Hello,

I'd like to ask about snorkeling with whales in Tonga.

Has anyone been and can recommend a good local operator?

Is Tonga worth in front of French Polynesia for example?

It's a destination that has always caught my attention, but because of how expensive it is I've never been able to go.

 

Thank you very much.

I've not been, though I know the author of this website and it gives a reasonable rundown of Whale swimming in Tonga and how to get there and what to expect - for example the country is pretty much closed for business on Sundays. I know a few others who have been and they all sing its praises,

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Humpback Whales of Tonga - The Complete Guide | Indopacif...

The Complete Guide to the Humpback Whales of Tonga has all the information needed to plan that once in a lifetime trip to this special place

Thank you very much Chris I will have a look.

I’m planning a visit to Tonga for next season so have been researching also. I have the advantage of working with a colleague from there who has a relative in the humpback swimming business, and I’ve been to Tongatapu and Vava’u before. In addition to the excellent info in the website that Chris posted I can add a couple of things.

First, everyone wants to go to Vava’u. It is certainly the most scenic part of the country with the best tourism infrastructure and most activities when you’re not swimming. It is also the most crowded during whale season. The rules restrict the numbers of boats and swimmers near the whales, and there are complaints about needing to wait your turn. That can happen anywhere of course, but is more likely in the more popular spots. That also means you need to book well in advance. It’s already tight for 2026.

Second, it’s worth considering ‘Eua as an alternative. It’s less busy, but still good for swimming with whales. But there’s also less to do out of the water.

Finally, tourism infrastructure and accommodation is basic compared to Fiji or French Polynesia. Domestic flights are less than reliable so it’s good to allow for flexibility in the itinerary. Tonga is an authentic South Pacific experience that operates on island time. Personally I love it there but it’s not for 5 star resorts. Adjust expectations accordingly!

Out of curiosity, how many boat trips are needed to have a good experience?

And, not including air transfer to go there, how much can a stay there with the trips to swim with the whales cost?

Davide, that’s always the big question for any destination, right? I’m planning a week to be safe, but I’ve heard three days is also OK. During the season there are lots of whales, and weather should be mild, but you never know when planning a year in advance. For me the extra few days is not an huge addition compared to the total cost and time of the trip.

Regular hotels are around USD 150-200, there are a couple more expensive options, and some cheap homestays. Boat trips are around USD 250 a day. Daily costs on the ground are reasonable. Most operators want to sell a package for multiple days accommodation and swimming which run a bit more expensive but it’s possible to put it together yourself. Costs in Tongatapu and Vava’u are a bit more, in ‘Eua a bit less.

As for getting there, depending on your route, it may be necessary to overnight in Tongatapu before a domestic flight to Vava’u or ‘Eua and those are typically not cheap. It’s better to get a direct flight from Fiji or Auckland.

14 hours ago, Troporobo said:

Davide, that’s always the big question for any destination, right? I’m planning a week to be safe, but I’ve heard three days is also OK. During the season there are lots of whales, and weather should be mild, but you never know when planning a year in advance. For me the extra few days is not an huge addition compared to the total cost and time of the trip.

Regular hotels are around USD 150-200, there are a couple more expensive options, and some cheap homestays. Boat trips are around USD 250 a day. Daily costs on the ground are reasonable. Most operators want to sell a package for multiple days accommodation and swimming which run a bit more expensive but it’s possible to put it together yourself. Costs in Tongatapu and Vava’u are a bit more, in ‘Eua a bit less.

As for getting there, depending on your route, it may be necessary to overnight in Tongatapu before a domestic flight to Vava’u or ‘Eua and those are typically not cheap. It’s better to get a direct flight from Fiji or Auckland.

Thank you very much Troporobo for the good piece of information, it will be very useful.

Could you recommend any of the operators you have look at?

The ones that I have seen are much more expensive than that.

I have not been to Tonga for the whales yet, so I can’t recommend an operator. Here are some useful links. I’ve been sending inquiries to the the operators directly, rather than packaged tour operators, to ask for rates and availability for next year. The first link lists all of the licensed operators.

https://tongapocketguide.com/the-guide-to-whale-swimming-in-tonga/

https://tongapocketguide.com/10-best-whale-swim-tours-in-vavau/

https://tongatourism.travel/swim-with-whales/

9 hours ago, Troporobo said:

I have not been to Tonga for the whales yet, so I can’t recommend an operator. Here are some useful links. I’ve been sending inquiries to the the operators directly, rather than packaged tour operators, to ask for rates and availability for next year. The first link lists all of the licensed operators.

https://tongapocketguide.com/the-guide-to-whale-swimming-in-tonga/

https://tongapocketguide.com/10-best-whale-swim-tours-in-vavau/

https://tongatourism.travel/swim-with-whales/

Thank you very much Troporobo.

I will have a look.

Cheers.

I’d like to offer a quick additional insight. Tonga, like many south Pacific destinations, is a developing country with many local tourism operators still learning the ropes of international marketing. Many will deliver a great experience but have an amateur internet presence, or even none at all. Email and even phone calls may work better than websites. The slick websites are often run by overseas operators, though to be fair, some may be palangis (non-Polynesians) who’ve dedicated their lives and investments to the place. I know it’s difficult to judge from afar, and a risk, but sometimes the more local the presence the more authentic the experience. As always, your mileage may.