Swimming with whales in Tonga

Hi, does anyone know of any tour groups that swim with whales from the mainland in Tonga, as I don't really have the time or funds to fly to Vava'a.I will be there in mid August 2010.

Thanks

There are currently no whale watching/swimming operators on Tongatapu. If you don't want to spend the extra time and money to go to Vava'u, then maybe Ha'apai is an alternative for you. It's only half the price and only takes 30 minutes to get there. The whale watching trips themselves are cheaper than in Vava'u, too.

I once saw a whale and her calf swim off Fafa, but that was just luck. Do as #1 says and head off to Ha'apai if va'vau is too expensive.

Not sure, though, if the air service is any more reliable than it used to be.

Since your budget is pretty tight you can prob check out the whales at Ha'atafu Beach on the Western side of the Main Island (Tongatapu). They often show up there and that is also the place you would want to go for the waves (Surfing).

There's an excellent operator in Tongatapu called Deep Blue Diving, the owner's called Sam, really nice guy. They'll take you out and let you swim with the Whales. It's best to go between now and October.

Didn't know Deep Blue were doing whale tours. Thanks for the update!

I've heard of Deepblue and contacted them, thanks for the advice.

Hi there! I miss Tonga already! Have been in Vavau for a week and went out 2 times whale watching and saw one whale. Then I had a couple of days on the main island and went whale watching with the yacht from Fafa Island. We saw about 30 whales and where swimming with mother and calve. No other boats around. Only us and the whales - not like in Vavau where the boats were lining up. It was a great experience for my husband and me! Apparently this year the water is too hot in Vavau that's why this year all whales are in Hapai and the main island. The yacht was called Seastar or something like that. Will be back for sure!!

so, do you recommend to visit the main island or Haapai for the whale watching this year, instead of Vavau?
Did you swim with them?

Edited by: yt9898