swimming with humpbacks Tonga - tour information

Where We Are Staying

Our private resort is located in the breath taking Kingdom of Tonga, on Uoleva Island in the Ha’apai group. This hidden paradise is one of the most stunning islands in Tonga, offering unspoiled beaches and a pristine marine environment perfect for swimming with humpbacks.

Situated on the western side of Uoleva, just 300m from the northern tip, our resort provides easy access to the warm, crystal-clear waters where humpbacks migrate each year. The island’s secluded nature, with 45 of Ha’apai’s 62 islands uninhabited, creates the perfect setting for an intimate connection with nature.

With only four permanent residents on Uoleva, you’ll truly experience the raw beauty of Tonga—a tranquil haven where the ocean meets the sky, and where swimming with humpbacks becomes an unforgettable reality.

swimming with humpbacks

Each day, we spend approximately six hours on the water for our whale swimming experience in Tonga. My boat carries a small group of just seven guests, accompanied by an experienced skipper, a whale swim guide, and me as your trip leader.

To ensure a safe and respectful experience, guests are divided into two groups, taking turns entering the water. The decision of when and how to swim with the humpbacks is always at the discretion of the captain and guide, prioritizing ethical interactions that allow these incredible creatures to return to Tonga year after year.

Every humpback swim is unique, ranging from peaceful moments with resting whales to exciting encounters with playful calves. Whether it’s a slow-moving mother and calf or a high-energy heat run, we adjust each drop accordingly, always keeping the humpbacks’ best interests in mind.

Swimming & Fitness

My encounters involve swimming at the surface with snorkels rather than scuba diving, allowing for a low-impact, respectful interaction with the humpbacks. While deep dives are occasionally permitted under the guide’s discretion, most of the time, participants will remain at the surface.

It’s important that all guests are confident swimming in open water and can tread water comfortably. Some encounters require extended periods of swimming, making familiarity with your gear essential. The experience of swimming with humpbacks can vary from tranquil to physically demanding, depending on ocean conditions and the whales' movements.

As these are wild animals, every day brings different opportunities, and while we aim for incredible encounters, we cannot guarantee lengthy humpback swims daily.

Gear

For the best humpback swimming experience, I recommend investing in high-quality snorkel gear, including a properly fitted mask, snorkel, and fins. A well-fitted wetsuit (1.5–3mm) is also recommended, as you’ll be in the water for extended periods.

Being comfortable in your gear is crucial, so practice using it before your trip. A good setup can make or break your swimming experience. If you need recommendations, feel free to reach out to Me.

The Boat

Our boat, Tropic Bird, is comfortable, well-equipped and designed to enhance your humpback swimming adventure. Licensed to carry 12 passengers and two crew members, it offers ample space, shade cover, and a dedicated swim platform for easy entry and exit.

As a New Zealand-built coastguard search and rescue vessel, Tropic Bird ensures a smooth ride even in varying weather conditions. Plus, with an onboard hydrophone, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to listen to humpback whale songs as you prepare for your next swim!

Photography

Capturing your whale swimming experience is encouraged, and you’re welcome to bring GoPros or underwater cameras. I will have my camera onboard daily and can share photography tips back at the resort.

However, I also recommend taking some moments to put the camera down and fully immerse yourself in the experience of swimming with humpbacks—the memories will last a lifetime.

Getting to Tonga

To begin your humpback swimming adventure, you'll first need to fly to Nuku’alofa, Tonga. From there, a short domestic flight will take you to Ha’apai, where we’ll arrange your transfers to Uoleva Island.

International flight routes to Tonga include:

• Air New Zealand: Flights from Australia, New Zealand, USA, and the UK via Auckland.

• Qantas: Direct flights from Sydney, plus connections through Fiji.

• Fiji Airways: Flights from the USA to Fiji, with onward connections to Tonga.

For those stopping over in Nuku’alofa, there are several accommodation options, from budget-friendly stays to 3 star resorts. Contact Magenta for recommendations.

Currency Exchange

The local currency in Tonga is the Tongan Pa’anga (TOP). ATMs are available at the international airport in Nuku’alofa, and it’s advisable to have some local cash for taxis, small purchases, and beverages at the resort.

Food & Dietary Requirements

My all-inclusive package includes fresh, locally prepared meals. Breakfast consists of fruit, toast, cereals, tea, and coffee, while lunch is a packed meal with fresh ingredients. Dinners feature hearty home-cooked dishes, with fresh fish served when available.

Vegetarian and other dietary needs can be accommodated—please notify us in advance. Snacks are also available for purchase.

Sundays in Tonga

Sunday is a designated day of rest in Tonga, and we respect local customs by pausing our humpback swimming activities. Instead, you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the island.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ha’apai, transfer to Uoleva, welcome briefing.
Days 2–5: Full days of swimming with humpbacks (6 hours on the water).
Day 6: Sunday rest day—explore the island, snorkel, or relax.
Day 7: Final humpback swim, farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure, transfer to Ha’apai airport.

Please note: The itinerary may change based on weather conditions and whale activity.

Payment Options

Payments can be made via bank transfer to my New Zealand bank account or through Wise.com for secure international transactions.