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TONGA

HUMPBACK WHALE EXPEDITIONS

HUMPBACK WHALES

Annually, Between July and October, humpbacks take part in one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom, both on land and sea. During the Southern Hemisphere winter, the humpbacks leave their feeding grounds in Antarctica and start migrating north to the warm waters of Tonga; to mate, give birth and nurse their young. 

Join us on an incredible journey to swim with Humpback whales in Tonga.

Ever since our first whale encounter in 2008 we have been on a continues journey of heart expansion and our mission is to share these whale moments with others and help increase awareness and understandings of the extraordinaire of whales and at the same time, their fragility. Throughout his thirty-year career as a professional Freediver and world record holder Erez, now focuses on Human-Whale encounters, conservation and breathing education. As an award-winning underwater photographer Erez, will help you maximise and refine your photography skills.

After 15 unforgettable years of swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, we’re thrilled to introduce something truly special —

SANCTUARY: an Eco-resort on the pristine Uoleva Island in the Ha’apai group.

Nestled along a stunning stretch of beach, SANCTUARY offers an intimate retreat with accommodations for up to 16 guests. Our beautiful oceanfront rooms provide the perfect space to unwind between adventures.

At the heart of the resort, you’ll find a 10-meter dome designed for yoga, sound healing, and transformative workshops. A spacious communal area and easy access to vibrant coral reefs make SANCTUARY the ultimate base for whale swims and other ocean experiences.

We’re also a fully equipped freediving facility, offering unlimited depth, a 3-meter training platform, and access to some of the most breathtaking freedive sites in the region.

The 2026 season is nearly full — only a few rooms remain

Visit our website to learn more and secure your spot.

INCLUSIONS

  • Domestic flight between Tongatapu and Ha'apai
  • Transfers between the airport to the Hotel
  • 7 Nights Hotel Accomodation at Sanctuary Tonga
  • All Meals
  • 5 days on the water - Whale Swim / Freediving
  • Daily Freediving / Snorkelling / Yoga - Optional

ITINERARY

  • DAY 1 - Arrive in Ha'apai with a domestic flight from Nuku'alofa. Check into resort. Whale swim briefing and afternoon activities.
  • DAYS 2-7 - Morning Yoga session followed by breakfast. Full day of whale swim. Dinner followed by evening activities such as camp fire, workshops and lectures.
  • DAY 8 - Saying goodbye and transfer to the airport. If time permits, we will swim with whales in the morning before heading to the airport
  • SUNDAY - It is a national rest day. We will visit a local village, have a traditional lunch and conduct a beach clean-up

Exclusions

  • Tips
  • International Airfare
  • Alcohol / Soft Drinks
  • Travel Insurance

Required for the trip

  • Wind Stopper jacket / Rain Coat
  • Sunscreen
  • Any personal medication
  • Snorkelling / freediving gear (Weights are provided)

Upcoming Trips

Book now

Humpbacks of Tonga, Sanctuary Resort – 2026 / 2027

From$4,690 USD
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Our Approach to Whale Encounters in Tonga

A note on care, regulation, and responsibility

A note on care, regulation, and responsibility

Whale encounters around the world are often discussed as a single category, but in reality, practices vary widely depending on location, regulation, and operator.

In Tonga, whale swimming is among the most strictly regulated in the world, and when conducted responsibly, it can align with conservation, education, and respect for the animals.

Government Regulations in Tonga

Whale swimming in Tonga is governed by clear national guidelines designed to protect both whales and humans.

These include:

  • Limited permits: Only a small number of licensed operators are allowed to run whale swim activities across a large archipelago of over 130 islands

  • Maximum of 4 swimmers in the water at any time plus a certified guide

  • Strict distance rules: Maintaining a minimum distance of 5 meters from whales

  • Time limits: Interactions are limited to 90 minutes per encounter

  • No diving: All interactions take place at the surface, using snorkeling only

  • No touching, chasing, or loud noises

  • Certified guides: Annual guide certification and ongoing compliance requirements

  • Licensed vessels only, with regular review and renewal

These regulations are in place to ensure that interactions remain controlled, respectful, and non-intrusive.

Our Practice and Philosophy

Regulation is only the foundation.

How an operation is conducted in practice makes the real difference.

At Tonga Whale Sanctuary, our approach is rooted in:

Listening and responsiveness

With over 17 years of experience, our team has developed a deep sensitivity to whale behavior, recognizing patterns, signals, and subtle shifts.

Encounters are always guided by the whales themselves.

If an animal shows signs of discomfort, disinterest, or withdrawal, the interaction ends immediately.

Whales come first

The well-being of whales is always placed above the desire for an encounter.

Swims are regularly called off when conditions are not right, even if it means guests do not enter the water.

No pursuit, no pressure

Whales are never chased or followed aggressively.

They are autonomous beings who decide:

  • whether to approach

  • whether to stay

  • whether to leave

Our role is to be present, not to impose.

Small, contained groups

  • Maximum of 4 people in the water

  • Guests remain together at all times

  • No spreading out, no diving, no pursuit

This minimizes disturbance and maintains a calm, predictable presence in the water.

Surface-based interaction

All encounters take place from the surface.

This reduces pressure on the whales and allows them to maintain control over their proximity and depth.

Reciprocal encounters

Our intention is not simply observation.

We aim to create moments of mutual presence, where:

  • Whales may choose to approach

  • Curiosity is met with stillness

  • Interaction happens on their terms

This is not guaranteed, and it is never forced.

Education and Awareness

A key part of our work is education.

We share with our guests:

  • knowledge about humpback whale behavior and migration

  • The ecological importance of whales

  • Current threats facing ocean environments

We believe that direct experience, when held responsibly, can deepen understanding and care.

Beyond Encounters: Listening and Research

Our work extends beyond whale swimming.

We are developing a whale acoustics and listening hub, focused on:

  • Recording and understanding whale communication

  • Exploring the acoustic environment of the ocean

  • Raising awareness around noise pollution and its impact on marine life

  • creating educational and research-based initiatives for youth and visitors

This work reflects a broader commitment:  not only to observe whales, but to listen to them

A Unique Environment

Tonga offers a rare context for this work:

  • A vast and relatively undisturbed marine environment

  • A limited number of permits across a wide archipelago

  • Seasonal whale presence in breeding and nurturing grounds

These conditions allow for low-density, highly controlled encounters, unlike many other regions.

Our Intention

We do not see whale encounters as entertainment.

We see them as:

  • a meeting

  • a responsibility

  • an opportunity to deepen awareness

When approached with care, humility, and restraint, these experiences can:

  • foster respect

  • build understanding

support conservation through connection

Frequently Asked Questions

Things you need to know

Is whale swimming ethical?

In Tonga, whale swimming is strictly regulated and limited. When done responsibly, with small groups, clear distance rules, and no pressure on the animals, it can align with conservation.

Our approach is based on presence, not pursuit. The whales decide if and how an interaction unfolds.

Do you chase or approach whales?

No.

We do not chase whales or force interactions. The boat positions at a respectful distance, and swimmers enter the water only when conditions are appropriate.

Whales are free to move at any time. Many encounters happen when whales choose to approach.

Can we freedive with the whales?

No.

In Tonga, all whale encounters are conducted at the surface using snorkeling only, in line with national regulations. This approach helps ensure that interactions remain calm, respectful, and guided by the whales themselves.

Are whales disturbed by human presence?

We are trained to read whale behavior and respond accordingly. If a whale shows signs of discomfort or disinterest, we end the interaction immediately.

Our goal is to minimize disturbance and allow whales to remain in control of the encounter.

How many people are in the water?

A maximum of 4 swimmers at a time, as required by Tongan regulations. The swimmers are accompanied by a certified whale swim guide.

All swimmers stay together at the surface. There is no diving or spreading out.

Do you ever cancel swims?

Yes, regularly.

If the conditions are not right or the whales are not receptive, we do not enter the water. The well-being of the whales always comes before the experience.

Why is Tonga considered unique for whale encounters?

Tonga has:

  • a limited number of permits

  • a large, relatively undisturbed marine environment

  • seasonal whale presence in breeding and nurturing grounds

This allows for low-density, carefully managed encounters.

What is your role beyond whale encounters?

We are committed to education and long-term awareness.

We are also developing a whale acoustics and listening initiative, focused on:

  • Understanding whale communication

  • Exploring the ocean’s soundscape

  • Raising awareness around noise pollution

This work reflects a deeper intention: not only to see whales, but to listen to them.

What makes your approach different?

Experience and intention.

With over 17 years of experience, we have developed a deep sensitivity to whale behavior. But more importantly, we operate from a place of restraint and respect.

We are not there to create an experience.

We are there to hold space for one, if it naturally happens.

PAYMENT POLICY

In order to join our trips you will be required to pay a deposits. Our payment schedule is as follows:

25% deposit to be made at the time of booking. Deposits are only refundable with the conditions listed in our Terms and conditions page. 

25% of total amount deposited 3 months prior to the estimated start of the trip – non-refundable + transferable for the 2024 season with conditions listed in the Terms and Conditions page.

50% to be paid 60 days before trip commencement.

CANCELLATIONS

  • Cancellations over 180 days before the trip are refundable except for a 300$ administrative fee.
  • Cancellations between 90-180 days before the trip – 25% of trip price
  • Cancellations made less than 60-90 days from the trip – 75% of trip price
  • Cancellations made less than 60 days from the trip – Full trip price.

*some trips may have different payment schedules – please check individual trips.

“
Lisa

This expedition was absolutely beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Not only was the location fantastic, not only did we have the opportunity to swim and dive with humpback whales at arms’ reach, but: the way Erez and Ally from Apnea Australia took care of everything really turned the whole experience into something luxurious you will never want to forget. If you can only do one trip this year, that is the one you want to enjoy. I wish I could join them again, and I know that one day, I will.