The Best (and Most Ethical) Tours for Swimming with Whales in Vava’u
Each South Pacific winter, between mid-July and mid-October, humpback whales make an amazing migration to the sheltered waters of Vava’u in order to mate and calve. With that, Vava’u and Tonga are among some of the only islands where you can swim with these majestic creatures in their natural element, making for a life-changing yet humbling experience. Whale swimming is one of the most popular activities in the islands of Vava’u, with more than 25 whale swimming tours to choose from!
Unfortunately, this also means that the whale swimming industry is more reckless than what we’ve seen in Tonga’s other island groups; we’ve not only heard but seen many instances of whale operators breaking Tonga whale swimming regulations. With that in mind, we’ve whittled things down to our top recommendations for the best and most ethical whale swim tours in Vava’u. Of course, things change all the time in Tonga, so if you have a negative experience with any of the operators listed below, please let us know!
Note that all wetsuits, snorkelling gear and lunch are provided as a standard on tours. Find out more about what to expect in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.
1. Vaka & Moana Co.
Enjoy an educational and inspiring day out on the water with Aufono Havea, the only female captain in Tonga whose been operating Vaka & Moana Co., sometimes called Vaka i Moana, since 1993. Vaka & Moana operates the small and comfortable Koko Belle (and soon a traditional-style canoe/vaka) with all your essential whale swimming gear included, as well as lunch packed in reusable containers. Perhaps the only downside for independent travellers is that Vaka & Moana Co. only accept group bookings.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
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© TongaPocketGuide.com2. Treasure Island Eco Resort
Guests staying at Treasure Island Eco Resort are lucky enough to be right in the heart of whale territory, saving on lengthy boat trips to get to the best spot. Departing from their resort on the remote ‘Euaiki Island, the Tofua’a Moana is an 11 m (37 ft) traditionally-inspired vaka with plenty of room to enjoy throughout your day out on the water. Treasure Island is all about combining your whale swimming experience with a full holiday package, staying in one of the private island’s thatched beach fales (bungalows) and dining on delectable meals. Even from the resort, guests often see whales breaching from shore! Learn more about this resort in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from Treasure Island Eco Resort on ‘Euaiki Island (airport transfers are available for guests).
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© Tonga Ministry of Tourism3. Port Wine Guest House
Not just a popular place to stay in Neiafu, Port Wine Guest House also runs its own whale swim tours in Vava’u. Hop on their cosy but comfortable bright green vessel where hot drinks are available throughout the day, along with all the usual snorkelling gear (see The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga to see what to expect). The skippers and guides are passionate about respecting the whales and following Tonga’s whale swimming regulations to ensure a fun swim with minimal disturbance. What’s more, their tours are on the more affordable end of the spectrum (for Vava’u). For more about their accommodation, check out the 10 Best Guesthouses in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from the small boat marina at Halaevalu Wharf, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
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© TongaPocketGuide.com4. Blue Lagoon Resort
It’s always your turn when joining Blue Lagoon Resort for their whale swimming encounters due to the team only taking four passengers per boat! (According to Tongan law, only four swimmers are allowed at a time). What’s more, they have a few added luxuries, such as towels and sunscreen, while those joining them for multiple tours can enjoy visiting different snorkelling spots, such as Swallow’s Cave and Coral Gardens (see The Best Snorkelling in Vava’u: Top 10 Places to Snorkel). Finally, tours only operate from their resort on Foeata Island so it doesn’t take long to get out to the whales. More details on the resort can be found in the 10 Best Resorts in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from Blue Lagoon Resort on Foeata Island (airport transfers are available for guests).
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© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Kiwi Magic
Operating in Tonga for more than 25 years, Kiwi Magic offers spectacular small-group whale tours with Keith, the owner and certified whale-watching skipper, and local deckhand and guide, Teau. The company is named after their 10 m (34 ft) boat called Kiwi Magic, which has a hot shower onboard and has plenty of room considering only four guests are allowed per whale swimming tour (yes, that also means it is always your turn to swim with the whales in accordance with the four-swimmers-per-whale rule). Furthermore, you’ll get the unique experience of cruising and whale watching at sunrise, as tours depart at 5/6 am and return by 2 pm, also giving you plenty of time to relax in the afternoon. Learn more about their fishing charters too in The Best Fishing Charters in Vava’u.
Location: Tours depart from the Kiwi Magic private jetty, just south of Hakula Lodge, Toula (approximately 1.8 km/1.1 mi south of Neiafu town centre), ‘Utu Vava’u.
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© TongaPocketGuide.com6. Whale Watch Vava’u (Mounu Island Resort)
Operating out of Mounu Island Resort, Whale Watch Vava’u has been a significant part of the whale-watching industry in Tonga, being one of the first to receive a whale-watching license from the Tongan Government in 1993. Their knowledge of whale encounters came from working with scientists from the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium for three seasons and they have continued to combine their whale swimming tours with gathering data for research institutions. They now run two purpose-built whale swimming boats; one for resort guests and the other one available to charter from Neiafu. Ask about their hydrophone so you’re able to hear the whale song! Although they offer some of the most affordable rates for whale swimming in Vava’u, note that wetsuit hire is a small daily fee (and recommended).
Location: Tours depart from Mounu Island Resort, while private charters can depart from the small boat marina at Halaevalu Wharf, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism
7. Endangered Encounters
Join Endangered Encounters in their purpose-built whale swimming boat, Proteus. The large boat is 4 x 10 m (13 x 33 ft) for a group of the usual eight to 10 and comes with a full bathroom on board and a decent ladder for the frequent getting in and out of the water experience on a whale swimming tour. The team have been operating in Vava’u since 2006, giving them plenty of experience with the whales and their behaviours and understanding the importance of following whale swimming regulations.
Location: Tours depart from the small boat marina at Halaevalu Wharf, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
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© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Beluga Diving/Flying Annie Moa
Taking visitors on a wealth of adventures over the years in Vava’u, Beluga Diving and Flying Annie Moa have joined forces to solely focus on providing epic whale swimming experiences during the whale season. The Tongan-Dutch owners with a Tongan crew offer whale swimming experiences on one of their four sturdy vessels with inside cabin areas to get out of the chill after your swim. What’s more, the whale swim operators offer more activities, including two-tank scuba dives outside of the whale season, as well as accommodation at the Flying Annie Moa, where whale swim and accommodation packages are available. Otherwise, you’ll be paying a premium for these tours.
Location: Tours depart from Fangafoa Marina (near Mango Cafe), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
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© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Vaka Vave Charters
Offering pick-ups from most resorts in Vava’u, Vaka Vave Charters is a good go-to for whale swimming in Vava’u. They operate a fast modern 10 m (34 ft) vessel, getting you out to the whales fast and comfortably. Everything is included, with the added bonus of an organic and 100% local lunch and snacks, as well as filtered rainwater to save on the usual bottled stuff (see more 29 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Tonga). Your experienced and certified guide and skipper – one with more than 25 years of experience and the other 12+ years – will show you the ropes of ethical whale swimming and educational talks. With time permitting, you’ll get a chance to stop at a snorkelling hotspot and visit Swallows’ Cave.
Location: Pick-ups are available from resorts, as well as from Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
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© Vaka Vave - Tonga Ministry of Tourism10. Dolphin Pacific Diving
A long-established whale swimming operator, Dolphin Pacific Diving has 15+ years of experience with the whales in Vava’u. You’ll be kitted up with all the gear for a great swim, as well as provided with lunch to keep the energy levels up. The boat was host to the BBC’s “Life” wildlife documentary, so going on a tour with such expertise is likely to put you in good odds for a spectacular whale swim, even if the price is on the higher side. The small-group tour of the usual eight passengers per boat makes for a more intimate experience with the whales.
Location: Tours depart from the small boat marina at Halaevalu Wharf, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
More About Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u
That’s it for our list of the best whale swim tours in Vava’u. For more about whale swimming tours in Vava’u, take a look at more of our amazing literature:
- The Best Place to Swim with Whales in Tonga
- Is it Safe to Swim with Whales in Tonga?
- The Complete Guide to Vava’u
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Whale Swimming in Tonga.
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