Off to Tonga to swim with the Humpback Whales

Hi All,

My family are sending me to Tonga (Vava'u) with my sister to swim with the humpback whales as a special way of celebrating a landmark birthday. We are considering going for 2 weeks in September/October but have no idea of what to do, where to spend our time or where to stay. We are very comfortable in backpacker style private rooms and would love to stay in a fule over the water if we can find something that is not too expensive. We would also like to travel a little but spend time relaxing, swimming and snorkelling as well. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Hi Sandygc

try and go earlier than later because by october the whales are starting to head home. We were there in mid oct and all but one mother and calf had gone home (south).
Cost/expense is always very subjective. Snorkelling (good snorkelling) in Vavau can really only be done if you head off of the main island and head out a bit on boat to other islands.
I don't know if there is any over the water accomodation yet in Vavau - when we were there last in 2003 the only overwater accom got blown away in a cyclone and had not been rebuilt (Tongan Beach resort), but hopefully someoen else will be able to tell you if someone has built any since.