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Tonga Ha'apai Humpback Whale Swimming, September 23-30 2027 Group Trip

Escorted by: Cindi LaRaia

Ha’apai is the way the South Pacific used to be ....

I have wanted to get back to Tonga since I was on the Nai’a there many years ago! Here is a chance to join me in the Ha’apai Islands in search of the majestic Humpback whales. We will endeavor to find a happy chill mama and her calf in these pristine waters of Foa Island in Ha’apai.

We will enjoy the peace and tranquility of deserted beaches, uninhabited islands to explore, whale encounters, world-class snorkeling, and some of the best swimming beaches in the South Pacific. With its white sand beaches, warm climate, and picture perfect lagoon. Sandy Beach Resort will be our home for 7nts with 5 days of whale swim opportunities.

Sandy Beach fales are all brick built and ocean front with a large terrace facing the sea. All are newly refurbished and have a King bed, ceiling fan, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and ensuite bathroom with solar hot water. All towels and basic toiletries are provided for you.

Sandy Beach has a beautiful onsite restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. Meals are prepared by an excellent chef and are a combination of local delights and international cuisine. A fully cooked and continental breakfast, a 3 course dinner is also included.

Each evening we will have happy hour on the terrace facing the sunset and reminisce on our day!

Swim with these gentle giants the humpback whale, as they seek shelter in the warm calm waters to mate and give birth. The best months are August and September, bearing in mind that to get a swim with the whale is a bonus on the trip, and are dependent on the whale’s behaviour. These trips include refreshments, snorkel gear and wetsuit. We take a maximum of 8 people on the boat with 4 in the water at a time.

Check out this video, it’s beautiful!! https://vimeo.com/201815228

 

The boats are well maintained and carry all current safety gear including EPIRB and oxygen.

They are the only operator on Foa Island so you can rest assured that all of your experiences will be relaxed, uninterrupted and unhurried.

All of the reefs and waters surrounding Matafonua and Sandy Beach are now a designated Marine Park area. These areas are funded and managed by local villages and there is a T$25 per person marine park fee which goes towards developing future marine projects and sustainability projects.

Some other activities are; Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Kayaks, bicycles & snorkel gear are all free.

We can organize a cultural island tour of one of the other islands, Kao Vai, also known as Ha’ano. The island is untouched by tourism and there is only one car on the island! You are collected after a short boat ride by horse and cart and given an island tour, the local women’s group demonstrates local handicrafts, the children in the village perform some local dancing and singing and you are served a traditional Tongan Feast, not a paper plate or plastic fork to be found, everything is served in the traditional way on leaves and carved bowls. Your day ends with a snorkel in a picturesque and sheltered bay before your boat ride back to the resort.

Other activities include horse riding, bush walking, visiting local villages, viewing ancient rock carvings and taking part in a local kava session.

*** NOTE: There are no whale trips on Sunday. Sundays are still sacred here 😊 the day to do other fun things!

We only have 4 fales as this resort, it is super busy and ‘found out’. I am on the waitlist to get more accommodation if any should open up.

I can take 3 couples or twin share singles.

We only have pricing for 2025 currently. It will be a while before they come out with 2027 pricing.

COST: Approx cost based on 2025 rates: $3,800 per person, twin sharing * pricing updated when available.

• We will also need to fly from the capital of Tonga, Tongatapu when those flights are in.

• Air Pacific flies to Tonga Via Fiji from LAX or SFO, a stop over in Fiji is a great way to do some scuba diving before or after the whales!

 

For more information
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Dive Discovery
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1 800 886-7321
(415) 444-5100
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