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Whale Swim Private Charter

Whale Swim Private Charter

Private Charter for up to 8 guests

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***PLEASE NOTE ALL BOOKINGS ARE NOW ON REQUEST BASIS ONLY AND CONFIRMATION WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN 48HRS OF DEPOSIT PAID***

INCLUSIONS

🐋 Private Boat Charter for up to 8 swimmers and 2 watchers

🐋 1 Full-day adventure (up to 7 hours) with a scenic lunch stop on picturesque island.
🐋 Morning tea and lunch included– enjoy tasty refreshments throughout the day.
🐋 All snorkel equipment provided– wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel.
🐋 Friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable crewto guide you every step of the way.
🐋 Return transfers from your accommodation included– no need to worry about transport.

DETAILS

What to Expect

Your whale swim adventure is a full-day experience (around 7 hours), departing from Faua Wharf in Nuku’alofa at approximately 8:30 AM and returning by 3:30 PM.

Throughout the day, we will be on the lookout for opportunities to observe and snorkel with these gentle giants. Midday, we take a break on a picturesque island for lunch – one of the highlights of the trip! Weather permitting, there may also be time for a relaxing snorkel around the island. After lunch, if time and conditions allow, we’ll try for one more swim before heading back to shore.

Every day on the water is different. Our experienced crew understands the importance of mutual respect and patience, which often leads to more meaningful and longer-lasting interactions with the whales – the kind of moments you'll never forget.

Of course, the weather and whale behavior are both unpredictable – that's the beauty of nature! If you’re able to, we highly recommend booking multiple days to increase your chances of experiencing those truly magical encounters with the whales of Tonga.

Is Tongatapu a great place to swim with the whales?

Absolutely! Tonga plays a crucial role as a breeding ground for a large portion of the world’s humpback whale population.

Here in Tongatapu, we’re lucky to enjoy strong whale numbers and a longer season—thanks to our more southern location—which means more opportunities for unforgettable encounters in the water.

Tongatapu not only offers consistency when it comes to whale watching and swimming, but it’s also an easy, stress-free destination to reach, with regular international flights from New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia—all well-connected globally.

And the best part? There’s so much more to discover while you’re here. Head over to our Destination Tongatapu page to see what else is waiting for you!

Whale Season Tonga

Available July, August & September - MONDAY to SATURDAY

Tonga's Humpback whale swim season begins on July 1st, perfectly timed with the arrival of the whales as they make their way to the warm tropical waters of Tonga to mate and give birth.

The season gradually winds down in late October, as the whales begin their long journey back to their feeding grounds in Antarctica.


Important Information

  • Swimming with whales takes place in the open ocean - You'll use flippers (fins), a mask, and snorkel – no scuba gear required.
  • You must be a confident ocean swimmer - Participants need to comfortably swim using snorkel gear and climb a ladder back onto the boat.
  • Conditions can vary -Expect anything from glassy calm waters to swell and wind chop – it’s the open sea, after all!
  • Only licensed operators may conduct whale swims in Tonga -We only book with full compliance operators under local regulations.
  • A maximum of 4 swimmers are allowed in the water at a time, always accompanied by a qualified guide.

Strict whale interaction guidelines are in place These include:
 • No duck diving or free diving
 • No approaching within 5 metres of the whales
 • Always follow your guide’s instructions

Pricing

Pricing

All pricing is in Australian Dollars (AUD) Valid for the 2025 season.

DISCOUNTS OFFERED FOR MULTI DAY SWIMS

Cancellation fees

Cancellation fee is 15% if cancelled 30 days prior

Do trips cancel if the weather is bad?

Trips will be shortened or cancelled should the captain deem the ocean conditions too rough or unsafe. We will always do our best to accommodate you on another trip, however that will not always be possible.

If we are unable to accommodate you on another trip you will be offered a refund less 10%

A lot of factors are taken into consideration before a trip is cancelled, including visibility, swell, wind, wind drift and the individual vessel. In some cases one vessel my go out and the other may not, this is due to different thresholds and individual captains decision.

All our tours are subject to the weather, the sea conditions, wildlife behaviour and minimum numbers to operate.

What experience do I need to swim with the whales?

The whale swim excursion is an open ocean experience. For maximum enjoyment, swimmers should be confident in the ocean and have a reasonable level of snorkelling experience and fitness.

If you’re not experienced, then that is also okay, and our crew will work with you to accommodate your ability. Please just understand that requiring assistance may limit your experience and time in the water. You are required to accept these limitations if assistance is required, and that these limitations are not grounds for a refund.


Guests will need to be able to climb a ladder under their own power to get out of the water and back onto the boat.

What equipment is provided?

Wetsuits. All swimmers are fitted with a 2.5mm spring suit. We also have a small selection of long wetsuits available. Or you can bring your own.

Snorkel & Mask. If this will be your first time using a snorkel and mask, then we recommend having a practice first if you can. You could even check out some you tube videos on how to use

If you have a set of your own that you are used to wearing, then bring that for best fit. Please note that full face masks are not allowed.

Fins / Flippers. Wearing fins is required, please advise your crew if there is any reason you can’t. If this will be your first time wearing fins then we recommend practicing first if you can, or check you tube for some tips.

You are also welcome to bring your own fins – we do however prefer guests not to bring freediving fins or carbon fibre fins. Free diving with the humpback whales in Tonga is strictly not allowed and as we are swimming in close proximity carbon fibre fins can cause injury to other guests.

What to bring?

Everyone can bring phones and cameras to capture pictures.
Our guide, where possible, will also take basic GoPro footage to share with you.
Swimmers should also bring:
– Swimsuit (have on already to put your wetsuit over),
– Towel and clothing to put on at the end of the day and a small bag which is able to accommodate your dry clothing on board the boat.
– Sunblock, sunhat and sunglasses.
– Sea sickness medication if it may be needed. Some recommend taking the night before

Can my children swim with the whales?

We often get asked if there is a discount for children swimming with the whales. unfortunately, there is not. We strictly only take 8 swimmers on our vessel at a time and a child is considered as one of those swimmers.

All children aged under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult, who must take full responsibility for that child, in the water, on land and on board the boat at all times.

For whale swim tours we recommend a minimum age of 8 years old, due to the length of time spent on the boat, and the nature of the activity.

Children will need to be confident in the water and comfortable spending the day onboard. Crew reserve the right to not allow a child to enter the water if they deem conditions to be high risk. This is not grounds for seeking a refund for the tour.

Please enquire if this tour is right for your child.

We do have child size equipment however do advise bringing the goggles or mask your child is most used to swimming in for their comfort and confidence.

EXPERIENCE TONGA

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