Are you craving an experience of a lifetime on your next holiday? The Kingdom of Tonga, located in the beautiful South Pacific islands is known as the ‘Friendly Islands’ and offers one of the most amazing adventures you will ever discover; swimming with Humpback Whales! Here at Spacifica Travel we love to help you immerse yourself in a new destination, culture and lifestyle. Read on for more details on how to become friends with the locals above and beneath the sparkling blue waters.

How to get there

Tonga is more easily accessible than you might think! Direct flights with Qantas currently operate out of Sydney and in just over 4 ½ hours you’ll be hovering above the 176 spectacular islands of Tonga on-board one of the most scenic flights in the world. You’ll land in Nuku’alofa the capital of Tonga on Tongatapu – the main island located in the southern group of islands.

When should I visit?

Our team are huge fans of the South Pacific islands and all agree there is never a bad time to visit this beautiful part of the world. However to take advantage of the peak whale watching season, we suggest anytime between July and October is best.

When should I book?

Tonga is a beautiful destination offering stunning landscapes, rich culture and new adventures. If you are planning a visit to experience the whales then it is imperative you book well in advance due to the limited season and to avoid disappointment in missing out.

Where should I stay?

Out of 176 islands, only 40 of these are inhabited and Tongatapu is the main island of Tonga. This is a great base offering local insight into the culture, history and daily life of this humble nation. If you are planning to explore some of the outer islands, our team definitely suggest staying in the capital city for at least one night before and after your arrival so you can relax and ensure your flight times are managed with ease.

Accommodation

Seaview Lodge is located on the waterfront within easy walking distance to the city centre where you can enjoy lively markets, shops and cafes. With an award-winning restaurant on site you will be dining like royalty for every meal. With a range of rooms to choose from, our favourite is the Sea View category offering the most amazing views from your private balcony.

Waterfront Lodge is another favourite and located opposite the wharf, also just a short stroll to downtown. This small boutique property has just 8 rooms all with garden or ocean views to enjoy on your Tongan getaway.

Southern Humpback Whales visit

After a long journey north from the icy waters of Antarctica, the southern humpback whales take shelter in the tropical protected waters of Tonga to mate and also give birth to their young. They usually arrive from July and hang around for about 4 months until October. This remarkable cycle has the new calves returning to where they were conceived some 11 months earlier!

Swimming with the whales

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with these majestic creatures. Operators are committed to responsible and respectful practices to ensure the safety of both humans and the whales. Tongan regulations allow for a maximum of 4 guests in the water at any one time and it is important for all visitors to follow ethical guidelines while whale watching to minimise the disturbances to the whales.

What to expect

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for your fun filled day of adventure! After a safety briefing and rundown on your day you will head out of the harbour on the look-out for whale spouts. Your skipper will be en-route to calm waters to maximise the trip of a lifetime for his passengers. Whilst every experience is different, remember you are amongst nature and the interactions are entirely up to the whales on the day. Some will offer a fleeting encounter and others will frolic with their calves coming closer to play. You may even be lucky enough to witness a ‘heat run’ where a group of males jostle each other for the affections of a female whale. Whichever it is we are sure your adrenaline rush will be one to remember!

What to bring

It is always a good idea to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to bring along appropriate clothing, reef friendly sunscreen, motion sickness tablets if needed and your underwater camera or Go-Pro. The crystal clear waters of Tonga provide fantastic opportunities to capture the most breath-taking shots of these magnificent creatures in their own playground with a stunning turquoise backdrop.

Let’s go to Tonga

Whale watching in Tonga offers a chance to witness these enormous, friendly creatures up close in their natural environment and will leave you with memories of a lifetime. More than anything we encourage you to approach this activity with respect and consideration to conservation to help protect these beautiful animals for future generations. Contact our team for more details on a visit to Tonga and more information on other activities you can enjoy!