Swim up close with humpback whales
This snorkeling trip will be one of the best in-water experiences of your life.
Humpback Swims Is A product of SDL Expeditions
We are a USA based travel agency that works with local companies in Vava’u,Tonga to provide the best experiences for our clients.
With only 6 guests per a group, we provide small, intimate close up encounters with Humpback Whales.
(Please note that swimming with whales is illegal in the United States as stated in federal law, including Hawaii)
This website is dedicated to educating potential and current clients about the humpback whale experience. We focus on small groups; we work with experienced skippers and guides (swimming with whales is an art, and your crew can make or break your trip); we offer numerous packages, with different styles of accommodation, to help fit your budget.
Tonga, located in the South Pacific, is the one of very few places in the world where you can legally swim with humpback whales. These gentle giants migrate to the warm waters of Tonga each year to breed and give birth. From mid-July to early November , our experienced guides will take you on an adventure to encounter these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Our tours are led by knowledgeable and certified guides who prioritize the safety and comfort of both the whales and our guests. We follow strict guidelines and regulations to ensure that we do not disturb the natural behavior of the whales and that our interactions are respectful and non-invasive.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures as they swim, play, and communicate with each other. And if you are lucky, you may even get to witness the majestic humpback whales breach out of the water!
Our company values sustainability and eco-tourism, and we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and local communities. We work with local businesses and communities to promote responsible tourism practices and support conservation efforts.
Our tours are suitable for everyone who can swim. Humpback Swims
offer a range of packages to suit your needs and preferences.
Typically you can expect 1-3 amazing days on a 5 swim day tour, and 3-6 amazing days on an 8 swim day tour. If this has been your dream, we highly encourage you to do an 8 swim day trip. You are coming all this way, and nature needs time to try and deliver.
Swimming with whales in Tonga is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Contact us today to book your adventure and experience the wonder of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Vava’u, Tonga
We consider Vava’u, Tonga to be the best place in the world to swim with humpback whales — that’s why we organize tours here! But what makes it so spectacular? Tongan waters are birthing and mating grounds for a specific population of humpback whales, which means they are around for months each year. Even better, the islands that surround Vava’u provide protection from the winds, ensuring that we can go out on the water almost every day.
The crystal-clear blue waters are another draw for many, as the water makes it much easier to get fantastic footage and photos of these gentle giants. We have traveled around the world — to Mexico, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Australia, Portugal, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands — to try and swim with humpback whales, but still considers Vava’u to be the very best place for up-close encounters.
These are snorkel trips, as it’s near-impossible to scuba dive with whales since they move quite quickly. Clients should have snorkeling experience and understand that there is a lot of swimming involved on these tours.
We generally get in the water with whales almost everyday, it really comes down to the quality of those swims.
Typically you can expect 1-3 amazing days on a 5 swim day tour, and 3-6 amazing days on an 8 swim day tour. If this has been your dream, we highly encourage you to do an 8 swim day trip. You are coming all this way, and nature needs time to try and deliver.A high quality encounter to us is one that lasts over 10 minutes and is in close proximity to a set of whales.
Where is Vava’u, Tonga?
Your Tour Organizer: Nadia Aly
Our tours are managed by Destination Tonga, a tourism management company, located in Tonga, and owned by Nadia Aly. Nadia is an award winning underwater photographer who leads numerous expeditions around the world throughout the year.
What To Expect
These are snorkel trips, as it’s near-impossible to scuba dive with whales since they move quite quickly. Clients should have snorkeling experience and understand that there is a lot of swimming involved on these tours.
We generally get in the water with whales almost everyday, it really comes down to the quality of those swims. We aim to get 1-2 quality swims on a 5 swim day trip, and 3-4 quality swims on a 8 swim day trip. A high quality encounter to us is one that lasts over 10 minutes and is in close proximity to a set of whales.
There are lots of options when it comes to swimming with humpbacks in Tonga, but not all of them are great options. You’ve likely traveled a long way to swim with these beautiful creatures, and we feel that we’ve created the island’s best experience — for both the snorkelers and the whales. Come join us and meet the humpback whales of Tonga for yourself.
Key Benefits
- Small groups: We take max 6 people. Other boats will put up to 12 people, this can become an issue, as you are only allowed 4 people in the water with the whales at a time. Can you imagine having the most amazing whale encounter of your life, and being tapped on the shoulder after 5 minutes to rotate with another guest? We keep our groups small, to optimize for water time.
- Good operators (it’s an art to swim with the whales, and we have the best crew who have years of experience. Believe it or not this can make or break your trip)
- Top Accommodations: The island of Vava’u is small and quite undeveloped, there are not a lot of places to stay. We book our accommodations years in advance, to ensure our guests have some of the best options available for their stay.