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Activities in Vava'u Island Group, Tonga
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Whale Watching/Swimming
This is the best place to see whales in the wild. With its long season and numerous whales of different types and very close proximity to town it is a great place to see whales. There is also a number of operators offering different services.
Tonga is one of 3 countries where you can swim with whales
An exclusion zone exists for non-licenced whale watch operators.
Douglas J Hoffman Tours
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This is the only tour you will find with an Award Winning and renowned Photographer - Douglas J Hoffman. With 4 years experience photographing whales in Tonga, small groups and a huge resource to tap for amazing photography whether your an amateur or professional you will gain valuable insight into whales and photography.
Tonga Deep Sea Expedition - January 2010
I have heard a lot of stories from fisherman about seeing Sperm Whales, Whale sharks, bait balls, and schooling tuna during the month of January. It seems a lot of marine life moves through the deep water off Vavau. So, I decided to find out for myself what is out there. I am teaming up with Dive Vavau, Dolphin Diving of Vavau, Tonga, and McCoy Travel Agency to spend 10 days out on the water with video and cameras looking for action.
Naia Live-Aboard Whale Expedition - Sept. 1-20, 2010
Well known professional marine photographer Mark Strickland and I will be co-hosting an exclusive 10-night trip in Tonga aboard the renowned live-aboard vessel Nai’a, September 10-20, 2010. This special, limited-load (12 people vs. 16) trip will be dedicated to observing, photographing and especially swimming with the large population of Humpback Whales that visit these islands every year to mate and give birth. The Nai’a has two 30 ft. tenders, providing ample space for 6 passengers plus guides in each boat. This way we can rotate two small groups in and out of the water from each boat, to ensure the most time in the water for every participant.
PLEASE NOTE: OUR COMMITMENT DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING FOR THIS TRIP. If you wish to come, please don’t delay - DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED BY DECEMBER 1, 2009. Sorry about the short notice, but there are only a few trips in Tonga each year, and we have to either commit to these dates or make them available for someone else.
Tonga Land Based Whale Expedition - Sept. 21-30, 2010
For the fifth year in a row, I am organizing a nine day adventure in Vavau, Tonga to swim with, photograph and video Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales. This experience is limited to a small group, so each person gets the experience of a lifetime. Just because its legal does not mean swimming with whales is easy. The fact is whales are wild and not on anyone's time schedule. They can come or go as they see fit, and all encounters are on their terms. For the safety of the whales, and fairness to others, several protocols need to be followed.
Shark Dive - Fiji
Depending on the length of your vacation plans, there is an option to add a few days of shark diving in Pacific Harbor Fiji before or after the Vavau trip. Participants will be met at either the Nadi or Suva airports and driven to Pacific Harbor where they will spend 3 nights at the Uprising resort and two days of shark diving with Beqa Adventure Divers.
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Operating tours with licenced Whale Watching operators |
Beluga Diving Ltd
Fungamisi,
Neiafu
Vava'u.
Kingdom of Tonga
phone/fax + 676 70327
VHF Ch 09,
www.belugadivingvavau.com
Phone and Fax (676) 70 327
or (676) 71 115
E-mail beluga@kalianet.to
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MV GLADIATOR, a 34-ft Catamaran aluminium boat with a cabin that has Twin 100 h/p 4 stroke Yamaha engines and this boat can take up to 12 comfortably and travels at 25 knots and MAD MAX: is our runabout boat and can take up to 8 comfortably and travels at 19 knots.
See these magnificent creatures in Paradise - come aboard with Beluga and their team of trained professionals.
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Sailing Safaris
Phone and Fax (676) 70 650
E-mail
VHF 68
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Sailing Safaris offers daily whale-watching excursions from May to November aboard the Famous "WhaleSong" (up to 26 people), a customised whale-watching boat. Three speedboats, "Fluke I" (upto 4 people) and "Fluke II" (upto 4 people), and "Spyhop" (upto 10 people) are also available for charter and are particularly suited for photography expeditions. All boats are set up with a hydrophone to enable all aboard to hear the amazing sound of the whales underwater. Established 1992.
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Endangered Encounters Ltd
Phone: +676 70 991
or +676 751 2929
or +676 751 2991
or +676 887 8390
or in the USA (619) 729-8861
Web:
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Email: Come and enjoy the ultimate Whale Watching adventure aboard"Proteus" With twin 250hp engines finding whales in crystal clear secluded waters only takes minutes.
Proteus comes equipped with a well qualified skipper and crew. Toilet and shower room. Camera tank and fresh water rinse. Lunch, snack and beverages provided.
Why choose us? "Because we Care about your once in a lifetime experience."
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Dive Vava'u
Phone (676) 70-492
E-mail
Website:
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Vava'u, in the Kingdom of Tonga, offers a vast array of year round diving for all levels and experiences. With our high speed boat most of the dive sites are within a 20 minute ride, enabling us to spend more time underwater (Nitrox UW photo and video) and see the beauty of the islands. |
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Dolphin Pacific Diving
Phone (676) 70 292
E-mail
VHF 71 "Dolphin Dive"
PO Box 131, Neiafu
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Trusted by the BBC, Getaway TV and TVNZ, Dolphin Pacific Diving provides high quality whalewatch tours without harassment of these amazing animals.
Refreshments, lunch and all equipment is provided including wetsuit vests to provide extra warmth in the water.
We look forward to you joining us for a once in a life time trip . Please contact the e-mail above for a personal quote and more information.
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Kiwi Magic
Phone and Fax (676) 70 441
E-mail
PO Box 153, Neiafu
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The awe-inspiring experience of whale-watching in Vava'u can be enjoyed aboard the 34-foot game fishing boat "Kiwi Magic". |
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Melinda Sea Adventures
Phone +676 70 975
VHF 16 “Melinda”
PO Box 4, Neiafu,
Vava’u, Tonga
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E-mail
Melinda Sea Adventures offers live-aboard sailing and whale watching charters onboard our 52 ft sailing yacht Jocara, with private bookings for groups of 2-6 persons. Jocara is equipped with advanced sonar and underwater listening equipment. The custom built hydrophone system allows guests to listen to and record Humpback whale song, a fascinating and eerie display that is believed to be an important part of the breeding behaviour of Humpbacks in the Vava’u island group. Recordings can be transfered to CD for guests to take home with them as a wonderful and unique souvenir.
Minimum three night charter period, prices range from US$200 per person per night (based on a group of six people) to US$500 per person per night (for a group of two). Prices include accommodation onboard, all meals, skipper and cook.
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Whale Discoveries
International Enquiries:
+ 64 3 482 1202
Local Enquiries:
+ 676 70 173
E-mail
Private Bag 10, Neiafu
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Eco-friendly day excursions aboard 8.5m purpose-built MV Tropic Bird: Overhead bimini, comfortable seating, unobstructed views, boarding ladder, "head" (toilet), hydrophone (for listening to whale song), full safety equipment. Complimentary transfers, beverages, snacks, snorkelling gear (for use when not in the vicinity of the whales). Naturalist guides, in-depth interpretation. Trips depart from the Adventure Centre in Toula village, 2km south of Neiafu. Anchorage/ resort rendezvous by prior arrangement.
Whale watching (full day) T$225 per person
Snorkelling (full day) T$85 per person.
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Whale Swim Adventures
Phone (676) 12 730
(July-October)
or (64) 9 811 8096
(New Zealand Head Office, October-July)
E-mail
PO Bag 49, Neiafu
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WhaleSwim Adventures have been operating eco-tours to swim with the humpback whales in Vava’u since 1999 and we offer a variety of 3, 7 & 9 day privately-chartered tours, including the best accommodation in Vava’u, meals, education, transfers and much more.
Our WhaleSwim team are dedicated conservationists and environmentalists we carry out research and educational activities as well as record the haunting song of the humpback whales onboard each day during the whale season. (Recordings are available for guests). Join a group of like-minded people it’s much more fun!!
Our tours range from a 3-day WhaleSwim’s at AUD$1500 per person twin share which includes 3 night’s accommodation, transfers to/from accommodation, meals, education & guidance in the water to our fantastic all-inclusive 7 & 9-day packages staying out in beautiful paradise islands in the whale nursery start at AUD$3,700 per person twin share! Special photography tours are also available. (We also have 10 years experience in hosting film crews for documentaries and travel programs.)
and in-depth information about who we are and what makes us different! Come celebrate our 10th Birthday with the humpback whales!
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Operating tours with licenced Whale Watching operators |
Whale Watch Vava'u
Phones +676 8866403
and +676 7754331.
E-mail
VHF 77
PO Box 7, Neiafu
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Mounu Island Resort has two purpose built whale-watching vessels available for charter. "Phoenix" and "Lulutahi" are equipped with a hydrophone to listen to the whales, as well as a viewing platform, toilet, and snorkelling equipment. 2008 AWARDS:
Voted "Best Resort in Tonga"
by
World Travel Awards
2007 AWARDS:
Voted "Top 30 Island Beaches of the World"
by
Conde Nast Traveller Magazine
Voted "Best Resort in Tonga" and nominated for
"Best Watersports Resort Australasia"
by
World Travel Awards
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
Whales in the Wild
Phone (676) 70 872
Fax (676) 70 875
E-mail
Or
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Whales In The Wild Lt offer two comfortable boats for day trips which depart at 10 am each day.
Maris King and Totally Wild are both comfortable boats and offer coverage from the sun and elements. Both are under full survey and have toilets for your convenience. Snorkel gear is provided free of charge. There is a hydrophone on board to listen to the Whale Song
On our day out we will cruise through the glorious waterways and islands of Vava’u
in search of the majestic humpback whales. If conditions are right you will be able to swim with the whales providing they are receptive to our presence.
We will not harass the whales. We try to restrict our groups to 8-10 passengers with 4 people permitted in the water at any one time with our guide.
We have had a day out described as “ The Best Day of my Life “ by an 81 year old woman.
Now, that is saying something!
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licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government |
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Whale exclusion zone diagram
