilet. Holds current Government Survey Cert…

Read More

Whale Discoveries

Celebrate with Whale Discoveries the annual return of the Humpback Whales from Antarctica to their breeding and calving grounds in Tonga’s Vava’u Island Group! Short-listed for the Responsible Tourism…

Read More

Endangered Encounters Ltd

COME with us for the ultimate Whale Watch adventure! “Proteus” the most modern, comfortable, and capable charter vessel in Vava’u. Fast, stable we can go to beautiful isolated locations where you can …

Read More

Melinda Sea Adventures SAILING CHARTERS

Melinda Sea Adventures offers skippered/catered sailing charters around the pristine islands of Vava’u. The Islands of Vava’u with their safe anchorages and secluded coves offer one of the world’s fin…

Read More

Ika Lahi Lodge – whale watching, fishing & diving

Ika Lahi offers a gateway to world class fishing, whale watching & diving. Our private beach offers safe swimming, snorkelling , kayaking and exploring the lagoon and fish life is hard to beat. Capt….

Read More

Tropo

Tropo is a full service booking agent, rental management and information service on Tonga

Read More

Dolphin Pacific Diving

Hosts to the BBC and Getaway TV , we are the company of choice for tourists and trusted by professionals. As a PADI resort ,we deliver the high quality experience you would expect on either our Whale…

Read More

FINS ‘N’ FLUKES

Fins ‘n’ Flukes operate all year round offering SCUBA diving, PADI dive courses, underwater photography guidance, Humpback whale watching (July 01st to October 31st inclusive), snorkelling trips, isla…

Read More

SEA STAR YACHT CHARTER

The Sea Star is a classic CT 54’ centre cockpit Ketch designed for ocean sailing, offering the maximum safety and comfort, making you feel at home while cruising through the pristine blue waters of th…

Read More

Tongan Expeditions

Whale Watching and Fishing Charter Services with a difference. At Tongan Expeditions we aim to provide you with a complete Vava’u Experience. We offer Popper Fishing, Game Fishing, Bottom Fishing, Wh…

Read More

Ha’apai Whale and Sail Ltd

WHALE WATCHING “Join us for an unforgettable day with the humpbacks in uncrowded Ha’apai aboard our fully surveyed 7,5 metre RIB, Nauti Gal. Please see www.uoleva.com/haapaiwhaleandsail.htm for f…

Read More

Deep Blue Diving

In the last five years, an increasing number of humpback whales have been found to mate and give birth in Tongatapu and ‘Eua waters. The calm and shallow waters here is safe grounds for their newborn…

Read More

Vaka Vave Charters

We offer whale watching and whale swimming charters in Vava’u, Tonga. Don’t waste time travelling to the grounds, come aboard our modern high speed vessel and maximise your time with the whales of V…

Read More

Melinda Sea Adventures Whale Watching

Live-aboard whale-watching/swimming tours July-October Sailing yachts: 44 ft catamaran or 52 ft classic cutter Melinda Sea Adventures offers live-aboard, guided, whale watching tours on comfortable…

Read More

Whale Swim & Dive Tours

Yes, in Tongatapu, from July to November, you can have an amazing experience to swim with the gentle giants, Humpback whales. We are the professional whale swim and dive tour operator in Tongatapu wit…

Read More

BELUGA DIVING WHALE SWIM

From the month of July till October we take people to whale watch and whale swim with the humpback Whales. We have two boats to take and look for whales, Gladiator and Madmax. We provide full equipme…

Read More