Swimming with Gentle Giants – Swim with Humpback Whales in Tonga

Introduction

Location

Accommodation

Diving

Pricing & Schedules

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Swimming with Gentle Giants is a specialised tour company offering intimate whale swimming experiences in Tonga and other global locations. With over 20 years of experience, they limit their tours to six participants, ensuring personalised encounters. Each tour is accompanied by a professional photographer and a marine biologist, providing both educational insights and stunning visuals.

Tonga is among the rare destinations worldwide where you can experience swimming alongside humpback whales. Strict regulations ensure ethical and safe interactions, allowing only four people and a licensed guide in the water at a time. These encounters are limited to snorkelling only, promoting a soft approach to interacting with these magnificent creatures.

Swimming with Gentle Giants Tonga humpback whale with snorkeler credit Scott Portelli

Swimming with Gentle Giants Tonga humpback whale heat run 2 credit Scott Portelli

Swimming with Gentle Giants Tonga humpback whale head on credit Scott Portelli

Swimming with Gentle Giants Tonga humpback whale mother and calf credit Scott Portelli

Swimming with Gentle Giants Tonga humpback whale heat run cedit Scott Portelli

Swimming with Gentle Giants Tonga humpback whale breaching credit Scott Portelli

Swimming with Gentle Giants Tonga humpback whale with snorkelers credit Scott Portelli

6 swimming with the gentle giants vavau tonga whale mother and calf credit scott

Resort Facilities & Meals

Tour packages include premium waterfront accommodations equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and connected stay. Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals prepared daily, with a mix of international and Tongan cuisine.

Activities

Beyond whale swimming, Tonga offers a range of activities, including diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, and quad biking. Guests can also enjoy cultural experiences and island excursions during their stay.

Staying Connected

Wi-Fi is available at all accommodation options, though connectivity may be slower due to the remote island location. Guests are encouraged to embrace the natural beauty and disconnect while still having access to essential communication services.

We Think . . .

Swimming with Gentle Giants offers one of the most ethical and immersive whale swimming experiences in the world. With small group sizes, expert guides, and luxurious accommodations, this is an extraordinary opportunity for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

How to Get There

Fly into Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU) on Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga.
International flights are available via New Zealand (Air New Zealand), and Fiji (Fiji Airways).
Domestic flights via Lulutai Airlines connect Tongatapu to Vava’u, where tours depart.
Fiji Airways also offers direct flights to Vava’u on select days. Check schedules for availability.

Guests enjoy premium waterfront properties included in the tour price. Each house is fully equipped with modern amenities and Wi-Fi.

Hibiscus House

Newly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on the Port of Refuge Harbour.
Private wharf with direct water access and a spacious deck overlooking the harbour.

Hibiscus collage 2

Seastar House

2-bedroom, 2-bathroom holiday home with a shared dock.
Wrap-around deck with outdoor seating, perfect for relaxation.

Spot X Lodge

4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a viewing platform and dock.
Two living rooms and balconies ideal for BBQs and outdoor dining.

Spot x collage 1

Whale encounter experiences

Small groups – Ensuring intimate and sustainable encounters with marine life.
Expert guidance – Marine biologists and local professionals enhance the experience with in-depth knowledge of the region’s ecosystem.

Whale behaviour

Boisterous Males & Playful Calves – Witness male whales competing for dominance while playful calves explore their surroundings.
Nursing Ground Encounters – Observe nurturing mothers and curious calves in calm, protected waters.
Humpback Heat Runs & Courtship – Experience thrilling encounters as males escort mothers and calves before returning to Antarctic feeding grounds.

Diving in Vava’u

Diving in Vava’u offers world-class experiences with exceptional visibility (30m+), warm year-round waters, and diverse sites like caves, tunnels, and pristine coral gardens, ideal for encountering reef fish, sharks, and even migrating humpback whales from July to October. The volcanic island group provides unique underwater topography, including pinnacles, chimneys, and the intact wreck of the Clan McWilliam, making it suitable for all levels, with operators providing safe, guided boat dives.

The crystal-clear waters of Vava’u offer diverse marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to deep-sea caves. In addition to snorkelling with whales, guests can dive vibrant coral reefs and sea caverns teeming with tropical fish, turtles, and manta rays.

Pricing for Swimming with Gentle Giants

Package Pricing 2026 and 2027 Seasons	AUD			USD
7-Night Package Inclusions: Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water Professional Photographer and Marine Biologist on every tour 7 nights premium waterfront accommodation, with wifi All meals (breakfast, lunch – onboard, dinner) Photography/research advice and guidance in the water Daily snorkelling on reefs and in caves Airport transfers in Vava’u.	6990	USD	\|	6990

This resort's prices are in USD. The AUD prices shown are based on the current exchange rate. The price paid in AUD will be based on the actual exchange rate at the time any payments are made.

2026 Tour Dates and Availability
29 Jul to 5 Aug - Whales in Paradise				6 Spaces
5 to 12 Aug - Humpbacks at Play				4 spaces
12 to 19 Aug - Humpbacks in their nursing ground				2 spaces
18 to 26 Aug - Mothers & calves				2 spaces
26 Aug to 2 Sep - Curious calves & mothers with escorts				6 spaces
2 to 9 Sep - Humpback Highway				6 spaces
9 to 16 Sep - Courting couples and interactive calves				6 spaces
16 to 23 Sep - Humpback heat runs and courtship				4 spaces

2027 Tour Dates and Availability
14 to 21 Jul - Arrival of humpbacks				6 Spaces
21 to 28 Jul - Humpbacks in the Blue				6 Spaces
28 Jul to 4 Aug - Whales in Paradise				6 Spaces
4 to 11 Aug - Humpbacks at Play				6 Spaces
11 to 18 Aug - Humpbacks in their nursing ground				6 Spaces
18 to 25 Aug - Mothers & calves				6 Spaces
25 Aug to 1 Sep - Curious calves & mothers with escorts				6 Spaces
1 to 8 Sep - Humpback Highway				6 Spaces
8 to 15 Sep - Courting couples and interactive calves				6 Spaces
15 to 22 Sep - Humpback heat runs and courtship				6 Spaces
22 to 29 Sep - Humpback Heaven				6 Spaces
29 Sep to 6 Oct - Humpback bold calves				6 Spaces
6 to 13 Oct - Humpbacks in Springtime				6 Spaces
13 to 20 Oct - Humpback babies in Springtime				6 Spaces

Here's what our clients say about us!

I've been using these guys since 2008, and every single trip has been awesome. Only thing I need to worry is to get to airport in time. They have wide experience of dive destinations and there's always an option to pick. Strong recommendation!

Janne M
The team at Diveplanit were tremendous help for my recent trip to Palau. The trip was a bit last minute, and bookings were filling up, so I appreciated Claire’s patience and first-hand knowledge as we tried to find the right combination of dates, flights and operators. Unsurprisingly, the trip was spectacular and ticked off multiple bucket list experiences.

Steph R
I'm here to tell you that Deb from Diveplanit had my diving tour absolutely nailed in every single detail. An experience of a lifetime that will take a lot to top. Thank you so much for looking after us at every step of the way Deb. Significantly above and beyond <3

George F
I have been using Diveplanit for several years now and just recently on a liveaboard trip to Komodo where there was a change of port arrival and Claire helped with the air travel changes and all went smoothly. Superb trip and organisation. Highly recommend.

Christine L
Michelle is a legend. I didn't know how difficult it could be to organise travel and diving in Vanuatu! Having been there, I can only wonder at the organisation and care that went into making my trip special. There was even a cancelled flight that meant a rearrangement of activities on a couple of days. But it all went seamlessly. I would highly recommend Diveplanit.

Robert E
I'd like to thank the crew from Diveplanit, great communication and organisation. The Ocean Divers in Oakleigh, so welcoming and helpful. The Odyssey boat crew, catering and dive group, best holiday / adventure ever.

Darrell F
“Everything was just perfect. Great accommodation, great dive operator, flights, etc all smooth. Trip well planned and organised. Simon, thank you so much.”

Dagmar P
Michelle from Diveplanet was so helpful. So brilliant in getting back to me and making sure my trip ran smoothly and I did get the best bungalow at Fatboys thanks to her. I wouldn’t have known what to book. She did it all perfectly.

Jill N
The whole trip was flawless and went by without any issues. Thank you so much Claire for your work, your attention to what we wanted and catering to our every request. This was the dive holiday of a lifetime, made even more memorable because of the perfection In organising every detail for us.

Steven A
Everything went like clockwork - and Uepi exceeded expectations on all levels.

Carolyn M
Michelle was fantastic in helping with my recent PNG excursion. I got straightforward and detailed advice, and nothing was too much trouble. I had some package tweaks after committing to the initial trip, but the changes were no problem. There's no question whom I'll contact for my next South Pacific itinerary.

Jessica B
Had a fabulous trip diving at Ningaloo, all organised from the other side of the world by Claire at Diveplanit. When the airline cancelled my flights and I would’ve been stranded, she rescheduled them for me on a Sunday! That’s 7-star rating! 🙏 🥰

Sarah C
If you’re a diver and don’t quite know where to go on your next trip, you absolutely have to book through Deb and the team. The most reliable advice about the best (and most secret) dive spots around the world, super responsive and trustworthy people who want you to have the best time possible. Couldn’t speak highly enough of the service I’ve received!

Rachel W
Diveplanit provides outstanding advice and service for travelling divers. When booking a dive trip to Okinawa, Deb knew exactly what to do, where to go and how to put it together. Since then my (dive buddy) son and I have used Diveplanit four times. Highly, highly recommend.

Jaala P
Had a great trip to the far north barrier reef with Mike Ball Expeditions arranged through Diveplanit. Diveplanit were great and everything went without a hitch. Diving was great and Mike Balls team were fantastic. Highly recommend.

Barry L
Deb was wonderful and helpful in organising the full packaged trip to Puerto Galera for 8 days of scuba diving. Everything worked out well that was within our control. An amazing time at Altantis resort Sabang, great weather and conditions. Truly trouble free and worry free holiday. Thank you Deb!

Daniel R