TONGA
Where dreamers dance with whales
Do you dream of dancing with curious, playful humpback whales?
This expedition is for YOU!
There are only a few places in the world where your dream can become a reality—
and Tonga is the best place to do it!
2026 dates & current availability
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Trip 1: Aug 18-25 (fully booked)
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Trip 2: Aug 25-Sept 1 (fully booked)
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Trip 3: Sept 8-15 (4 spots open)
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Trip 4: Sept 15-22 (6 spots open)
Why Vava'u, Tonga?!
The Kingdom of Tonga is a group of islands in the South Pacific. Each year, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Tonga’s warm, calm waters to breed and give birth. There are only a few places in the world where you can legally swim with humpbacks, and Tonga has some of the strictest regulations -- ensuring interactions always prioritize their well-being. While humpbacks travel throughout all of the islands of Tonga, Vava’u is the best location, as it can offer calmer, more protected areas that are sheltered from prevailing winds.
In addition to being an ideal sanctuary for mating and calving whales, Vava’u is breathtaking—its waters ranging from deep, dark blues to luminous turquoise shallows, creating a stunning backdrop for exploring caves or enjoying lunch between dancing with whales.
Price:
$4,600 USD per person.
Maximum of 6 guests per trip.
$600 deposit due upon booking.
A passport is required for this trip.
Group discounts:
Private charter - $700 discount for someone bringing a group of 6 people total.
Half private charter - $400 discount for someone bringing a group of 3 people total.
The second payment is due ~April 1.
The final payment is due ~June 1.
Additional payment plans available upon request.
What's included:
Airport pickup on arrival day
Airport drop off on departure day
All meals
5 days on the water
[7 hours a day]
(privately chartered boat)
Tongan Feast & Cultural Night
7 nights accommodation
in a local Tongan family's home
Daily transportation
What's not included:
Trip insurance
[mandatory]
Tips for our crew
Tips for our crew
Alcohol
What will we see?
Each day brings a different story: tender, intimate moments between a mother and her calf; experiencing the deep, resonant bellows of a singing whale that you can feel in your bones; playful, high-energy encounters with curious calves who dance alongside you; and unforgettable displays of strength and dominance during powerful heat runs of 10-20 whales! We also usually see a lot of topside action as well, like full body breaching, tail slaps & pec slaps!
Beyond our humpback encounters, we’ll explore stunning caves filled with liquid light, where thousands of fish can sometimes be found shimmering and swirling in the sun. We’ll dive into shallow underwater caves, drift above reefs, and swim with whatever magic Mother Nature offers us—dolphins, pilot whales, false killer whales, & once each season, the unforgettable surprise of a whale shark (the only place Cassie has ever seen a whale shark was in Tonga!).
**We are going to be in the open ocean with the possibility of seeing and swimming with WILD animals!! While we always hope for in-water interactions, it’s important to remember that these encounters are never guaranteed, and our interactions are always on their terms. Sometimes we may observe the wildlife from the boat rather than getting in the water, depending on their behavior and conditions.
Where we stay:
The Pineapple House is located just outside of town in a beautiful home with views of the water. It is a short 7 minute drive from the main town
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We will be staying in the upper level of the house.
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The lower level is occupied by a local Tongan family—our friends Tim, Isa, and Thomas—who will be preparing our meals and are available to assist with anything we may need, along with other family members Vina, Lute, Ana, and more!
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Our group has access to four bedrooms, three of which are available to guests.
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Each guest room includes one double bed and one twin bed.
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There is one bathroom available for shared use at all times, and a second bathroom available downstairs if really needed. This setup has worked comfortably and we have not had any issues sharing one bathroom!
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There is WiFi available at the house
How to get there:
There are several options for traveling to Vava’u.
Please let Cassie know if you'd like help organizing your flights before you book, and let Cassie know when you book your flights.
It is very important to make sure you check whether you need a visa before entering Tonga.
For travelers departing from the United States, the most straightforward and recommended route is via Fiji Airways, flying LAX → Nadi (NAN) → Vava’u (VAV).
This is the best option, as Fiji offers a direct international connection to Vava’u which operates multiple days per week; the flights are the most reliable.
Our official fly-in and fly-out days are Wednesdays. Guests are welcome to arrive earlier or depart later, but any additional nights will require separate accommodation (not included in the price of the expedition). Cassie is happy to assist with local lodging recommendations if needed.
An alternative flight option is flying through Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu. With this route, you would fly internationally into Nukuʻalofa (TBU) and then take a domestic flight to Vava’u (VAV) with Lulutai Airlines.
Please note that traveling from the United States requires crossing the International Date Line, meaning the journey typically takes two additional calendar days.
For example, if you depart Los Angeles on August 13, you will arrive in Fiji and continue on to Tonga on August 15.
Before booking, we strongly recommend contacting your airline directly to confirm flight numbers, baggage allowance, travel days, and arrival dates to ensure you arrive in Vava’u on the correct day. Please book all flights directly through the airline, rather than through third-party booking sites.
If you are traveling from a country not listed above, Cassie is happy to discuss alternative routes to find the most efficient itinerary.
What to expect:
A typical day:
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We are legally permitted to be on the water for 7 hours a day; usually from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, and arrive at the dock 20 minutes prior to departure.
In water time:
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Time spent in the water varies depending on whale behavior. With a relaxed mother and calf, we may spend up to 20 minutes per drop before rotating groups. In contrast, heat runs are fast-paced, with drops often lasting less than a minute as the whales are moving quickly. After each drop, we return to the boat and prepare for the next group. Some days may have few or no whale interactions, as these are wild animals and extended swims cannot be guaranteed. Other days will be full of non-stop whale action.
Snorkeling:
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This trip is snorkeling only! We do not freedive with the humpbacks, or scuba dive with them; it is legally prohibited to dive down with whales at any time. While a freediving course can be helpful for understanding personal limits, swimming techniques, and general comfortability in the water, it is not required, as the focus of this trip is surface snorkeling with whales only.
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There are opportunities to dive deeper when exploring local caves or swimming along reefs during lunch breaks.
Physical Fitness:
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It is essential that you are comfortable swimming longer distances and treading water in open ocean conditions. We strongly recommend beginning regular swimming or other physical training several months prior to your expedition. While some whale encounters are calm and relaxed, others can be physically demanding. We are also sometimes in rough conditions, and being able to get back on the boat safely is imperative. Being properly prepared also helps prevent fatigue, muscle strain, or injury and ensures you can safely and fully enjoy the experience.
Is swimming with whales guaranteed?
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The simple answer is no.
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These are wild animals, and any interaction we have with them is entirely on their terms—which is what makes swimming with them so special. They choose if and when to engage with us, and we respect that.
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At times, we may observe whales from the surface—seeing blows, flukes, fin slaps, breaching, or traveling whales—without entering the water. Our Captain Tonga has many years of experience and will closely observe the whales' behavior, along with our guides Lome and Cassie, and discuss whether we will get in with or not. We will only enter the water when timing, conditions, and/or behavior are appropriate.
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Some days we may encounter whales within minutes of leaving the dock; other days may involve hours of searching. Each day in Tonga is different. During times of searching, you can take a cat nap, relax in the sun, dance on board, come up with a whale call song (yes, we have some amazing ones!), and we can stop at some islands for a nice swim among the coral, or go for a gorgeous swim in the local caves as well.
The numbers & the boat:
Respect for the whales is our top priority, and all water entries and interactions are conducted at the discretion of the captain and guide.
There will typically be nine people on board:
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6 guests: super fun, adventurous wildlife-loving friends
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1 Captain: our experienced skipper, Tonga, has many years of local navigation & whale behavior experience
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1 Whale swim guide: our whale behavior expert, Lome, is highly knowledgeable in whale interactions & dances
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1 Expedition leader: our enthusiastic & energetic whale lover, Cassie, is there to help make your dreams come true
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Our amazingly fun boat owner, Gary, will sometimes tag along with us to enjoy a day on the water, too!
How it works in the water:
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Only five people are legally permitted in the water with the whales at one time; this not only benefits the whales, but also creates a more intimate experience for each guest
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The six guests will be divided into two groups of three, alternating drops in the water
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Cassie and Lome will accompany guests in the water at all times
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They will do their best to maximize the quality of each interaction by helping to position guests in the water for meaningful encounters, facilitating respectful engagement with the wildlife, and capturing videos for guests.
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Cassie and Lome do their best to match each group's whale swim experience.
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For example, if group 1 had a 20 minute, super engaging interaction with a mum & calf, and group 2 had a brief flyby of the mum & calf, group 2 would "re-drop" and try again, to match the length of time and/or quality of the interaction with the whales. We will try a re-drop ~2-3 times, and then switch back to alternating. *These are WILD animals, their behavior can change at any time, and it is important to have patience and respect with both the whales and our crew!
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Our boat:
We will be cruising each day on the Sea Dog. She is a 26' catamaran with twin engines. The boat has protection from the sun, and there is space to gather out of the wind and rain if necessary. It is the perfect size and speed for our group and is fast enough to keep up with the heat runs we will hopefully encounter!
Who this trip is for:
This trip is designed for adventurers, bucket-listers, and true dream chasers.
There is no age limit; however, participants must be physically capable of swimming at least 100 meters, feel comfortable in the open ocean, and be able to climb a boat ladder in occasionally challenging conditions.
Children are welcome to join, but must be supervised by a family member at all times—both on the boat and in the water. Please let Cassie know the ages and current maturity level of any children so we can determine whether this trip will be a good fit.
Please note: we are typically on the water for 7 hours per day, and early returns are not possible except under specific weather conditions, which are always decided collectively as a group with safety as the priority.
Please note: for safety reasons, all participants must be able to communicate fluently in English.
Cameras
Cameras:
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Bringing a camera to capture photos and videos is not required, but it is highly recommended! We will experience truly incredible moments, and having images and videos to look back on for a lifetime is well worth it. Whether you choose to bring a full DSLR, an iPhone, a GoPro, DJI, Insta 360, or NOTHING! --All are more than welcome.
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It is important to put the camera down and fully engage with the wildlife! We know pictures are important, but the eye to eye intimacy of these interactions are what make these experiences truly unforgettable.
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Cassie will do her absolute best to capture photos and videos of all guests while interacting with the whales. That said, these moments can be fleeting—being in the right place at the right time is never guaranteed—but every effort will be made to capture meaningful memories of everyone in the water.
Important gear notes:
• Bring fully charged batteries, extra batteries, and multiple SD cards.
• An external hard drive is highly recommended for storing photos and videos and having one makes it much easier to share content with others.
Drones:
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Please understand that drones are permitted on the boat but may only be flown under specific conditions. It is often too windy to safely operate a drone, and flight opportunities may be limited.
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Guests should also be prepared to occasionally skip a water entry while drones are being prepared or packed away.
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Drone use will be discussed individually with Cassie prior to the trip.
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For safety reasons, we ask that guests do not bring a drone if you are new to or inexperienced with flying one.
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Please note that drone regulations are continually changing.
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The last regulation was there can be no active swimmer in the water while flying drones in the vicinity of whales.
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Please understand that the primary focus of this expedition is to swim with the whales, and that will always take priority.
Our host family:
We leave feeling like family
Our host family is truly incredible, welcoming us into their home and preparing some of the most delicious meals you have tasted. You’ll enjoy a wonderful mix of local Tongan cuisine alongside familiar, comforting dishes inspired by England. Our host family also helps us with anything we need during our stay, including tidying up the house and helping us with our laundry while we are out on the water during the day.
None of these experiences would be possible without them; we are so grateful they have welcomed us into their home, make us feel like we are part of their family, and for their outpouring of love.
We are endlessly grateful for the role they play in helping to make our dreams come true!
Meals can be tailored to accommodate dietary needs—please let us know of any special requirements as early as possible so we can ensure everything is taken care of.
Our crew:
Our captain, Tonga:
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Our experienced captain, Tonga, brings many years of local navigation and whale-behavior expertise to our adventure. Quiet yet hilariously funny, he loves sharing a laugh and often enjoys our shenanigans on the boat. His deep knowledge and intuition allow him to read whale behavior with remarkable precision, knowing exactly when and where to position us for truly incredible interactions. None of these moments would be possible without Tonga—his patience, dedication, and tireless effort play a vital role in helping to make our dreams come true.
Our whale swim guide, Lome:
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Our whale behavior expert, Lome, is exceptionally knowledgeable in whale interactions and dances. You can hear her laughter from a mile away; her joy and love for being on the water with the whales is truly infectious. With over a decade spent in the ocean dancing alongside these magnificent beings, Lome has developed an extraordinary understanding of their behavior and a level of respect for them that is unmatched. She deeply cares about the well-being of the whales and is passionate about engaging with them in the most respectful way possible—always reading their behavior and changing her own to match theirs. She always invites guests to experience these moments right by her side, oftentimes taking guests under her arm so they can be in the prime spot for a FINtastic interaction. She even has a signature move, affectionately known as the Lome Dance, which we all adopt during our time together—and the whales seem to respond to it just as much as we do.
Our expedition leader, Cassie:
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Cassie is a passionate, energetic, and enthusiastic trip leader with a deep love for being immersed in the presence of playful wildlife. You’ll often find her upside down in the water, dancing with the whales and enthusiastically adopting Lome’s signature moves. With over a decade spent swimming alongside these magnificent beings, this is where her heart feels most free. Cassie is deeply committed to respectful interactions, fully engaging with wildlife only when they are receptive—always guided by care, awareness, and mutual respect.
Our boat owner, Gary:
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Gary owns the boat we charter, and is also our occasional whale swim guide for a few drops when he joins us. He has spent decades gaining experience on the water across a wide range of disciplines. Hilarious and endlessly fun, he loves connecting with guests just as much as he enjoys time with the whales. You’ll sometimes find him hopping on the boat with us and spending time with the group outside of our daily excursions as well—always adding to the laughter and camaraderie of the experience.
None of these experiences would be possible without their patience, dedication, and hard work—we are endlessly grateful for the role they play in helping to make our dreams come true!
What to bring:
*BOAT COATS & JACKETS!!*
*Sun protection is essential! SPF clothing, sun glasses, hats, face buffs, ZINC sunscreen*
A more detailed packing list will be sent after booking
Please bring only what you need—we will be in our swim gear most of the time and you can rewear outfits during the trip. Our amazing hosts are able to wash our laundry and hang dry it multiple days throughout the week. If your laundry is washed while we are on the boat during the day, it is usually dry by that same evening (depending on humidity or rain)
For the boat:
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Mask: There are no specific mask recommendations beyond ensuring a proper fit. Masks should be fitted in person at a dive shop, or purchase a few and try them on at home; every person's face shape is different, and a good seal is essential. Search for "how to tell if my dive mask fits" online and watch a video if you need some guidance.
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It is important to use your mask several times before arriving in Tonga to confirm it fits well and does not leak or fog. If your mask has tempered glass, the factory film on the inside lens must be removed. This can be done by scrubbing the lens multiple times with mask cleaner or toothpaste containing beads. If fogging persists, the film is likely still present; carefully burning it off with a lighter is an effective method. If you are unsure how to do this, ask a dive shop member, look up a video & follow a tutorial, or Cassie can do it for you.
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Snorkel: A good snorkel can make or break your in water experience! *Highly suggest a Riffe Stable snorkel!*
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Fins: *As of January 2026, we are restricted to ONLY using plastic fins that are 70cm heel to tip of the fin in length. This regulation is to try and limit people diving down who do not comply by Tonga's regulations*
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Wetsuit: You must bring a wetsuit. Everyone has different comfort levels in the water.
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Recommended: 1.5mm-3mm full body wetsuit. The water generally feels comfortable and warm while actively swimming; you typically don’t notice the mid-70s °F temperatures. However, during longer interactions—such as floating quietly at the surface with a resting mother and calf—the water can begin to feel cooler.
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Some guests wear a long sleeve surf suit or just a swimsuit.
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Cassie wears a 1.5mm open cell wetsuit, which is the equivalent to a 3mm standard neoprene wetsuit.
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There is a possibility of renting a weight belt, lead weight, or a 5mm wetsuit, but sizes and availability are limited.
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Jackets: PLEASE bring jackets for the boat; it gets cold on the boat. The winds can be strong and cold, and we will be in a tropical place -- it will rain. It is strongly recommended to bring several jacket options for layering. Layering is key to staying comfortable. Look for warm zip ponchos or "changing robes" [from Annox, Surf-Fur, even Amazon]
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For layering, Cassie brings:
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A neoprene jacket
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A lightweight rain jacket
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A mid-weight waterproof / windproof jacket
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A heavy-duty insulated waterproof / windproof sailing jacket
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A towel poncho (from Ocean Armour) to dry off and change under or wear after the boat.
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A collapsable duffel bag to transport your dive gear to the boat
A more detailed packing list will be sent after booking
Sample itinerary:
*Please note; this is subject to change based on weather, animal behavior, or logistical factors
Typical Daily Schedule:
6:00 am: Breakfast
6:40 am: Depart the house for the dock
7:00 am: Leave the dock to search for and swim with whales (& explore caves)
Midday: Lunch at secluded islands, with additional snorkeling if we have a break in whale sightings
2:00 pm: Return to the dock
3:00: Free time; we usually stop in town for snacks, extra lunch, coffee, the market, exchange currency, etc. Then head home to shower, rinse gear, organize, download images, nap. We usually go to a lookout or a nearby beach for sunset or walk down to the harbor for a drink and watch the fruit bats at sunset.
6:30 pm: Dinner
Evening: During free time or after dinner we can have sit-down sessions and organize, process, and learn how to edit photos
Typical weekly schedule:
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Wednesday - arrival day
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Thursday - on the water
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Sometimes beach or town trash cleanup in the late afternoon
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Friday - on the water
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Trivia night in town
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Saturday - on the water
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Tongan feast & Culture night
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Sunday - rest day
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Church with our Tongan family
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Beach day
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Dinner out
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Monday - on the water
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Tuesday - on the water
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Wednesday - departure day
