PRIVATE TOURS & SMALL GROUPS

WHALE SWIM ENCOUNTERS

Experience life-changing moments swimming with humpback whales in the wild. Choose private charters or small groups, with a maximum of 6 guests per boat and only 4 in the water at once under Tonga's environmental regulations.

We go out on a small boat as to not disturb the whales. A small group will rotate out in the water so that everyone gets equal time during interactions.

Guided safely by our ecotourism advisor, we take environmental regulations seriously and always put the whales first.

6 GUESTS MAX / BOAT

4 GUESTS MAX IN THE WATER

100% ADHERENCE TO REGULATIONS

Strict swimmer limits ensure calm, respectful, and non-intrusive interactions with the whales.

THE HUMPBACK HIGHWAY

Every year, humpback whales migrate thousands of kilometres from the cold, food-rich waters of Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of Tonga to breed, give birth and raise their calves. The waters around ʻEua sit along an important part of this migration route, referred to as the “Humpback Highway.” During the Tongan winter and spring, whales travel through these waters, with mothers and calves often remaining in the area while calves grow and become stronger for the journey south. As the southernmost island, 'Eua is the first place the whales arrive to and the last place they come before they leave.

PROTECTING THE SANCTUARY

TONGA'S ECOTOURISM GUIDELINES

The Kingdom of Tonga is one of the few places on Earth where swimming with humpback whales is strictly regulated. Our eco-tours follow strict marine sanctuary guidelines to respect these gentle giants in their nursing waters.

TONGAN ECOTOURISM LAWS

HUMPBACK FACTS

  • Only licensed vessels with certified local guides may enter the sanctuary. Engines are cut before approach, and swimmers must keep a miminum of 5 meters distance from the whale.

5,000 km

Annual migration route from polar Antarctic feeding grounds to warm Tongan reefs

40 Tons

Average weight of an adult female humpback resting with her newborn calf

20 Mins

Average submerged dive time while male humpbacks sing complex marine songs

  • It is forbidden to freedive, SCUBA dive, or swim underneath the whale. All of these bother the whale and can affect their behavior and migration.

  • Maximum 4 swimmers in the water with the guide at all time.

  • Maximum period of 90 minutes with a whale. If a whale approaches you - don't swim toward it. The whale controls the interaction.

A DAY WITH US

Meet the team and get fitted with the appropriately sized wetsuits, fins, mask, and snorkel. It is reccomened to bring your own if you have any of this gear so that you are most comfortable. If not, don't worry - we have a many sizes. Questions? Let us know.

We'll give the group a ride down to the local port where our boat is stationed, along with our captain Finau and our guide Marta. Lunch is packed!

Head out on the water while Marta gives a rundown on how to enter the water from the boat and safetly swim with whales. You'll be out at sea for around 7 hours.

When the captain says, get in the water and get ready for one of nature's most incredible experiences . . .