Best time to Swim with the Whales?

My wife and I will be going to Samoa and Tonga next summer and we want to maximize our chances of swimming with the whales on Tonga. Does anyone know the best weeks to plan our trip to increase our probability of having this unique experience? Thanks.

I would say august/september.
We were there in early october and most of them had gone south by then, but we did have an awesome experience with a mother and calf.

Get to Vava'u in August/ September. You are best off doing a multiday trip to maximise your chances of sighting and swimming with whales. In July there are whales around, but not in the numbers you'll find in later months.

Yes, definately August/September. But make sure you book for your flight and accommodation as well as whale watching/swim-with-whales tour well in advance. Some famous operators are already fully booked for the next year season.

Yes I agree with all of the above - late August/Sept would be better - we were there in early August and the whales were just only still arriving.

Thanks. We'll book around the end of August. Any suggestions on recommended operators and cheap places to stay near snorkeling sites?

I really liked Lucky's Beach Houses, on Utangake. It's a small resort run by an American family. They are very friendly and helpful, and Lynn is a great cook- you will be well fed. There are 5 houses, in very different styles. The beach is ok, the snorkelling is decent, and Kurt will happily arrange day trips to Mala, a nearby island with very nice snorkelling. Lucky's beach houses. Utangake is connected by bridges to Vava'u, so getting around is straightforward. The locals are very welcoming too, and guests are welcome to explore the village, check out the weaving house etc.

mala also has accommodation. It has recently changed hands; a write up I saw on Thorntree a few weeks ago was positive. It costs a bit more than Lucky's but is still inexpensive.

Most of the other places to stay are either expensive island resorts, or are on the main island of Vava'u. I didn't find any decent beaches or snorkelling here.

I have been 3 times now at different times during the season. . . all good. . . have had fantastic whales in July too. Best tour co is Whaleswim Adventures, they really know there stuff and care about the whales and their clients - they include nights out on beautiful islands where the whales are and best deal price-wise too. .