Description
Tick off a bucket list item with our Tonga humpback whale swim package. Experience the beauty of Tonga with whale swimming adventures, cultural entertainment, and an island sightseeing while staying at one of Tonga’s beautiful friendly hotels. Our small group [8 people max] excursions are the perfect way to encounter Tonga’s majestic humpback whales during their mating & breeding season.
Humpback whale watch & swim season officially starts on July 1, to coincide with the start of the whales arriving in the tropical waters of Tonga for their mating and breeding season. The season winds down in October, as the last of the Humpback whales begin the return journey to their feeding grounds in Antartica. Our whale swim tours are combined with some cultural activities and relaxing time to give you the most out of your Tongan holiday.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 2x full day excursions (7 hours) snorkelling with the Humpback whales.
- Relaxing on beautiful islands for lunch
- Exploring the wonderful island of Tonga
- Experiencing a traditional Tongan feast
INCLUSIONS
Our Tonga humpback whale swim package includes flight from Sydney. Don’t live in Sydney? Buy the ‘Land only’ packages and fly from your preferred departure city. It includes 7 nights accomodation, two full days whale swimming, whole island tour, traditional feast and more. Places are very limited and fill up fast. Contact us for any questions or book online.
INCLUSIONS
- International flights ex SYD
- 7 Nights hotel accommodation
- 7x Daily breakfasts, 3x lunches, 1x dinner
- 2x Full day whale encounter tours including:
- 7 hours trip
- Lunch stop near a picturesque island
- Morning tea and lunch
- Snorkel equipment
- Boat jackets
- Maximum of 2 swim groups [8 people]
- Experienced and professional team
- Airport transfer with meet and greet and floral lei on arrival
- Cultural dinner and floor show featuring Tongan buffet with one complimentary beverage
- Whole island sightseeing tour with lunch
EXCLUSIONS
- Tipping for drivers/guides
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Optional tours
- Anything not mentioned in INCLUSIONS
DEPARTURE DATES
DEPARTURE DATES 2026:
September: 15, 22, 29
October: 6, 13, 20
DEPARTURE DATES 2027:
July: 6, 13, 20, 27
August: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September: 4, 14, 21, 28
October: 5, 12, 19
Please note, departure dates are only during the whale season from July to October and are subject to availability. Your trip is not confirmed until you have received booking confirmation from the resort in Tonga.
3 STAR HOTELS
- Emerald Hotel
- Seaview Lodge
- Waterfront Lodge
- Little Italy
- Fantasy Inn
- This package can use any of the listed hotels above and is dependent on availability.Â
- If you could like a specific hotel, please contact us for availability, pricing
UPGRADES & OPTIONS
UPGRADE HOTEL:
Upgrade your hotel to Tanoa International Dateline Hotel [4 Star]
– $100 per person
Availability at this hotel is very limited during whale season so please check availability with us prior to purchaseÂ
OPTIONAL TOURS:
Day 4 or 7: Additional Whale Swim [7 hours] – $480 per person
Day 4 or 7: Island Time Outer Reef Snorkel Excursion [5 hours] – $320 per person
Day 4 or 7: Game Fishing [4 hours] – $1,100 per person
All optional tours are subject to minimum numbers and availability.
Add to cart at checkoutÂ
EXTRA NIGHTS:
Not available
LAND ONLY PACKAGE:
This package is available to purchase without flights. Simply select ‘buy land package only’ in the Buy Now section.
The package includes return international flights from SYD
Surcharges may apply for select cities. Refer to the INCLUSIONS tab for details.
Airlines used include, but are not limited to, Qantas and their codeshare partners.
Airlines are selected based on multiple factors. If a specific airline is required, notify MyHoliday2. Surcharges may apply.
The flight portion of the package is non-refundable. The 7 Day Money Back Guarantee does NOT apply.
MyHoliday2 is not notified of any flight schedule changes. Any changes will be directly communicated to the passenger by the airline.
MyHoliday2 recommends reconfirming flight schedules 24 hours prior to departure directly with the airline. MyHoliday2 is not responsible for missed flights.
Name changes are not permitted. All flight tickets are subject to the airline’s terms and conditions.
Flight extensions must be arranged prior to ticketing. Refer to Options and Upgrades for more information.
Flight upgrades can be requested once airline schedules are released. Fare differences will be invoiced to the customer prior to ticketing.
Layover times are subject to airline schedules and may exceed 7 hours.
E-tickets will be uploaded to online accounts, and notification will be sent via email.
Seat selection, Frequent Flyer, and meal requests can be made directly by the passenger on the airline’s website. Fees may apply.
Refer to E-tickets for baggage allowances. Note that if the tour includes internal flights, allowances may differ.
OFFER:
By purchasing this package, you agree to MyHoliday2’s Terms and Conditions and the specific terms detailed in each information tab of the package.Â
The package is valid for one person based on twin share.Â
Bookings are subject to availability.Â
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GROUP SIZE:
Minimum 2
Maximum 8
If minimum numbers are not met, you will be requested to change to a different date.
Some tours can be guaranteed with fewer participants; however, surcharges will apply.
If you are unable to change dates, a credit or refund will be offered in accordance with MyHoliday2’s refund policy.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS:
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies.
$1,500 per person
Accommodation for single customers on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, subject to availability.
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CHILDREN POLICY:
Contact MyHoliday2 for child policy.
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AMENDMENTS:
Any amendments are subject to the supplier’s terms and conditions.Â
Any changes will incur a $100 per person amendment fee PLUS any additional fees applied by the supplier.Â
All changes must be requested in writing.Â
No changes can be made within 90 days of departure. The standard cancellation policy will apply.Â
 If unable to select new dates, a credit valid for 12 months may be offered.Â
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CANCELLATION POLICY:Â
Cancellations are subject to MyHoliday2’s Terms and Conditions.Â
Refunds and credits will be offered in accordance with MyHoliday2’s Refund Policy.Â
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PAYMENT PLANS: Â
MyHoliday2 offers a variety of payment plans based on your tour departure date. Refer to our Terms and Conditions for details.Â
All payment plans incur a 2% surcharge, paid with the deposit.Â
If the wrong plan is selected, a $25 fee will be charged to manually amend all invoices.Â
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TOURS, DRIVERS & GUIDES:
Day tours included may involve joining larger groups.Â
Drivers do not provide information on tours.Â
Drivers may assist in organizing expert guides at certain locations. Â
Guides may require communication via Whatsapp.Â
Refer to INCLUSIONS for the type of guides included in this package.Â
For more information on guides, refer to the Terms and Conditions.Â
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TRANSFERS:
Refer to INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS to determine if a transfer is applicable and the type of transfer included.Â
If you have booked your own flights, send flight details to booking@myholiday2.com.au to confirm transfers.Â
Contact details for our local tour operator can be found on your voucher in your online account.Â
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Group TransferÂ
The timing of group transfers will be set to accommodate the majority of arrival and departure flights.Â
If you arrive early or depart late, you may need to wait or make your own way to the hotel or airport at your own expense.Â
As you clear immigration, look for a MyHoliday2 sign with your name.Â
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Private Transfer:Â
As you clear immigration, look for a MyHoliday2 sign with your name.Â
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OTHER INFORMATION:
A 25% deposit is non-refundable.Â
Prices are in AUD$.Â
Travel insurance is highly recommended; MyHoliday2 takes no responsibility for any travel issues that may arise.Â
MyHoliday2 pricing reflects current market rates which may fluctuate from day to day. Â
MyHoliday2 is not obliged to refund or match any subsequent price reductions after purchase.Â
Customers must obtain the correct visa for their destination and cover associated fees. Please check visa and travel requirements via the Smartraveller website.Â
For any medical-related information, refer to Smartraveller or contact a travel medical specialist.Â
Customers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.Â
MyHoliday2 pricing reflects market rates, so package prices may fluctuate, and refunds to match subsequent price reductions are not guaranteed.Â
Departures are not guaranteed until confirmation.Â
If advertised availability is not present post-purchase, another date selection is necessary.Â
Our whale swims are booked with a vetted reputable whale swim operator
- Swimming with the whales is done with flippers/fins and a mask & snorkel, in the open ocean.
- To get the most out of this experience you will need to be comfortable swimming in the ocean using this equipment and able to climb a ladder to get back onto the boat.
- Ocean conditions can range from very calm waters to swells & wind chop.
- You can only swim with whales in Tonga with a fully licensed operator. Our operator is fully licensed, experienced and locally owned and owner operated.
- Only 4 swimmers are permitted (under Tonga regulations) in the water at a time and must be accompanied by a qualified guide. We take a maximum of 2 swim groups per trip and uses the full 7-hours (with a break for lunch) to improve your opportunities.
- Swimming with the whales in Tonga is regulated, and we requires all guests to respect and abide by those regulations. This includes no duck diving, free diving, chasing or approaching within 5m of a whale.
- Watching & swimming with the whales is a wildlife encounter in the whales natural environment (a bit like a safari). There are no guarantee’s of what will happen and what you will get to see – every day is unique. We always recommend booking multiple days to give you a greater opportunity to truely experience the magic.
What to Expect
Our Humpback whale watch & swim season officially starts on July 1, to coincide with the start of the whales arriving in the tropical waters of Tonga for their mating and breeding season.
The season winds down in October, as the last of the Humpback whales begin the return journey to their feeding grounds in Antartica.
Our whale swim trip is a full day excursion (7 hours) leaving Faua wharf in Nuku’alofa at around 8.30am and returning around 3.30pm.
We will spend the day looking for opportunities to observe and snorkel with the Humpback whales. Taking a break on a beautiful island for lunch, and possibly even enjoying a snorkel, all depending how the day goes and the weather conditions.
Each day out on the water is unique and our approach and our experience & understanding of mutual encounters, where the whales are respected and comfortable, often allows for longer more magical interactions, where there is a higher chance of guests having longer more engaging swims.
However, nothing can be guaranteed in the wild (the weather or the whales)! So, if you do have the chance to book more days, then we do highly recommend that.
Inclusions:
- Water. Please bring your own bottle to refill from our refillable Tonga Water.
- Morning Tea. Locally baked cake and the offer of a hot drink.
- Lunch. This varies but normally includes a filled roll, local fruit and a coconut.
- Snorkelling gear. This includes a 2.5mm Springsuit, flippers, snorkel and mask. We do also have a small selection of long wetsuits available. We also supply jackets on the boat as needed.
- A visit to a picturesque island, and a snorkel – if the day allows!
- Our commitment to reducing single use plastic, and sourcing locally grown produce.
FAQ’s
What is the boat like?
We operate out of 3 NZ built Aluminium Hardtop vessels.
Our 2 licensed Whale Swimming vessels are 9m in length and were carefully considered for the purposes of swimming with the whales and entering islands. Both our licenced Whale Swim vessels have a hardtop to offer partial protection from the sun, wind and rain & 2 sturdy boarding platforms and ladders make it easier to get out of the water after a swim.
We take a maximum of 10 guests on our whale swim vessel’s and a maximum of 2 swim groups (4 swimmers per group) in whale excursions.
Our 3rd vessel is a smaller NZ built Aluminium Hardtop, this is primarily in use during our peak season for Game Fishing and Island Charters
Is your team experienced?
Yes. We are owner operated, which means we will personally be there to share your experience with you. There are 4 of us that have started this company together all with more than 10 years experience each in Tonga around boats, the ocean, whales and business. It will be any combo of us out there on the day and behind the scenes alongside our fully trained team.
Will I get seasick?
Our tours are in the open ocean, where (depending on the weather) you might experience swells and wind chop. For some of our excursions, such as whale watching and swimming, we will spend periods of time idle. This increases the likeliness of seasickness for some guests, and we do strongly advise you to pre-prepare for this even if you are unsure if you get seasickness or not.
Your doctor or pharmacist should be able to assist with what travel sickness medication is right for you.
With some medications, they are more effective if taken the night before your trip, such as Sea Legs.
Some of our guests have also recommended patches (such as Scopolamine) to be very effective.
Sea sickness is not grounds for seeking a refund from the tour.
Do you cancel trips if the weather is bad?
Trips will be shortened or cancelled should the captain deem the ocean conditions too rough or unsafe. We will always do our best to accommodate you on another trip, however that will not always be possible.
If we are unable to accommodate you on another trip you will be offered a refund in TOP (less your non-refundable deposit).
A lot of factors are taken into consideration before a trip is cancelled, including visibility, swell, wind, wind drift and the individual vessel. In some cases one vessel my go out and the other may not, this is due to different thresholds and individual captains decision.
All our tours are subject to the weather, the sea conditions, wildlife behaviour and minimum numbers to operate.
What is the best time to swim with the whales in Tonga?
Whale season in Tonga generally runs from 1 July through October, when humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Tongatapu. Tahi Tonga offers an early season special early July and late October, as although we get some of the best interactions during those times whale numbers and behaviours tend to be less consistent.
Is Tongatapua a great place to swim with the whales?
Yes! Tonga is a vital breeding ground for a significant proportion of the world’s humpback whale population.
We have very good whale numbers here in Tongatapu, a longer season – due to our more Southern location and we frequently get to experience incredible interactions.
Not only is Tongatapu excellent for consistency when watching and swimming with the whales, it is also a stress-free destination with international flights arriving frequently from New Zealand, Fiji and Australia, all of which have great international links.
What experience do I need to swim with the whales?
The whale swim excursion is an open ocean experience. For maximum enjoyment, swimmers should be confident in the ocean and have a reasonable level of snorkelling experience and fitness.
If you’re not experienced, then that is also okay, and our crew will work with you to accommodate your ability. Please just understand that requiring assistance may limit your experience and time in the water. You are required to accept these limitations if assistance is required, and that these limitations are not grounds for a refund.
Guests will need to be able to climb a ladder under their own power to get out of the water and back onto the boat.
What equipment is provided?
Wetsuits. All swimmers are fitted with a 2.5mm spring suit. We also have a small selection of long wetsuits available. Or you can bring your own.
Snorkel & Mask. If this will be your first time using a snorkel and mask, then we recommend having a practice first if you can. You could even check out some you tube videos on how to use
If you have a set of your own that you are used to wearing, then bring that for best fit. Please note that full face masks are not allowed.
Fins / Flippers. Wearing fins is required, please advise your crew if there is any reason you can’t. If this will be your first time wearing fins then we recommend practicing first if you can, or check you tube for some tips.
You are also welcome to bring your own fins – we do however prefer guests not to bring freediving fins or carbon fibre fins. Free diving with the humpback whales in Tonga is strictly not allowed and as we are swimming in close proximity carbon fibre fins can cause injury to other guests.
Do you take photos / videos?
Our crew take a go pro on board and in the water with them and share the footage with you. It can take a few days for the footage to be sent through.
How long do we spend swimming with the whales?
Each day out on the water is unique. You could find yourself in the water for a short time or it could be 20 minutes before we make a group swap and depending on the day we might get the chance to have another swap or interact with different sets of whales.
As this is a wildlife encounter, we have no control over what you may see either above or in the water. Once on the water we do have a very high success rate of locating humpback whales and a high success rate of swimming with them. However, nothing can be guaranteed in the wild, and on some days swims can be fleeting, and on rare occasions, not possible at all.
How close do we get the whales?
We position ourselves at a comfortable distance (for us and the whale) from the whale.
Local regulations prohibit you from getting within 5 meters of a whale, and trying to touch a whale is strictly not allowed.
We ask that our guests follow the guide instructions on how to approach and observe the whales to minimize disturbances.
Remaining calm and maintaining a respectful distance from the whale allows the whale to feel more comfortable and often leads to swimmers being able to enjoy much longer, relaxed interactions.
Swimming with the humpback whales is a wildlife encounter in their natural environment and all interactions are very unique and are on the whales terms.
If you have a chance to do more days, then that is always recommended, especially in July and October. If you can then we would recommend 3 days.
All our tours are subject to operational costs, as such we do not offer any refunds.
