Whale Swim Tours

Our 7-day, small-group whale swim tours are designed for those who want to make the most of their trip to Tonga and maximise their time in the water with the whales.

 
 
 

Our small group whale swim tour inclusions

  • 7 nights accommodation at an ocean-front hotel, walking distance from the centre of town

  • 5 full days on the water swimming with humpback whales

  • Trip Leader accessible 24/7 to provide a seamless concierge service during your adventure - available any time

  • Small group trips, with a maximum of 8 people per boat (i.e. to maximise your time in the water with the whales)

  • In-water photographer to capture photos of your experience, both above and below the surface

  • Daily yoga + breathing exercises, by the harbour front, before breakfast

  • Breakfast each day

  • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea every day on the water

  • Free use of gear (wetsuits and snorkelling gear)

  • Airport and vessel transfers

  • Introduction to freediving course, taught by an AIDA and PADI qualified freediving instructor:

  • Online theory session prior to your trip

  • In-water freediving session, available for those in Sydney, in the month of June/July (conditions permitting)

  • In-water freediving session, in Tonga during your trip (conditions permitting)

  • Introduction to humpback whale photography trip (online)

  • Instruction on humpback whale photography tips (underwater camera, and GoPro techniques) by a National Geographic awarded underwater photographer

  • Session to cover: settings, composition, whale behaviour and more. Also tips for swimming with whales to get the best possible underwater photos, in a respectful way

2024 Dates

JULY
Tuesday 16th - Tuesday 23rd [SOLD OUT!] Inquire
Tuesday 23rd - Tuesday 30th [SOLD OUT!] Inquire

AUGUST
Tuesday 30th - Tuesday 6th [SOLD OUT!] Inquire
Tuesday 6th - Tuesday 13th [SOLD OUT!] Inquire
Tuesday 13th - Tuesday 20th Inquire
Tuesday 20th - Tuesday 27th Last TWO spots! Inquire
Tuesday 27th - Tuesday 3rd [SOLD OUT!] Inquire

SEPTEMBER
Tuesday 3rd - Tuesday 10th [SOLD OUT!] Inquire
Tuesday 10th - Tuesday 17th [SOUD OUT!] Inquire
Tuesday 17th - Tuesday 24th Last TWO spots! Inquire
Tuesday 24th - Tuesday 1st Inquire

OCTOBER
Tuesday 1st - Tuesday 8th Inquire

What to Bring

What to bring to your whale swim adventure!

  • Wind-proof jacket to wear over the wetsuit on the boat

  • Motion sickness tablets are recommended. It is usually fairly calm in the Pacific Ocean, but we recommend taking zero chances.

  • Cash: the local currency is Tongan Panga (TOP). We’d recommend 400-500 TOP per person (AU$250-300) for the duration of the trip. For those leaving from Sydney, this is easiest to pick up at Sydney airport

  • Travel credit card: most restaurants accept credit cards in Tonga with a small fee. We find that travel credit cards give you a better rate than cash

  • Mosquito repellent: helpful in the evenings, but not necessary out on the water

  • Music: you can plug your phone into the boat to blast out your favourite tunes whilst you’re on the water!

  • Ear plugs: if you’re a light sleeper, these will help with the early morning roosters

  • Travel adaptors: Tonga uses standard Australian / NZ power points

  • Photography: we’d highly recommend shooting with the widest lens you possibly can (such as a fish-eye). The whales are enormous and they can get close! GoPros are also really effective.