Calling for opinions on whale swimming in Tonga

shanna200803:11 UTC07 Dec 2007

Hi All

I am in two minds at the moment on trying to decide whether to swim with humpbacks in Tonga.

I have been researching and have found that Whales Alive, International Fund for Animal Welfare, South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Greenpeace all donât support swimming with the whalesâ¦. I wonder if it has a harmful effect on the whales and thier migration journeys.

On the other hand I have watched a documentary on whale swimming in Tonga and it seems to be a magical, spiritual experience. People assume (as I also would) that the whales also enjoy the experience because of the 'vibes' they give off and also because they swim up to the boat.

Please help me to decide.. As much as I would love to experience this I don't want to harm the whales in any way.

Thanks in advance
Shanna

thread moved by moderator

westwood09:41 UTC07 Dec 2007

How exactly does this topic fit into Help and FAQ's?? Try posting on Branch concerned.

harry_chorpita22:30 UTC15 Dec 2007

I spent a lot of time talking to Tongans and to palangis about this and was very impressed with the care and consideration they gave the Whales-almost identical to what they have in BC where I am now.

If I was there at that time-I was there off season-I would have no hesitaion about jumping in.

whale_swimmer04:01 UTC19 Mar 2009

Hi there, I have been to Tonga to swim with the whales 3 times now and as an avid conservationist (and member of WDCS, IFAW etc) I assure you that the whales that are relaxed and curious enough to hang out with us are not bothered by us humans!
I think its a bit ignorant to think that small human critters floating on the surface can compete or harass a huge 45ft mammal that only has to move its tail fluke once and its gone!! Nowhere to be seen again - if it doesn't want to be found. We have absolutely no choice in the matter!!

I have whale-watched all over the world for the past 40 years and have witnessed whale harassment by boats in many of these locations because they can BUT in Tonga the company that I go with are meticulous in putting the whales before their guests. Rae Gill of Whaleswim Adventures is so very passionate about the whales, the people of Tonga and the environment, and she runs the best tours available in Vava'u and does a huge amount for the local people. I have done a couple of day-trips with some local companies(at $250 a day Tongan) there but they don't come close to what Rae does. I think shes was the first tours in Tonga - about 10 years.

I would love to go again this year but was there in 2008 and will go again in 2010 - its addictive.

Have a great time with the whales.

Calling for opinions on whale swimming in Tonga Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
shanna200803:11 UTC07 Dec 2007	Hi All I am in two minds at the moment on trying to decide whether to swim with humpbacks in Tonga. I have been researching and have found that Whales Alive, International Fund for Animal Welfare, South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and Greenpeace all donât support swimming with the whalesâ¦. I wonder if it has a harmful effect on the whales and thier migration journeys. On the other hand I have watched a documentary on whale swimming in Tonga and it seems to be a magical, spiritual experience. People assume (as I also would) that the whales also enjoy the experience because of the 'vibes' they give off and also because they swim up to the boat. Please help me to decide.. As much as I would love to experience this I don't want to harm the whales in any way. Thanks in advance Shanna thread moved by moderator
westwood09:41 UTC07 Dec 2007	How exactly does this topic fit into Help and FAQ's?? Try posting on Branch concerned.	1
harry_chorpita22:30 UTC15 Dec 2007	I spent a lot of time talking to Tongans and to palangis about this and was very impressed with the care and consideration they gave the Whales-almost identical to what they have in BC where I am now. If I was there at that time-I was there off season-I would have no hesitaion about jumping in.	2
whale_swimmer04:01 UTC19 Mar 2009	Hi there, I have been to Tonga to swim with the whales 3 times now and as an avid conservationist (and member of WDCS, IFAW etc) I assure you that the whales that are relaxed and curious enough to hang out with us are not bothered by us humans! I think its a bit ignorant to think that small human critters floating on the surface can compete or harass a huge 45ft mammal that only has to move its tail fluke once and its gone!! Nowhere to be seen again - if it doesn't want to be found. We have absolutely no choice in the matter!! I have whale-watched all over the world for the past 40 years and have witnessed whale harassment by boats in many of these locations because they can BUT in Tonga the company that I go with are meticulous in putting the whales before their guests. Rae Gill of Whaleswim Adventures is so very passionate about the whales, the people of Tonga and the environment, and she runs the best tours available in Vava'u and does a huge amount for the local people. I have done a couple of day-trips with some local companies(at $250 a day Tongan) there but they don't come close to what Rae does. I think shes was the first tours in Tonga - about 10 years. I would love to go again this year but was there in 2008 and will go again in 2010 - its addictive. Have a great time with the whales.	3