2020 - Expert Led Tonga Swim 27 Aug - 3 Sep

Overview

Your 8-day tour starts the moment you land in Tonga when we pick you up from Nuku’Alofa airport and we transport you to your hotel. You will be met by your tour leader 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 or relax. This includes the Sunday, which is a cultural day off. On this day you can attend a local church service (an amazing cultural experience in itself), hang out at the accommodation or take the supplementary snorkelling day tour to picturesque Pangaimotu Island which includes lunch. There is a cultural tour included with lunch. All meals are provided with vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements accommodated*. 

For five of the days we will be heading to the harbour and boarding our vessel. As our trips are all guided by Licensed Whale Swim operator and guides we can cater for most experience levels, even younger children. We may start the day for newcomers with a snorkel dive on one of the pristine reefs. 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 over an hour. It just depends on the whales‘ mood and that’s where our experts make all the difference to your experience.   

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 3am 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 6:30am. 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.

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. 

Thursday (Day 8) 

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

Inclusions

• 8 nights’ accommodation in a Superior Room at the Tanoa dateline hotel.
• 5 days of swimming.
• Airport and vessel transfers.
• Expert guides and hospitality staff on hand 24/7
• All breakfasts and dinners. Lunches every day except Sunday. 
• Use of snorkeling gear and wetsuits

Exclusions

• Flights to and from Tonga
• Pangaimotu Island trip (on Sunday) 
• Alcoholic drinks
• Items of a personal nature

Single supplement

• Single room supplement AU$1,039.
• Room upgrade to an Ocean View room AU$320. 

Payment terms summary

• 20% non-refundable deposit.
• Final non-refundable payment 60 days in advance. 
• For full terms and conditions including cancellation policy, see below. 
• Credit card payments attract a 1.8% surcharge.