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Swim with humpback whales in Tonga.

30 July - 6 August 2025

Exclusive, ethical adventure in the heart of the South Pacific

What’s included:

This is a fully guided tour by our knowledgeable Awesome Whale Adventures team.

  • 5 Days of Whale Swimming excursions

  • Experienced, knowledgeable whale guides

  • 7 Nights in Beachfront Fales on Uoleva

  • All Main Meals (Daily continental breakfast, packed lunch, and a 2-course dinner)

  • Return inter-island flights from Tongatapu to Ha'apai

  • Round trip transfers from Ha'apai airport to our accommodation

  • Escorted tour guide on-hand to oversee all logistics

  • Complimentary access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards

  • Yoga deck and mats available for self-led practice

  • Off-grid introduction tour available on request

Flyer promoting a whale-watching tour in Tonga featuring aerial view of a tropical island with clear blue waters, and a small inset photo of a whale underwater.
A humpback whale breaches the surface of the ocean with a calf also breaching in front, showing water droplets and a splash. In the background, there is a shoreline with palm trees and a cloudy sky.

Register Your Interest

Register your interest below to receive our tour brochure and availability.

Why Choose Our Tonga Whale Swim Adventure?

Small group in ocean

Small Group Experience – An Intimate Adventure

With just 6-8 guests per tour, you'll enjoy an intimate and unhurried experience in the water with the majestic humpback whales of Ha'apai. Fewer participants mean more time in the water, personalised attention from expert guides, and a deeper connection with these gentle giants. Our small groups allow you to soak in every magical moment, whether it's watching a mother whale gently guide her calf or hearing the hauntingly beautiful whale songs beneath the waves.

freediver

Expert Guides – Safety, Knowledge & Deep Respect

Our certified whale guides prioritise both your safety and the whales' well-being. With years of experience in whale behaviour and ethical swimming practices, they will guide you through every encounter, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in the water. Learn fascinating insights about these migratory giants—from their breaching techniques to their deep emotional bonds—as our guides bring science, storytelling, and conservation together for an enriching experience.

Humpback whale

Ethical Tourism – Responsible Encounters

We believe in responsible tourism that protects both the whales and their natural habitat. Our tours strictly follow ethical guidelines, maintain a respectful distance, and allowing the whales to dictate the interaction. We strictly follow local guidelines to promote sustainable tourism practices that minimise human impact while maximising the opportunity for truly meaningful, once-in-a-lifetime encounters. By choosing this experience, you’re supporting responsible travel that ensures future generations can witness these incredible creatures in their natural environment.

Have Questions?

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions.

  • Uoleva Island is a secluded paradise, with no shops, roads, or nightlife—just the perfect place to disconnect and unwind. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients either grown on-site or brought in via ferry once a week. The food is delicious and full of flavour, far beyond what you'd expect in such a remote setting.

    The fales we stay in are some of the most beautiful and comfortable in Tonga, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty.

    While there’s no pool or cocktail bar, alcohol is available for purchase. You can enjoy a relaxing drink while lounging in a hammock or on a beanbag under the palm trees after a day of incredible whale adventures!

  • All main meals are included during your stay at the eco-resort. Our hosts can cater for vegetarians, and other dietary requirements may incur an additional charge due to the remoteness of the location. Snacks and drinks can be purchased on-site and settled by credit card before you leave.

  • This is a fully guided tour by our knowledgeable Awesome Whale Adventures team.

    • 5 Days of Whale Swimming excursions

    • Experienced, knowledgeable whale guides

    • 7 Nights in Beachfront Fales on Uoleva

    • All Main Meals (Daily continental breakfast, packed lunch, and a 2-course dinner)

    • Return inter-island flights from Tongatapu to Ha'apai

    • Round trip transfers from Ha'apai airport to our accommodation

    • Escorted tour guide on-hand to oversee all logistics

    • Complimentary access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards

    • Yoga deck and mats available for self-led practice

    • Off-grid introduction tour available on request

    • International flights (not included)

    • Travel insurance (required)

    • Snorkelling equipment (required)

    • Wetsuits (optional)

    • Excess baggage charges

    • Visa and passport fees

    • Optional activities and personal expenses (e.g., Wi-Fi charges, alcohol, and other discretionary costs)

    Please note that wildlife sightings and weather cannot be guaranteed. For help booking your flights or if you have other enquiries, please get in touch and we can assist.

  • The cost of the tour is $5,818 AUD (Australian dollars, per person twin share). This includes all accommodation, meals, inter-island flights, whale swimming days, transfers, and guided support from our Awesome Whale Adventures team.

    For solo travellers, a solo rate of $7,195 AUD is available.

    A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 60 days before departure. Payment plans can also be arranged—just reach out to us to discuss your options.

  • No scuba diving experience is required! Our tour is focused on snorkelling with the whales, where you’ll experience these majestic creatures from the surface. While no diving skills are needed, it’s important to be a strong swimmer.

  • Yes, to get the most out of the experience, you’ll need to be a strong swimmer as we will be in open water. If you’re not confident in the water, you can stay on the boat and still enjoy whale watching from the vessel.

    Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we want everyone to have an unforgettable time.

    • Snorkelling Gear (required):

      We recommend investing in a good quality mask, snorkel, and fins (ideally free-diving fins for extra propulsion). For the best fit, visit your local dive shop or get in touch with our team for personalised recommendations. It’s also a good idea to get familiar with your gear before your trip—practice wearing and using it to ensure comfort and proper function, as this can make a significant difference in your experience.

    • Wetsuit (optional but recommended):

      We suggest opting for a 1.5 - 3mm full-body suit, depending on how sensitive you are to the cold. While the water temperature is generally comfortable, you'll likely appreciate the extra warmth when you’re between swims or when staying in the water for long periods, and it also helps with sun protection.

  • Having an amazing whale swim experience depends on ocean conditions, their behaviour, and ensuring both their safety and yours and with this in mind, we've designed our tour to give you the best possible chance to swim with these majestic creatures as many times as possible.

    With five dedicated whale swim days, you’ll have ample opportunities to see them up close in their natural habitat. Combined with our experienced team and thoughtful planning, swimming with them is highly likely and may even be possible multiple times on each day.

    As with all wildlife encounters, we cannot offer guarantees, but every effort is made to create a truly unforgettable experience.

  • Ensuring ethical and responsible interactions with whales is a key part of our tours. We strictly follow responsible guidelines to protect the well-being of the whales. These guidelines ensure the animals are approached at safe distances and never feel stressed or threatened. When whales are comfortable, they often display their natural curiosity, choosing to interact with swimmers on their own terms.

    Our team prioritises respect for the whales and their environment, contributing to conservation efforts and raising awareness about these incredible creatures.

  • We’d love to speak with you about this trip and answer any questions you have! Feel free to call, text, or WhatsApp our friendly team on +61 485 933 782. We take great pride in our personal service, ensuring we’re with you every step of the way, from planning your adventure to your journey back home.

TOUR LEADER

TOUR LEADER •

Person sitting on a couch holding a small coffee cup

Your Tour Leader and Founder of Awesome Whale Adventures.
I'll be personally escorting this small-group experience in Tonga to ensure you have the ultimate whale swim adventure—safe, intimate, and unforgettable.

As a travel expert, scuba diver, freediver, and passionate advocate for whales and marine life, I’ve carefully designed every detail of this tour to create a once-in-a-lifetime journey you’ll never forget.

Got questions? I’d love to hear from you—email me directly at samantha@awesomewhaleadventures.com. I can’t wait to welcome you to Tonga!

Hi - I’m Samantha

Ready to Book?

Spots are filling fast—enquire now to swim with whales in Tonga this July.