Freunds - PRIVATE TOUR - Tonga Whale Swims

De la AUD 6.180,00 A$
  • Durata: 7 Zile (aprox.)
  • Cod produs: PKXQCV

Join Jurgen & Stella Freund to photograph and swim with Humpback Whales in Tonga!


Hi,

We are so happy to welcome you in joining us on the most exciting wildlife adventure of your life. 

Thank you for choosing to be with us.

The experience of an eye-to-eye encounter with marine mammals such as magnificent humpback whales will stay in your mind and heart forever. Once you see their intelligent eyes, seeming to communicate, you will be transformed. We have done many marine wildlife encounters around the world and nothing tops Tonga’s humpback whale swims. We are so excited to be sharing these magical moments with you.

This photo tour will be about enjoying making wonderful photographs. You don’t need to worry about anything because we shall be with you all the time whenever you have any photographic questions or problems.

It truly helps that we are a small group guided by a sensitive and masterfully experienced guide like David Donnelly. He is key to the success of our whale encounters. Our trust and confidence in Dave finding us our whales will allow us to take the most amazing photographs.

So let’s all keep fit and practice our swimming and snorkeling skills at home and can’t wait to greet you once you arrive in Tonga.

Warmest regards,

Jüergen & Stella


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Overview


Your 8-day tour starts the moment you land in Tonga and we pick you up from Nuku’Alofa airport to transport you to our guesthouse.

You will be led by our expert whale biologist guide, Dave Donnelly, who along with Tongan crew and hospitality staff will be looking after you during your stay. While it’s possible to go the whole week barely opening your wallet, we have two non-swim days, where you can explore including a couple of evenings to eat out (we can recommend a range of eateries to suit every budget).

One of the non-swim days is the obligatory Sunday when Tongans are not allowed to work. The other will be the day we think is the least favourable for whale swims - on this day we arrange a supplementary cultural tour with our guides.

For the most part however, we will be heading out about 8am to the harbour and boarding our vessel. Under the careful guidance of our whale specialist, we will spend time looking for and learning about whales.

Finding the right whales means getting the best encounters possible - and while we have had up to 15 swims in a day, sometimes a single swim can last hours. It just depends on the whales‘ mood and that’s where our experts make all the difference to your experience.

By booking with us, you'll avoid the hustle and bustle of the other islands and get the chance to relax in the company of like-minded people with the experience, passion and commitment to deliver an outstanding experience without any hidden costs for you or the whales.


Indicative itinerary


This itinerary is indicative. One of the non-whale swim days is the Sunday. The other is the day we choose as the day with the least favourable conditions for whale swims, which is a day you can relax or take a cultural tour. 

Day 1 Thursday

Flights arrive in Tonga about 2am. You will be met at the airport. Expect up to 2 hours to clear customs, pick up luggage and transfer to accommodation (about a 30 minute drive). We will endeavour to have you in bed before 4am or as soon as possible.

After breakfast we will head to the boat for your first exciting day with the whales!   

Day 2 - 7 Friday - Wednesday (excluding Sunday)

Breakfast starts at 7am. At 7:45am the bus takes us to the harbour where we board for our safety briefings for an 8am departure. We spend the whole day looking for and swimming with whales. 

On one of the evenings, our guide will give a presentation about Humpback whales in Tonga.

One of these days will be a non whale-swim day. You have the option of a day off / cultural tour (supplement). Dinner is at your own expense on the non whale-swim day.

Wednesday (Day 7) - The final day is also a potential whale swim day as flights leave about midnight. On the last night we will eat together for a final farewell. 

After dinner, we will transfer you to a resort very close to the airport, giving you more time to relax in the morning. 

Thursday (Day 8) 

We will arrange your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. 

(Day 4 Sunday)
This is a rest day, for Tongan Cultural reasons. Optional Pangaimotu snorkelling trip. Sunday evening dinner will be at your own expense.


Inclusions

  • 8 nights’ accommodation;  
  • 5 days whale swims (on the best 5 days out of six, excluding Sunday for cultural reasons)
  • Cultural tour (1 day)
  • Airport and vessel transfers
  • Expert guides and hospitality staff on hand 24/7 (minimal non-Tongan staff Sunday)
  • 7 continental style buffet breakfasts
  • 5 lunches on board whale swims 
  • 6 dinners
  • Use of snorkelling gear and wetsuits


Exclusions

  • Flights to and from Tonga
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Lunch on the non-whale swim day (options include eating in local eateries or buying food and making a small lunch in the accommodation or alternatively, included in the supplementary snorkelling tour).  
  • Lunch on Sunday (options same as the non whale swim day or alternatively, included in the supplementary snorkelling tour).
  • Two evening meals 
Supplements

If you would like to arrive earlier / leave later, we can organise additional nights accommodation for you. 

Payment terms summary

  • 20% non-refundable deposit on booking.
  • Final non-refundable payment 60 days in advance. 
  • For full terms and conditions including cancellation policy, see booking page. 
  • Credit card payments attract a surcharge. 
Please contact us to enquire about group bookings.