Swimming With Giants

As we mentioned earlier, Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

The whales migrate to the warm waters of Tonga during their breeding season, from June until the end of October, varying a little each year. Here, they give birth and feed their calves before returning to polar waters or high latitudes. While calves gain 50kg each day from breast milk, adults do not feed, so when females become pregnant they have no reason to stay in Tonga.

If you are organizing your trip to Tonga to swim with whales, we recommend you book some trips in advance online. Each year it gains popularity and places are quickly filled. Most companies do not have a physical office, but it´s not impossible to arrive and find some available trips.

You can swim with whales in the three main groups of islands, Tongatapu, Ha'pai and Vava'u, You can guarantee more encounters in Vava'u, but this comes with a higher price. The trip per day and person is around 500 TOP. Prices are more affordable in Ha'pai, although the island´s morphology exposes you to weather. This means that if one day there´s a lot of wind and waves, sightings get very complicated and you may lose your opportunity to spot whales (you do not get your money back).

The legislation on swimming with whales is very strict. Only four people are allowed in the water with the cetaceans plus the guide. If the boat has eight people, two groups are made and shifts are distributed, and days cannot exceed 7 hours.

In the water, guides will give you a series of directions you must follow to ensure you have the best experience possible. Whales have a big heart, so when you're in the water they can feel you. Try to be respectful and responsible.

If you are lucky enough to hear the whale´s songs underwater, you can feel vibrations through your body, simply amazing.

Without a doubt this is an experience that can change your life.

See you in the blue