Swim with Humpback Whales
Swimming with whales, Vava'u
Vava'u is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim with humpback whales under licence. Whales from Antarctica give birth and raise their calves here.
From July to October each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of Tonga to mate and give birth. Licensed operators take groups of no more than four per boat, guided into the water by a crew member. Swimmers may not touch or chase the whales, and each group stays in the water for only a few minutes. A day tour costs about 350 to 450 Tongan pa'anga (roughly US$150 to 200) and must be booked months ahead. Whether you can get in the water depends on whale behaviour and the weather. You need to be able to swim and snorkel, and anyone prone to seasickness should take medication in advance.
Opening hours
Jul–Oct; boat trips usually 08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Port Maurelle, Kapa Island
- Vava'u Sailing Grounds
- Taunga Island
- Tapana Island
- 'Euakafa Island
- Swallows' Cave
- Mariner's Cave
- Nuapapu Island