Arrive: Tongatapu, Tonga
Depart: Tongatapu, Tonga
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. You need to be comfortable snorkeling in the open ocean, potentially with moderate waves and current. While the typical whale encounter is not an athletic event, it can be a challenge at times for those who are not adequately prepared. Depending on whether the whale is stationary or on the move, you may have to swim a significant distance.
Average Day
While we are typically not far from shore, we will be swimming in the open ocean and conditions can vary throughout the day. The seas are generally calm with low to moderate currents, but unexpected squalls or high winds can create rough ocean conditions at any time. Our boat will always be nearby and if you or our leaders ever fear conditions are getting dangerous, we can always end a swim early.
As the primary activity on this trip is snorkeling, we strongly recommend bringing your own snorkeling equipment to ensure a proper fit. However, the resort provides unlimited access to their equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) if you prefer. The deeper water in the region can create upwelling zones of cooler water, so we recommend a 2-3mm wetsuit if you get cold easily, or at least a lycra skin for sun and stinger protection. If you are a certified scuba diver and would like to do an optional scuba dive, you will need to bring your certification card (though you will miss a whale swim).
"A once in a lifetime experience to interact with the whales."
Bill B.
Highland Park, IL
"A life event for sure. Swimming with Humpback whales is a rare, humbling, and thrilling experience."
Deborah D.
Delray Beach, FL
"Snorkeling with the whales was an incredible, indescribable experience."
Hila L.
Falmouth, MA
"A very well designed itinerary, with plenty of time swimming with the whales..couldn't get enough of that! The time with the whales was the highlight of the trip."
Jeanne S.
Charlotte, NC
"Amazing. We had a wonderful experience swimming with the whales—each interaction did not disappoint. The snorkeling was terrific and it was a great blend of both snorkeling and whale encounters. We were always busy doing something."
Karen S.
Gilmanton, NH
"We loved every minute of the trip."
Kathleen G.
Overton, NV
"The highlight of the trip was snorkeling with the humpbacks, as anticipated, and we were not disappointed."
Larry M.
Louisville, KY
"The itinerary was well designed and flexible. Plenty of time swimming with the whales and enough time to spend with the others, snorkeling, beach combing or just relaxing at your fala. We had perfect tropical weather. The Sandy Beach Resort was a comfortable small resort with a laid-back atmosphere. The staff were all most accommodating and friendly. The food was excellent and plated like you were at an upscale restaurant. There was also a never-ending supply of homemade potato crisps during happy hour. Lunch and snacks were provided on the boat every day and we had a traditional Tongan feast. Great trip!"
Maggie G.
Tupper Lake, NY
"Snorkeling with the whales was spectacular. We also enjoyed getting to know the Tonga locals. The trip was everything we’d hoped for and more."
Pam R.
University Place, WA
"An unbelievable experience to actually swim with the mother humpbacks whales and their calves, many times during the week. I still can't believe I was able to experience that. Everything about the trip was truly remarkable, from our group leaders, the swim guides, the boat operators, the resort staff, and the location of the resort. It was such an outstanding experience, I want to do this trip again."
Renee R.
San Diego, CA
"A very well-organized and well-run trip. Snorkeling with the whales is one of my great lifetime experiences! Just awesome."
Rick L.
Falmouth, MA
"The experience of swimming with the whales was wonderful—it was a fabulous lifetime event!"
Robin K.
Katy, TX
"The experience was one of the top ten of my life. Unbeatable!"
Sally R.
Dillsburg, PA
"Swimming with whales is a once in lifetime experience. We were lucky enough to have two great days in which the whales were accessible—fantastic!"
Shelly A.
New Haven, CT
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Submit the form below to download itinerary
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.