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Tonga Whale Encounters tour
10 Days Starting and ending in Tongatapu, Tonga
Visiting: Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Tonga
Tour operator:
Tour code:
181
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
12-75
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Tonga Whale Encounters tour, where you'll have the rare opportunity to swim alongside majestic humpback whales over three exhilarating days. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with snorkeling gear, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard hire included for your enjoyment. Experience the serene beauty of Tonga with a 2-hour off-grid tour and ample beach time to unwind. Your journey begins in Tongatapu, where you'll stay for two nights before flying to the stunning Ha'apai islands for a seven-night stay in beachfront fales. Enjoy seamless travel with domestic flight tickets and 24-hour return airport transfers. Indulge in delicious meals and soak in the vibrant Tongan culture, making this a truly immersive wildlife tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Tonga, Transfer To Hotel
Location: Tongatapu
Accommodation Name: Tongatapu hotel
Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Tonga we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Day 2 : Fly To Ha'apai. Free Time
Location: Ha'apai
Accommodation Name: Fales at Kite Surf Tonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic terminal for your scenic flight to the beautiful and remote islands of Ha'apai. The local team will be waiting at the Ha'apai airport to transfer you to your beachfront fale at Kite Surf Tonga, home for the next 7 nights. The rest of the day is free to settle in, explore, try some snorkelling off the beach and attend an informative whale briefing in preparation for your excursion tomorrow. In the evening, watch the sunset from your beachfront property.
Day 3 : Swim With The Humpback Whales
Location: Ha'apai
Accommodation Name: Fales at Kite Surf Tonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we board our whale watching vessel (see tour notes for more information about the vessel we use) at 8.30 to 9am for a 6-hour trip on the water. Your professional guides are eager to introduce the majestic Tongan Humpback whales. Our aim is to take you into the water for memories that will last a lifetime. Lunch is served onboard and all equipment is provided. Arriving back at around 2.30pm allows time to relax and look at your photos, take a walk along the beach and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. Dinner is normally served just after sunset.
Day Of Rest And Reflection In Tonga
Location: Tonga
Accommodation Name: Fales at Kite Surf Tonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
King George Tupou I pledged The Kingdom of Tonga and its people to heaven making Sunday a strict day of rest in the kingdom. It is actually illegal to work on the Sabbath. You can chose to begin your day by visiting a local church to hear the angelic voices of the choir or simply enjoy a day of your choice. The resort is open all day and swimming, snorkeling, cycling, kayaking, eating and drinking are all options for this restful day in Tonga.
Day 5 : Swim With The Humpback Whales
Location: Ha'apai
Accommodation Name: Fales at Kite Surf Tonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we head out for our second day into the crystal clear waters of Ha'apai to join the Humpback whales for further adventures and memories of a lifetime. Excellent food is provided in our ocean front restaurant as we share our experiences of the day.
Day 6 : Swim With The Humpback Whales
Location: Ha'apai
Accommodation Name: Fales at Kite Surf Tonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we head out for our final day into the crystal clear waters of Ha'apai to join the Humpback whales for further adventures and memories of a lifetime.
Day 7 : Free Day With 2 Hour Off Grid Tour
Location: Ha'apai
Accommodation Name: Fales at Kite Surf Tonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your day is free today to relax at the resort. We keep this free in case any of your earlier whale swims need rescheduling due to weather issues. If all has gone to plan, then your day is free and you could ride a bike, hire a car and explore the island's resorts, other snorkeling spots, beaches or the local cafe. Or you may simply relax at the resort - scuba diving, sea kayaks or snorkel the reef in front of the resort are options. An additional whale swimming trip may also be booked with the resort (subject to existing bookings and space on the boat). Also today, a 2 hour off-grid tour is included where you will learn about how the resort has embraced sustainability, with detailed explanations of their solar setup, composting techniques and a visit to the hydroponic fruit and vegetable gardens.
Day 8 : Ha'apai. Free Time
Location: Ha'apai
Accommodation Name: Fales at Kite Surf Tonga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your day is free today to relax on the beach, go cycling or kayaking, scuba diving or snorkelling. We also keep today free in case poor weather or other reasons have meant we need to reschedule one of our earlier whale safaris. You can also book additional safaris while at the resort if you wish. Excellent food is provided in the resort's ocean front restaurant and a farewell bonfire is lit as the Milky Way falls across the night sky.
Day 9 : Fly To Tongatapu, Free Time
Location: Tongatapu
Accommodation Name: Tongatapu hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we fly back to the main island of Tongatapu and transfer to our hotel. Options are available through your hotel to book a half day island tour. Here you can learn more about Tongan lifestyle, culture, heritage and traditions, see demonstrations and learn about the customs and stories of the old times and visit the busy Tongan Market where the locals throng to purchase and sell their produce. The market provides a great opportunity to purchase handicrafts, local fruit and take photos. Tours also visit the Royal Tombs where the late King George IV is laid to rest, along with the Royal Palace, and the Eastern Side of Tonga with Captain Cook's Landing, the Ancient Burial Tomb's and the Ha'amonga Trilithon, a stone arch which was said to have been built 1200AD, an impressive movement of 80 tonnes of stone and a story of a warrior king. In the evening you could visit the Ohelei Beach Resort for a Tongan feast, cultural show and live music to make you feel right at home in with the Tongan culture and history.
Day 10 : Free Day, Transfer To Airport
Location: Tongatapu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free time until transferring to the airport for your international departure flight. You may wish to revisit the main Tongatapu market today, as Saturday tends to be the busiest time of the whole week, a great chance for a final taste of Tonga and some souvenirs.
What's Included
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Accommodation
2* -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners -
Domestic flight tickets
The tour includes domestic flight tickets for seamless travel between Tongatapu and Ha'apai.
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3 boat trips to swim with the whales
Enjoy 3 boat trips designed for swimming with humpback whales.
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Snorkelling equipment
Snorkelling equipment is provided for your use during the tour.
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Free stand-up paddleboard and kayak hire
Free hire of stand-up paddleboards and kayaks is available.
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Free snorkelling gear hire
Snorkelling gear is available for hire at no additional cost.
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2-hour off-grid tour at Kite Surf Tonga
Participate in a 2-hour off-grid tour at Kite Surf Tonga.
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24-hour return airport transfers
24-hour return airport transfers are included for your convenience.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.
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Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses are not included in the tour.
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Tips or gratuities
Any tips or gratuities for your tour leaders or guides are not included.
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Any other items not mentioned
Any other items not mentioned in the inclusions are excluded.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes domestic flight tickets and 24-hour return airport transfers, ensuring seamless travel between Tongatapu and Ha'apai.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights at a hotel in Tongatapu and 7 nights in beachfront fales at Kite Surf Tonga in Ha'apai, offering a perfect blend of comfort and island charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are included during the free days on the tour?
During the free days, you can relax at the resort, go cycling, kayaking, scuba diving, or snorkeling. You can also explore the island's resorts, other snorkeling spots, beaches, or the local cafe. An optional guided tour around the island is available, and additional whale swimming trips can be booked, subject to availability.
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What is the significance of the day of rest in Tonga?
In Tonga, Sunday is a strict day of rest due to King George Tupou I pledging the Kingdom of Tonga and its people to heaven. It is illegal to work on the Sabbath, and visitors can choose to attend a local church service or enjoy a restful day with activities like swimming, snorkeling, cycling, and kayaking.
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What can I expect during the whale watching trips?
The whale watching trips involve boarding a traditional Tongan fishing vessel for a 6-hour trip on the water. Professional guides will introduce you to the majestic Tongan Humpback whales, and the aim is to take you into the water for a memorable experience. Lunch is served onboard, and all necessary equipment is provided.
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What is included in the 2-hour off-grid tour at Kite Surf Tonga?
The 2-hour off-grid tour at Kite Surf Tonga includes learning about the resort's sustainability practices, such as their solar setup, composting techniques, and a visit to the hydroponic fruit and vegetable gardens.
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What cultural experiences are available on the tour?
Cultural experiences include an optional half-day island tour on Tongatapu, where you can learn about Tongan lifestyle, culture, heritage, and traditions. You can also visit the Tongan Market, Royal Tombs, Royal Palace, and historical sites like Captain Cook's Landing and the Ha'amonga Trilithon. In the evening, you can enjoy a Tongan feast, cultural show, and live music at Ohelei Beach Resort.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.