‘Eua is the gateway to the Kingdom of Tonga. Whales arriving from Antarctica pass this island on their way to the rest of Tonga, and pass it again on their way home. We’re the first to see them arrive and the last to see them leave.
That’s why locals call this stretch of water the Humpback Highway, and why we think it’s the best place in Tonga to swim with humpbacks. Only a few operators are licensed here, so the water stays quiet and the encounters stay calm and personal. Most days it feels like we have the ocean all to ourselves.
We cap every trip at five. You spend less time waiting on the boat and more time in the water, at an easy pace, with a guide close by the whole way. Every encounter is on the whales’ terms, and a small group is what lets us slow down and do it properly.
You slip off the back of the boat into warm, blue water. Below you, a mother humpback rests while her calf rolls up to the surface for a breath and takes a good look at you. You can hear the males singing, and you feel it in your chest as much as your ears. Nobody talks much on the boat ride home.
This trip was built by our very own Dan Parsons, who has spent years in the water with whales. He worked alongside renowned marine biologist Nan Hauser on a humpback research expedition, and on National Geographic’s Secrets of the Whales.
On the water, you’re guided by a local captain, a marine biologist and one of our Freediving Central hosts, who have extensive experience running trips, adventure tours and expeditions in the area. They know these waters, they know the whales, and they’re great company.
A private beachfront cottage metres from the ocean, with a house reef to snorkel in your downtime. All meals and snacks are made fresh by the crew. On the final night, we share a traditional kava ceremony and ‘umu feast, cooked in an underground oven and eaten together as a group.
Anyone aged 17 and over who can swim. No experience needed. The water around ‘Eua is calm and clear, and we guide you through every encounter, so you can relax and take it all in. Snorkel gear is provided. Come with mates or come solo; either way, you’ll leave with a great group of new friends and memories that’ll stick with you for life.
On whale days, we’re out on the water from 8 am to 2 pm.
Day 1: Arrive and settle into the cottage. Optional snorkel on the house reef.
Day 2: First whale swim.
Days 3 and 4: On the water with the whales.
Day 5: Final whale day, then the kava and ‘umu feast.
Day 6: Island and land tour, then departure. We recommend booking onward flights for the following day.
AUD$5,200.00
AUD$5,200.00
Note: All AU customers are GST inclusive through the invoice.
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