banner

Tonga Whale Encounters 10D/9N

This amazing Tonga tour gives you a once in a lifetime chance to swim with humpback whales as they visit these islands to breed, give birth and socialise in the beautiful clear waters. The tour includes 3 whale swimming safaris, a local island tour, and time to relax and snorkel on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The whales visit Tonga during a specific season between July and October and we run several group departures during this period. We can also arrange private and tailor-made tours on request if our group dates or itinerary don’t work for you.

Tour Highlights

  • Swimming with humpback whales
  • Snorkelling & Scuba-diving options
  • Cultural shows and feasts
Price from

$4,070.00

Check availability

Tour Information

  • Tour Operator:

  • Max group size:

  • Destination

  • Age range:

  • Tour id:

    35978
  • Adventure Style:

Inclusions:

  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • Domestic flight tickets
  • 2 nights accommodation at the 4-star Scenic Hotel or similar
  • 7 nights accommodation at the Ha’apai Beach Resort - in basic fales
  • 3 boat trips to swim with the whales
  • Wetsuits & snorkelling equipment
  • Island tours as stated in the itinerary
  • 24-hour return airport transfers

Departures - Small-Group Adventure:

11 Jul, 2019 - 20 Jul, 2019 18 Jul, 2019 - 27 Jul, 2019 25 Jul, 2019 - 03 Aug, 2019 01 Aug, 2019 - 10 Aug, 2019 22 Aug, 2019 - 31 Aug, 2019 29 Aug, 2019 - 07 Sep, 2019 05 Sep, 2019 - 14 Sep, 2019 12 Sep, 2019 - 21 Sep, 2019 19 Sep, 2019 - 28 Sep, 2019 26 Sep, 2019 - 05 Oct, 2019 03 Oct, 2019 - 12 Oct, 2019 10 Oct, 2019 - 19 Oct, 2019

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tonga, transfer to hotel

Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Tonga our driver will meet you at the airport to transfer you to a local hotel. The rest of the day is free.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Tongatapu hotel
  • EXTRAS:
    Single room supplement (TOSGWS), Extra day in Tongatapu – pre-tour

Day 2: Fly to Ha'apai, free time

After breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic terminal for your scenic flight to the beautiful and remote islands of Ha’apai. The Resort team will be waiting at the Ha’apai airport to transfer you 1.3km to your beachfront fale, home for the next 6 nights. The rest of the day is free to settle in, explore, try some snorkelling off the beach and attend an informative whale briefing in preparation for your excursion tomorrow. In the evening, watch the sunset from the Ocean view restaurant and bar, just meters from the sand.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Ha’apai Beach Resort
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Swim with our Humpback whales

After breakfast we board our traditional Tongan fishing vessel at 9am for a 6-hour trip on the water. Your professional guides are eager to introduce the majestic Tongan Humpback whales. Our aim is to take you into the water for memories that will last a lifetime. Lunch is served onboard and all equipment is provided. Arriving back at around 3pm allows time to relax and look at your photos, take a walk along the beach and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. BBQ dinner served just after sunset.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Ha’apai Beach Resort
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Free day

King George Tupou I pledged The Kingdom of Tonga and its people to heaven making Sunday a strict day of rest in the kingdom. It is actually illegal to work on the Sabbath. You can chose to begin your day by visiting a local church to hear the angelic voices of the choir or simply enjoy a day of your choice. The resort is open all day and swimming, snorkeling, cycling, kayaking, eating and drinking are all options for this restful day in Tonga.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Ha’apai Beach Resort
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Swim with our Humpback whales

After breakfast we head out for our second day into the crystal clear waters of Ha’apai to join the Humpback whales for further adventures and memories of a lifetime. Excellent food is provided in our ocean front restaurant as we share our experiences of the day.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Ha’apai Beach Resort
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Swim with our Humpback whales

After breakfast we head out for our final day into the crystal clear waters of Ha’apai to join the Humpback whales for further adventures and memories of a lifetime.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Ha’apai Beach Resort
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 : Guided Island tour

Enjoy a guided tour around the island with a local guide. Learn the whole truth about coconuts and their uses. Hear the local history of the island including Captain Cook, Mutiny on the Bounty and the Port of Prince. Visit historical and special spots around the Island. For the remainder of the day; ride a bike, hire a car and explore the island’s resorts, other snorkeling spots, beaches or the local cafe. Or you may simply relax at the resort – scuba diving, sea kayaks or snorkel the reef in front of the resort are options. Dinner tonight is enjoyed at the local Mariners Cafe.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Ha’apai Beach Resort
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Ha'apai free time

Your day is free today to relax on the beach, go cycling or kayaking, scuba diving or snorkelling. We also keep today free in case poor weather or other reasons have meant we need to reschedule one of our earlier whale safaris.

Excellent food is provided in the resort’s ocean front restaurant and a farewell bonfire is lit as the Milky Way falls across the night sky.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Ha’apai Beach Resort
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Fly To Tongatapu, island tour, Tongan feast night

This morning we fly back to the main island of Tongatapu before enjoying a rich and informative 3.5 hour island tour. We’ll learn more about Tongan lifestyle, culture, heritage and traditions, see demonstrations and learn about the customs and stories of the old times and visit the busy Tongan Market where the locals throng to purchase and sell their produce. The market provides a great opportunity to purchase handicrafts, local fruit and take photos. Our day also includes a scenic tour of the Royal Tombs where the late King George IV is laid to rest, along with the Royal Palace. From there we will head to the Eastern Side of Tonga to Captain Cook’s Landing then through to the Ancient Burial Tomb’s. We will head towards the Ha’amonga Trilithon, a stone arch which was said to have been built 1200AD, an impressive movement of 80 tonnes of stone and a story of a warrior king.

In the evening you will be taken to the renowned Ohelei Beach for a feast, cultural show and live music to make you feel right at home in with the Tongan culture and history. Finally, return to the hotel.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Scenic Hotel
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Departure transfer

Free time until transferring to the airport for your international departure flight. You may wish to revisit the main Tongatapu market today, as Saturday tends to be the busiest time of the whole week, a great chance for a final taste of Tonga and some souvenirs.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    N/A
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast