ADDITIONAL iNFORMATION
Where we are staying
Our private resort is located in the Kingdom of Tonga on Uoleva Island in the Ha’apai group and is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Tongan group.
We are located on the Western side of Uoleva, 300m from the Northern tip of the island, closest to Lifuka Island. The kitesurfing lagoon is found on the Eastern side of the island.
Of Ha’apai’s 62 islands, 45 are uninhabited, which allows visitors to feel that raw beauty that is uninterrupted by crowds of people.
There are a couple of volcano’s, Kao and Tofua, included in this beautiful South Pacific island chain that you can see from Uoleva. On a really clear day you can see Tofua still smoking!
Uoleva Island has only 4 permanent inhabitants this tropical ocean paradise is bound to be loved by all.
In the water
We will be out on the water for approximately 6 hours each day.
On our boat there will be a total of ten individuals: seven guests, an experienced skipper with extensive knowledge of navigating these waters, a well-versed whale swim guide familiar with whale behaviour, and your trip leader, Magenta.
The guests will be divided into two groups, taking turns for drops into the water. Each time, the group will be accompanied by the guide and Magenta .
Our top priority is to respect the whales and the decision of when and how to enter the water is at the discretion of the captain and guide.
We want the whales to return year after year and for their impressions of human interactions positive ones.
Swimming & fitness
We are snorkelling with the whales rather than scuba diving. Typically, in the water we remain on the surface with limited instances of diving down.
Occasionally, and under the guide's discretion, participants may be allowed to dive down, but only in specific circumstances. It is not necessary to take free diving lessons before you come with us.
Its essential participants have the ability to swim a significant distance and feel at ease treading water.
Sometimes we are swimming for extended periods and being comfortable with your gear and in deep water is essential.
Swimming with whales can vary from a tranquil and calm experience to one that is strenuous and physically demanding.
The duration of each interaction with the whales varies, contingent on factors such as the whale's behaviour. For example, with a relaxed mother and calf, we might spend approximately 20 minutes per drop before rotating to give the next group a turn. In instances like a heat run, where the whales move swiftly, each drop may last less than a minute. The number of group switches depends on the whale's best interest and the nature of each interaction.
Some days we may have limited whale interactions, as these are wild animals, and we cannot guarantee extensive swims daily.
Gear
We recommend you invest in a really good mask, snorkel and fins. Get properly fitted at your local dive store or email Magenta for advice.
We also recommend that you practice and use your gear before coming on the trip to ensure its comfortable and working well.
This can make or break your swim!
We suggest a 1.5 - 3mm full body wetsuit depending on much you feel the cold.
The water is a comfortable temperature however getting back on the boat between swims and staying wet most of the day can get chilly.
Consider bringing a weight belt if you find you are too buoyant in a thicker wetsuit.
The boat
Our boat, Tropic bird, stands out as one of the most comfortable vessels in Tonga, promising an experience like no other.
Licensed and surveyed to carry 12 passengers and 2 experienced crew members. This ensures a personalised and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
Tropic bird has a full shade cover and dedicated seat for each passenger, as well as a ladder and a swim platform for seamless entry and exit from the water.
As a New Zealand-built coastguard search and rescue vessel, Tropic Bird guarantees a comfortable ride, no matter the weather conditions. Our boat is crafted to handle various elements, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout your adventure.
Tropic Bird also has a hydrophone with a speaker fitted so that you can hear the beautiful whale song above the water!
Photography
You are most welcome to bring any camera equipment you have out on the boat.
Go pros and cameras in an underwater casing are optimal.
Magenta will have her camera on the boat every day and is happy to share tips and with you back at the resort.
If your lucky she will snap an epic shot of you with the whales!
Capturing the extraordinary moments during our experiences is highly encouraged, and bringing home photos and videos to cherish for a lifetime is truly worthwhile.
However it is also highly recommended to have some swims where you just leave the camera behind and enjoy the moment.
Getting to Tonga
Firstly you need to get an international flight to Nuku’alofa, Tonga. See below for international flight options available. Please note these are subject to change so its best to check with each airline.
Air New Zealand
From Australia to Tonga: 4 days a week flights to and from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Tonga via Auckland.
From New Zealand to Tonga: Six flights per week to Tonga.
From UK/Europe: Daily flights from London to Auckland via Los Angeles, alternatively connecting flights via Hong Kong to Auckland connecting to Tonga five times per week.
From USA to Tonga: Daily flights from Los Angeles to Auckland connecting to Tonga six times a week.
Qantas
From Australia to Tonga: Two flights per week from Sydney to Tonga.
From Australia to Tonga: Two flights per week from Sydney to Nadi with connecting flights to Tonga.
Fiji Airways
From USA to Fiji: Six flights a week from Honolulu to Fiji and LA to Fiji.
From Fiji to Tonga: 6 flights per week to Tonga.
where to stay in Nukualofa (the main island)
If you are stopping over in Nuku’alofa to sight see or because of flight times, there are quite a few options for accommodation. , If you wish to go to town taxis are $50 one way.
For stays in town 45min taxi ride away. Please go to http://www.tongaholiday.com/where-to-stay/ and select Tongatapu places to stay.
For nicer accomodation and on the more pricey side …….
https://www.littleitalytonga.com/
https://www.seaview-lodge.com/
For more rustic, local and cheaper accomodation check out …...
I do not recommend Tanoa Hotel and unfortunately there isn’t really any accomodation close to the airport.
Currency exchange
The currency used in Tonga is the Tongan Panga. You can get some TOP out at the ATM at the international airport in Tongatapu. You may need some local currency for taxis etc.
Beverages and snacks can be purchased at the resort and its a good idea to bring cash for this.
Food & Dietry requIrEments
Breakfasts are fruit, toasts, cereals, tea and coffee. Lunches are a packed lunch consisting of an item, fruit and cake. Eg. quiche, salad, banana cake and apple.
Dinners are home cooked hearty meals. The resort serves fresh fish about 2 times a week depending on the local catch. They can cater for some dietary requirements but you need to advise us before you arrive so they can prepare. A lot of meals have rice, breads & potatoes. Please note there are snacks available for sale. Black tea is available throughout the day and coffee can be purchased outside of breakfast times.
Breakfast is 7.30am-9am, Lunches are a packed lunch and will be available after breakfast for you to take with you for the day, Dinner is at 7pm.
Sundays
Sunday is by law a day of rest for the Tongans. We will not be going whale swimming on Sunday. Its a days for relaxing, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and eating!
Itinerary
DAY 1
Fly from Nuku-alofa to Ha-apai
Car and boat transfer from Ha'apai airport to Fanifo Lofa (your accommodation)
Rest and explore for the afternoon
Welcome circle, introductions and boat briefings
DAY 2
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Whale swimming approx 6 hours
Accommodation Fanifo Lofa
DAY 3
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Whale swimming approx 6 hours
Accommodation Fanifo Lofa
DAY 4
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Whale swimming approx 6 hours
Accommodation Fanifo Lofa
DAY 5
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Whale swimming approx 6 hours
Accommodation Fanifo Lofa
DAY 6
Sunday, day of rest
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Whale swimming approx 6 hours
Accommodation Fanifo Lofa
Closing circle/farewell dinner
DAY 8
Breakfast
Boat transfer to Ha'apai Airport, return to Tongatapu
*Please note:
The program may change according to the group needs and weather conditions
Before we meet in Tonga there will be an opportunity for a group zoom call where Magenta can answer any questions you may have share a little more information about what to expect.
Please feel free to email me and or call anytime with any additional questions.
Payment Options
Transfer to our New Zealand Bank account
M A Hyde
38-9012-0505605-01
Kiwibank Limited,
Level 9, 20 Customhouse Quay,
Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
SWIFT code: KIWINZ22
(11 character SWIFT code, in this instance please use KIWINZ22XXX.)
Wise.com
Bitcoin
Direct message me for payment address