Whales may leave an area permanently if continually disturbed. Cease contact at any sign of whales, particularly mothers and calves, becoming distressed or alarmed.
Respect the marine environment. Disposal of rubbish into the sea, particularly plastics, can kill whales and other marine life through accidental swallowing/entanglement etc. All vessels are to provide receptacles for rubbish collection which is to be returned and properly disposed of on shore.
When whale watching on the water
All vessels both private and commercial, underpower or undersail, operating within the Vava'u group during whale-watching season must take care to remain outside a 300m radius of a sighted whale. If a vessel finds itself within a 300m radius of a whale, the vessel must slow to 4 knots until 300m away.
If whales approach a vessel, the vessel must avoid sudden changes in movement until the whales move on. When leaving a whale, vessels must move away very slowly (no wake speed) until at least 100m away.
Licensed operators only may either remain stationary within 300m of a whale or approach a whale no faster than 4 knots within 300-100m of a whale.
In the caution zone
The caution zone is 100-300 meter of a whale (refer to diagram). Only licensed operators are allowed in the caution zone.
No more than two licensed whale watching operator vessels may be in the caution zone at any one time.
As a matter of courtesy, vessels should limit their time within the caution zone if other vessels wish to enter.
If a licensed vessel is on its own with a whale(s) there is no time limit. However, if a second licensed vessel arrives a one and a half hour time limit starts to apply within the caution zone for the first vessel.
All licensed vessels within the 300m zone should gain VHF radio contact with others. VHF channel 74 (lowpower) is to be the VHF channel monitored by licensed vessels within 300m.
In the event of a vessel's VHF radio not working that vessel should remain outside the 100m caution zone.
Dinghies, small boats, and kayaks engaged in whale watching within the 300m zone must carry handheld VHF radios.
Two or more kayaks within the caution zone, if belonging to the same license holder are considered as one licensed operator.
The caution zone moves with the whale(s). Vessels in restricted 300m area allow the vessels who were initially in the caution zone to move with the whales by positioning themselves away from the whale(s) if the whale(s) move closer to them.
The licensed vessel with swimmers in the water may cautiously approach a whale up to 10m, if necessary, to pick up swimmers. The vessel should be stationary at 10m and should never be closer than 10m.
Vessels should approach whales from the side as opposed to directly in front or behind. Vessels must not approach whales in the exclusion zone (refer to diagram).
Vessels must not box whales in, cut off their path or herd or chase them.
Vessels must minimise boat and other noise, eg. gear shifting.
Swimming with whales
For the protection of the whales, and swimmers, it is advisable to go with a licensed operator if you wish to swim with whales.
Conditions that allow swimming are at the skipper's discretion.
If there are six or more clients on board a vessel an extra crew member is to be on board in addition to the skipper. It is recommended that Tongan staff are given preference.
No more than four clients plus one guide per vessel may swim with any one group of whales at a time.
Only one vessel may have swimmers in the water with any one group of whales at a time.
An alpha flag is to be flown when swimmers are in the water.
When a second vessel approaches a vessel with clients in the water, the second vessel must remain outside the 100m zone to give safe manoeuverability to the first vessel.
A first aid kit, 10m line and float should be onboard all vessels. It is recommended that vessels if possible should use an attached safety line (no longer than 10 metres) with an identification buoy.
Activities banned for interacting with whales
The use of SCUBA equipment.
The use of artificial light sources.
The use of jet skis and motorised swimming aids. Jet skis must stay 2,000 metres away when in the vicinity of whales.
Specialist interactions
Specialists include scientific researchers and commercial filmmakers/photographers who must obtain specialist licenses and all necessary permits from relevant government agencies.
When working with whales specialists must adhere to the Whale Watching Guidelines as specified in their respective permits, and notify local operators of their presence and intentions.
Whale watching from the air
Aircraft (including seaplanes, microlite and light aircraft) must maintain a minimum height of 300m from a whale.
No aircraft may land on the water to whale watch.
The duration of a whale encounter by aircraft is limited to five minutes or two approaches (sweeps).
No more than one whale watching aircraft may be within five km of the whales being watched.
Ban on helicopters for whale watching.
Ban on remote control aircraft.
DO NOT Whalewatch or Swim with Whales from private yachts or by hiring a local speed boat! Fines, visa cancellation, risking your personal and your vessels safety and harassing a wild animal is NOT worth the risk!
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
Tonga is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to have the unique experience of swimming with humpback whales. These whales come to the Vava'u Island Group each year from July to October. The whales leave the open ocean to give birth to their calves in the warm and protected tranquil waters of Vava'u. Eueiki Island is situated on one of the two main channels where the whales enter the island group. Swim With Whales and Whale Watching Tour-Eueiki Island is ideally situated in the center of this whale nursery.
You can take a tour from the island on our traditional 37ft outrigger Tofua'a Moana. Taken from the Polynesian design, this outrigger has been built on the Eueiki Island by the owner, Mark Belvedere, and fitted with an e-tech engine, which is the forerunner in quiet non-polluting technology.
The Tofua'a Moana (Ocean Whale) is an environmentally friendly vessel, moving quickly and smoothly to provide you with the most comfortable and non-obtrusive approach to the whales. Late this whale season we will be whale watching with our large double hull sailing canoe. Contact us for special rates and packages!
Pricing Information:
Accommodation: $TOP400.00 per night (Double)
Extra Bed: $TOP80.00 per day
Meals: $TOP150 per day
Return Transfers: $TOP150.00 per person
Whale Swimming: $TOP300.00 per person per day
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government
Whale Watching and Fishing Charter Services with a difference
At Tongan Expeditions we aim to provide you with a complete Vava'u Fishing and Whale Watching Experience.
Vava'u is known for its Humpback whales in the whale season starting from mid-to-late July until late October each year, our experienced local skippers and guides will give you an experience you will never forget as you view these magnificent creatures up close and you will even get the chance to swim with the whales.
Fishing in Vava'u is world class and truly an anglers 'El Dorado'. We have set many local Vava’u sports fishing Club (VSFC) plus National Tongan records (TIGFA) time and again with expert local skipper Lolesio Lui.
There is something for anglers or all ages and experience, whether your preference is deep sea game fishing for billfish, tuna, mahimahi or wahoo or bottom fishing for the numerous reef species that inhabit the waters of Vava’u. You might like to try your hand at casting poppers into the reefs in attempt to do battle with the giant trevally that can burst out onto your hook and give you a battle you will not forget in a hurry
Experienced local skipper Lolesio Lui with more than 20 years experience in Vava'u waters will make sure that you get what you are after plus you will have FUN.
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government
To ensure that your experience is the best we can make it, our boat carries a maximum of 6 swimmers plus your whale watch guide and the skipper.
Our experienced skipper is responsible for getting you in the water with the whales safely and will give a safety briefing on the boat, with your guide, and will offer help and advice about swimming with the whales.
Our guide will be in the water with you - only 4 swimmers are allowed in the water at once. Our small group sizes ensure that you have the maximum opportunity to swim.
Standard Whale swim Package:
3/4/5 days Whale watching/swimming
6 night twin share standard accommodation.
(Harborview Resort, Vavau Villa)
We will also tailor packages to suit you. Just choose the number of days whale watching, and the number of nights accommodation you would like and we will create a package for you. We are also happy to arrange additional activities like sport fishing and snorkelling trips.
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 Whale Expedition, Land Based - September 12-19, 2011 and Sept 20-27, 2011
For the sixth year in a row, I have chartered a boat that has the proper permit to swim with whales in Vavau, Tonga. The goal is to observe and photograph Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales. While the boat is rated for 14 people this adventure is limited to five photographers, so each person gets the most out of the experience.
Just because its legal does not mean swimming with whales is easy. The fact is whales are wild and are not on anyone's schedule. They 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 are followed. The standard is to observe their behavior and let them get used to our presence. If they feel we are not a threat, they will relax and that's when good interaction happens. Not every whale sighting will lead to whale swims.
The best encounters seem to happen when swimmers float motionless and stay together. This allows the mother whale to relax and become comfortable with our presence.
When it comes to nature photography, the daily plan is to hurry up and wait. As a result a lot of time is spent looking at the horizon for whale sign. When whales are sighted, many factors have to come together before we get in the water. These include the demeanor of the whales, visibility, winds, and sea conditions.
Just getting to Tonga can be an adventure. From most places in the states it takes 2 days to get to, and one long day to return. The airlines in this part of the world are safe, but follow a logic not many people understand. I tell people to bring along their sense of humor as the flights don't always operate as advertised.
Please make sure you purchase trip insurance and be prepared for excess baggage fees.
Chathams is the domestic airline. This airline has a very strict baggage allowance. Expect to pay excess fees for baggage anything in excess of 20 kilos. The fees are reasonable being $2TOP per kg. On the last trip I paid $30 US each way.
This adventure includes 5 days on the water and 7 nights and accommodation at the Port Wine Guest House in Neiafu. Airport transfer, lunch on the boat, and a welcome dinner is included in the charter fee. There will be one free day to allow some time to shop, finish editing images, go on a village tour, or just relax.
The cost is $2986 US per person.
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.
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
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.
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
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."
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government
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
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.
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government
Kiwi Magic
Phone and Fax (676) 7512149
E-mail kiwifish@kalianet.to
PO Box 153, Neiafu
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.
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government
Whale Swim Adventures www.whaleswim.com
Phone (676) 7512370
(July-October) or (64) 9 811 8096 (New Zealand Head Office, October-July)
E-mail rae@whaleswim.com
PO Bag 49, Neiafu
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.)
See our website for great video clips and in-depth information about who we are and what makes us different! Come celebrate our 10th Birthday with the humpback whales!
Operating tours with licenced Whale Watching operators
Whale Watch Vava'u
Phones +676 8866403 and +676 7754331.
E-mail mounuislandvavau@gmail.com
VHF 77
PO Box 7, Neiafu
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
licenced operator and operating
under Regulations approved by Government
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!
Whale exclusion zone diagram
