Whale swimming in Tonga

sqeeee01:01 UTC10 May 2011

Im thinking of going to Tonga in late August/early September, and I would absolutely love to go swimming with the whales!! :D

Im just wondering if you must go with one of the main tour operators on one of their big planned trips that span for 10 days and inc food and accom etc, or if you can simply just go out on a boat and hire ur own gear and go out

I have my diving certificates, so can hire my own gear and dive around the world, and I would be happy to go on one of those trips but they are $4000 and include all ur lodgings and food etc, but what if I dont want to stay in their hotels etc and just want to do my own thing?

Are there any companys that JUST take you out to dive or snorkel and thats it? or must I go on one of these big packages?

Laszlo02:14 UTC10 May 2011

Absolutely no need for packages.
Whether you choose Vavau (which has more operators) or Hapaai (which has just 2) you can easily arrange a trip once there.

finsnflukes02:48 UTC10 May 2011

Laszlo is right, you do not have to book an expensive package. There is plenty of accommodation for different budgets to choose from and diving, snorkeling or whale watching can also be booked independently. If swimming with the whales is a must for you then you should contact operators in advance and make a booking. August and September are the prime months and trips can be booked out by the time you arrive.

Whale swimming in Tonga Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
sqeeee01:01 UTC10 May 2011	Im thinking of going to Tonga in late August/early September, and I would absolutely love to go swimming with the whales!! :D Im just wondering if you must go with one of the main tour operators on one of their big planned trips that span for 10 days and inc food and accom etc, or if you can simply just go out on a boat and hire ur own gear and go out I have my diving certificates, so can hire my own gear and dive around the world, and I would be happy to go on one of those trips but they are $4000 and include all ur lodgings and food etc, but what if I dont want to stay in their hotels etc and just want to do my own thing? Are there any companys that JUST take you out to dive or snorkel and thats it? or must I go on one of these big packages?
Laszlo02:14 UTC10 May 2011	Absolutely no need for packages. Whether you choose Vavau (which has more operators) or Hapaai (which has just 2) you can easily arrange a trip once there.	1
finsnflukes02:48 UTC10 May 2011	Laszlo is right, you do not have to book an expensive package. There is plenty of accommodation for different budgets to choose from and diving, snorkeling or whale watching can also be booked independently. If swimming with the whales is a must for you then you should contact operators in advance and make a booking. August and September are the prime months and trips can be booked out by the time you arrive.	2