Whale watching

In-the-know Pacific travellers aren’t the only ones to return to Tonga’s shores on a regular basis. After a long journey north from the icy krill-laden depths of Antarctica, southern humpback whales take shelter in the tropical reef-protected waters of Tonga to give birth to their young. The arrival of the whales from June to November completes a remarkable cycle, as the new calves return to where they were conceived 11 months earlier. Seen from a boat, the 40-ton whales combine grace and power, breaching out of the cobalt waters or effortlessly submerging with a final, languid flick of their tail flukes. Immersed with them in their own environment, their immense size is magnified, even a sleek two-metre calf tucked carefully beside its much larger mother. The shallow and warm waters of the Kingdom of Tonga provide the perfect viewing platform, with excellent visibility in the crystalline reefs surrounding the islands of the Vava’u group. The occasional ‘singing’ soundtrack of courting male humpbacks – a natural symphony of low notes that can carry 100km through the open ocean – segues with the excited breathing of snorkelling visitors, amazed they’re floating gently above a nursing humpback and her calf. By November, the young humpbacks’ development is well-advanced, and the magnificent creatures depart the nurturing sanctuary of Tonga’s protected reefs for the southern migration back to Antarctica. For visitors lucky enough to swim alongside the giant cetaceans, it’s the kind of indelible experience that makes them immediate advocates of the South Pacific’s only Kingdom.

Whale Watch Vava'u

Whale Watch Vava'u pioneered swimming with the humpback whales obtaining the first licence from the Tongan Government in 1993. We had our first purpose designed boat, Phoenix , built in New Zealand...

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Whales in the Wild Ltd

June thru October Whales in the Wild have been taking people out to find, watch and swim the the Humpback whales for 10 years now. We have 2 comfortable but different boats being Maris King, a ...

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Dive Vava'u

5 star SD1/TD1 resort dive centre. Offering year round diving of the reefs of Vava'u. Cavers, walls, reefs, more await divers with all levels of experience. Instruction available from discover to prof...

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Friends Tourist Center

"Helping you make friends with Tonga". Friends Tourist Center and Booking Agency is conviniently located in the center of Nukualofa right next to Friends Café on Taufa'ahau Rd. The center has a an ...

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Vavaú Game Fishing Charters

Kiwi Magic is a 34 foot sport fishing and whale watching vessel with all safety equipment, large cockpit with shade cover for protection from sun and rain, toilet. Holds current Government Survey Cert...

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Whale Discoveries

Celebrate with Whale Discoveries the annual return of the Humpback Whales from Antarctica to their breeding and calving grounds in Tonga’s Vava’u Island Group! Short-listed for the Responsible Tourism...

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Endangered Encounters Ltd

Come with us for the ultimate Whale Watch adventure! "Proteus" the most modern, comfortable, and capable charter vessel in Vava’u. Fast and stable we can go to beautiful isolated locations where y...

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Adventure Backpackers Booking Office

We handle bookings for all local operators in Vavau, for individuals or small groups, and will book you with a reliable operator at a good price. No extra booking fee is charged for this service. ...

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Melinda Sea Adventures

The Islands of Vava'u with their safe anchorages and secluded coves offer one of the world's finest year-round sailing holidays in the Pacific. Melinda Sea Adventures has been offering multiple day li...

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Ika Lahi Lodge - whale watching, fishing & diving

Ika Lahi offers a gateway to world class fishing, whale watching & diving. Our private beach offers safe swimming, snorkelling , kayaking and exploring the lagoon and fish life is hard to beat. Capt....

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Tropo

Tropo is a full service booking agent, rental management and information service on Tonga

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Dolphin Pacific Diving

Hosts to the BBC and Getaway TV , we are the company of choice for tourists and trusted by professionals. As a PADI resort ,we deliver the high quality experience you would expect on either our Whale...

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FINS 'N' FLUKES

Fins 'n' Flukes all year round offering Scuba Diving, PADI dive courses, Whale Watching (July to November), Snorkeling, Island trips, Kayaking, Bicycle Hire, Internet and Tourist Information in Ha'apa...

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SEA STAR YACHT CHARTER

The Sea Star is a classic CT 54’ centre cockpit Ketch designed for ocean sailing, offering the maximum safety and comfort, making you feel at home while cruising through the pristine blue waters of th...

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Happy Ha'apai Divers & OceanBlue Adventures

Fully licensed Whale Watching (July-October) and year round Dive Operator on the NW tip of Foa, surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Ha’apai. Matafonua and Sandy Beach Resorts are on o...

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Tongan Expeditions

Whale Watching and Fishing Charter Services with a difference. At Tongan Expeditions we aim to provide you with a complete Vava'u Experience. We offer Popper Fishing, Game Fishing, Bottom Fishing, Wh...

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Tonga National Cultural Centre

"A ONE STOP OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE TONGAN CULTURE, PAST AND PRESENT..."The Tongan people are proud of their independent past and the fact that they have been able to preserve and continue to practi...

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Ha'apai Whale and Sail Ltd

WHALE WATCHING "Join us for an unforgettable day with the humpbacks in uncrowded Ha'apai aboard our fully surveyed 7,5 metre RIB, Nauti Gal. Please see www.uoleva.com/haapaiwhaleandsail.htm for f...

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Teta Tours & Travel Ltd

Tongan owned family company. Teta Tours and Travel Ltd pioneered Tourism in Tonga and has been operating since 1967. Services provided: Tours & Travel Specialists Inbound operators Shore excursion ...

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