FANE & VAINGA - THE FOUNDERS

Meet Fane and Vainga, the dynamic duo driving Eua Whale Swims Tonga, Talei Guest House, Talei Restaurant, and Talei Liquor Shop. Behind Fane and Vainga is their children, extended family, and local community, all of whom play an important role in Talei ‘Eua Tonga. You may meet different members of the family during your time with us—whether over a meal, around the guest house, or while exploring the island. Vainga, with roots in fishing and farming, was among the first three certified whale swimming skippers on Eua island in 2009. When tourism was slow, Vainga took on various roles to provide for his family including school principal, manager at the local island ferry, and more. Fane played a key role as the rock of the family by taking care of their children and keeping the business running smoothly. In 2025 Fane Vainga revived Talei Guest House and Eua Whales Swims after it has to be put on hold for more than a decade.

FINAU - THE CAPTAIN

Meet Finau, our dedicated captain, who has been passionate about whale watching and whale swims since 2010.

With extensive maritime experience, Finau is also a certified Divemaster with hands-on knowledge of boat mechanics. We’re fortunate to have one of the island’s most experienced and knowledgeable skippers at the helm.

Finau’s knowledge of the sea goes far beyond simply navigating the waters. He has a deep understanding of whale behavior and knows how to approach and interact with these incredible animals in a respectful and responsible way. Finau is committed to following Tonga’s strict environmental regulations and ensuring that every encounter with the whales is conducted with care—for the animals, the ocean, and our guests.

MARTA - WHALE GUIDE

We're thrilled to introduce Marta, our Whale Guide and Ecotourism Advisor from Santiago, Chile. She has over 15 years of experience guiding whale watching tours and whale swims, consulting through ecotourism, and managing environmental projects on the Island of 'Eua.

Marta brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Her professional expertise on ecotourism in Pacific Island territories, marine/coastal tourism, and wildlife encounters ensures our whale swim experiences are both ethical and unforgettable.

TELEITA - MEDIA & WHALE GUIDE IN TRAINING

Teleita Tonga is the dedicated face behind media and bookings at Talei Guest House. At 24 years old, she is a proud mother, business student at the University of the South Pacific, and a passionate Whale Guide in training.

With a deep love for 'Eua, Tonga's ocean, and its incredible humpback whales, Teleita is working towards becoming one of the first Tongan woman tour and whale guides in 'Eua. Her passion, dedication, and committment to creating memorable experiences make her an important part of the Talei team. From the first booking to the adventure on the water, Teleita is excited to share the beauty, culture, and magic of Tonga with visitors from around the world.