seeing whales from Eua

j_the_traveller04:52 UTC17 Aug 2010

Hi all
Wondering what are the chances of seeing whales while doing a whale sightseeing boat trip based in Eua? It will potentially be first few days in October. Is one almost guaranteed to see them up close from a boat? Or is it that unlikely from Eua that it's better to try your luck from the shore and save the 150-300 tongan dollars?

I think Vava'u is maybe better for whales, but not enough time on my holidays to get out there and back etc unfortunately!

api06:26 UTC17 Aug 2010

It has been ages since I was in Tonga, but Eua has always been less developed that Vava'u (and less scenic) and that is the main reason why most whale-watching activities occur in the north. You should stand a good chance of seeing whales around Eua too (although with less boats out, perhaps finding them is more difficult).

Doesn't Eua have a daily ferry service anymore? You used to be able to just turn up. It can be an awful trip though.

finsnflukes06:51 UTC20 Aug 2010

Why don't you try seeing them from the island for a day, if that doesn't satisfy you then you could consider the boat trip. Still, there is never any guarantee that you will even see a whale as they are wild animals free intheir natural environment - however Oct is a great month and your chances are really good. If you really want to see one close the boat is definitely the better choice.

Good luck!

finsnflukes06:52 UTC20 Aug 2010

Addie - we have also heard numerous reports that the ferry trip is pretty awful.

j_the_traveller11:27 UTC20 Aug 2010

Thanks for replies people. How so bad ferry ride? Really choppy water, boat going up and down etc?

api05:59 UTC25 Aug 2010

Yes, often rough water, and one boat used to be (many years ago) not meant for the ocean. I took one trip with someone very experienced with boats (in Tonga) and he was scared. Perhaps that one has sunk by now(?). The other boat sat much better in the water and was more comfortable in rough weather.

The trade winds are still blowing during whale season and these are fairly constant. You are very unlikely to get a smooth crossing, but, obviously, some days are worse than others.

harry_mudd01:34 UTC27 Aug 2010

I saw a mum and calf off Fafa once (see avatar). No gaurantees, though.

seeing whales from Eua Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
j_the_traveller04:52 UTC17 Aug 2010	Hi all Wondering what are the chances of seeing whales while doing a whale sightseeing boat trip based in Eua? It will potentially be first few days in October. Is one almost guaranteed to see them up close from a boat? Or is it that unlikely from Eua that it's better to try your luck from the shore and save the 150-300 tongan dollars? I think Vava'u is maybe better for whales, but not enough time on my holidays to get out there and back etc unfortunately!
api06:26 UTC17 Aug 2010	It has been ages since I was in Tonga, but Eua has always been less developed that Vava'u (and less scenic) and that is the main reason why most whale-watching activities occur in the north. You should stand a good chance of seeing whales around Eua too (although with less boats out, perhaps finding them is more difficult). Doesn't Eua have a daily ferry service anymore? You used to be able to just turn up. It can be an awful trip though.	1
finsnflukes06:51 UTC20 Aug 2010	Why don't you try seeing them from the island for a day, if that doesn't satisfy you then you could consider the boat trip. Still, there is never any guarantee that you will even see a whale as they are wild animals free intheir natural environment - however Oct is a great month and your chances are really good. If you really want to see one close the boat is definitely the better choice. Good luck!	2
finsnflukes06:52 UTC20 Aug 2010	Addie - we have also heard numerous reports that the ferry trip is pretty awful.	3
j_the_traveller11:27 UTC20 Aug 2010	Thanks for replies people. How so bad ferry ride? Really choppy water, boat going up and down etc?	4
api05:59 UTC25 Aug 2010	Yes, often rough water, and one boat used to be (many years ago) not meant for the ocean. I took one trip with someone very experienced with boats (in Tonga) and he was scared. Perhaps that one has sunk by now(?). The other boat sat much better in the water and was more comfortable in rough weather. The trade winds are still blowing during whale season and these are fairly constant. You are very unlikely to get a smooth crossing, but, obviously, some days are worse than others.	5
harry_mudd01:34 UTC27 Aug 2010	I saw a mum and calf off Fafa once (see avatar). No gaurantees, though.	6