Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Whale watching Tonga in November? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
spaetzle 20:08 UTC 25 Oct 2009 | Hi there, I've read quite a bit about the whale watching season in Tonga and most sources say "until November". As I'm travelling during the second half of November, I wonder if there's a slight chance to see the whales at that time? If yes, would Vava'u be the to place to see them in November? Thanks and greetings, Spaetzle |
leanneelliott 00:53 UTC 26 Oct 2009 | Hi, some friends of mine were in Vava'u last week and said it was touch and go. The day before there were no whales to be seen but the day they went they saw a mother and calf. The cost is still about $200TOP and there is no guarantees if you don't see any whales so its pot luck. Most of them have already moved on but if you find yourself in Vava'u then talk to the local fishermen when you arrive there, they should know best and prob give you a more realistic answer than the travel agents will..... We haven't really seen any whales around Tongatapu or Ha'api for a few weeks now, Vava'u is defo the place to go for any chance of them now. | 1
finsnflukes 03:01 UTC 27 Oct 2009 | As an operator based in Ha'apai we have to disagree with Brandi's assessment of the current Whale situation here as has we have seen numerous Whales on trips in Ha'apai over recent weeks. That said, we officially stop Whale Watching at the end of October and could not recommend going Humpback Whale watching during late November unless you do it off the East coast of Australia as they are pass there. August to September is the best time to see the Whales in Ha'apai. I would caution you against asking local fisherman for tourist related advice, in Ha'apai anyway. It is actually much better to speak to a tourism operator who can give you honest advice regarding your chances of seeing a whale as it is these same people who run the trips daily and have the best gauge of what's going on. I think you will find that most, if not all, operators will give you a very honest apprasial despite what Brandi believes. Thanks. | 2
leo_walsh 03:10 UTC 27 Oct 2009 | I saw a mum and her baby in August once. going past Fafa well out. | 3
spaetzle 21:04 UTC 27 Oct 2009 | Hi again, Thanks for your replies! Doesn't sound like there's a realistic chance to spot whales in late November. I'm sure there's lots to see and do in Vava'u but my schedule is tight and thus, I will skip Vava'u and spend more relaxed days on the other islands. Thanks again & Greetings, Spaetzle | 4
vi_traveler 04:03 UTC 22 Apr 2010 | November is too later for whale watching in Tonga. I was there in September and spent perfect time swimming with them. | 5