Since 2006, I have chartered a boat in Tonga to swim with whales. Over the years I have learned that a small group has more success in terms of quality whale encounters than large groups. One reason is noise. New mothers like it quiet, and boats with a small number of people that swim quietly and stay together in the water behave in a manner that puts the female at ease. Once a female with new calf is comfortable with the swimmers presence, the baby is allowed to play and check out the humans. This kind of organic mutual interaction can last an hour or more. Words are hard to find to describe the joyous feelings in ones heart when a baby whale makes direct eye contact. It is absolutely life changing.
I booked accommodations and chartered a private boat on Sept 6-20, 2023, and again August 21-Sept 4, 2024 in Vavau' Tonga. The goal is to take four people so everyone gets the most time in the water with whales. The 2023 trip was full until recently when a married couple canceled. So, as of now both trips have two spaces open. Since the trip is exclusive in terms of number of people, everyone on the boat will get the most time with the whales as possible. Exclusivity however does have its price and part of it is sharing the cost of the boat. Most of the whale swim boats in 2023, will charge between $2,000 and $2,500 US per day. Part of the reason is inflation. since the pandemic the price for gas has gone from $2 per liter to over $6.
The adventure includes 14 nights accommodation, breakfast, 11 days of private charter with lunch on the boat, and final night dinner. Flights and meals not mentioned, are not included. Those interested in joining need only send a message. If you know someone that might be interested please share this information.
