Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga

Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga

swimming with humpback whales in Tonga was a really humiliating experience that would hardly have happened to us! But luck was

It was at the end of October and approached the end of the whale observation season in Tonga. We were stopped in Samoa for about a week longer than expected and arrived in Tonga just two days before the last day of the season.

In order not to miss our opportunity to swim with whales, we hastily flew north to the Vava’u Islands, one of the best places to see the humpback whales. These majestic creatures hike north every summer to breed in warmer waters and return as soon as their boys are strong for the trip.

At the very last start of the season we were able to secure a place. Gary from Dolphin Pacific said quietly that we shouldn't have any hopes.

First, customers usually take at least three days to swim with humpback whales in Tonga - we only had one.

After all, we were very aware of the strict laws to protect the whales and were therefore not prepared for putting the guides under pressure, "chasing them after", as some tourists do.

We started the day at 8 a.m. when the wonderful Pacific weather left us without warning. The sea was churned and mercilessly gray. Despite my eternal optimism, Gary (and Kia, the eternal realist) may have right: maybe this unique opportunity would only be a damp blast.

alt = "swim with humpback whales in Tonga"> Atlas & Boots

Except for us both, a third tourist, Koichi from Japan, was on the boat. He had spent four days to watch whales, and this would be his last day. I noticed that he had the same GoPro camera model that I had ruined heartbreakingly the day before.

Maybe if we saw whales, it would not remain undocumented as I feared. That was the only thing that cheered me on on this increasingly dark day. After two hours in the middle of very upset lake and lashing rain, it didn't look good.

"Wale!"

To our sudden joy, a mother and her calf had been spotted in front of the bow. However, due to a law on the positioning of our boat, we could not go into the water. Another hour passed and we clung to the hope that the day would end well.

When we saw whales for the second time, we quickly went into the water as if it were dependent. Unfortunately we were too late to catch a glimpse and returned to the boat with nothing but a sip of salt water in our snorkeling.

Another hour passed until we were fallen into the water again. This time we were rewarded with incredible seconds to our astonishment and our joy, in which we swam next to the two humpback whales. When we came back on board Kia and me, I couldn't stop smiling.

• Alt = "Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">
• Alt = "swim with whales in Tonga">

"Great!" We repeatedly called out, unable to find another word. Seeing these beautiful mammals in their natural habitat was really impressive. This signaled the turn of our happiness.

Around noon the sky lighted up and we were able to swim three times with whales, which caused us to have an intimate and more breathtaking view. It was such a surreal and humiliating experience. Seeing these majestic creatures up close was undoubtedly one of my best travel experiences of all time.

and to round off the whole thing, Koichi made some fantastic pictures that he loved to share with us.

Thank you, Kochi!

swimming with humpback whales in Tonga: The essentials

what: swimming with humpback whales in Tonga.

Where: We stayed in the Vava’u Villa, just a 3 -minute walk from Muikilekila Beach - a rocky beach with a view of the port of Neiafu. The Vava’u Villa is a relaxing place with a wonderful panoramic view of the sea. Guests can use the hotel's bicycles for free.

When: The best travel time for Tonga is between May and October during the country's dry season. The rainy season lasts from November to April, with December and January being the most damp months.

The best time for swimming with humpback whales in Tonga is during the mating season, which lasts from the beginning of July to the end of October. During this time, whale observation trips take place every day.

like: The city of Neiafu is on the edge of the port of refuge - probably one of the most photogenic ports in the world! Dolphin Pacific is located directly on the water in the center of the city, next to the Puatauanave International Hotel and the small boat harbor.

To get to Vava’u, book flights to Realonga that offer some of the best offers in the Pacific for domestic flights, and the view is sensational. Book international flights to Tonga via skyscanner.net.

alt = “>

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

 .