Tonga Retreat – Swim with Whales

Freediving – Meditation – Yoga

Experience The Gentle Giants Of The South Pacific.

Tonga Retreat
RETREATS

Vava’u, Tonga

Vava’u – Island group in Tonga

8 Days

$6750 ( exl flights.)
To secure a spot a $500 non refundable deposit is required.

Sept 28th – October 5th 2024

Experience The Gentle Giants Of The South Pacific

Your experience

Have you ever wanted to stare into the eyes of these gentle giants? Oh boy, have we got an extraordinary new trip for you. The gateway to humpback whale paradise is back! Join Environmental Scientist, Freediver and Wildlife Photographer Jono Allen and Australian Freediving representative Adam Sellars on a special journey to Tonga as we take you up close for a trip-of-a-lifetime at the tropical island of Vava’u. Nothing compares to the magical experience of seeing humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Awaken your senses with a rejuvenating breath workshop, invigorating yoga session, or serene meditation practice. Set the tone for the day, grounding yourself in the present moment and preparing to dive into the remarkable world of humpback whales.

Every year, thousands of beautiful humpback whales make their annual migration from the freezing feeding grounds of Antarctica, to the warm blue paradise of Tonga to mate and give birth. Despite their large size, weighing over 30 tonnes, humpbacks are inquisitive and intelligent gentle giants.

With five full days dedicated to diving with these majestic creatures, you’ll have ample time to witness their grace, power, and sheer magnificence up close. Feel the thrill of being in their presence, sharing their realm as you forge a connection with these gentle giants.

When we are not swimming with the whales, we will explore hidden ocean caves, snorkelling the tropical coral reefs, feasting on Tongan food, and completing the day with masterclass in photography & editing, learning to immortalise the beauty of the underwater world, and capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this truly amazing location.

Package includes:

7 nights accommodation in waterfront accommodation on the tropical island of Vava’u

5 full days on the water looking for whales

Maximum 7 guests

Breakfast & lunch each day

Interacting with marine megafauna workshop

Underwater photography workshop

Freedive, meditation and yoga workshop with Adam Sellars

Photography package of trip highlights

Airport transfers

Snorkelling on tropical coral reefs

Swimming and exploring hidden ocean caves

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1: Arrive Vava’u, Tonga
  • You’ll be greeted at the airport by our transfer to the accommodation.
  • Meet-and-greet with your guide – Jono Allen over lunch.
  • Settle into your waterfront accommodation
  • Tongan welcome feast!
  • Sunday cultural experience!
  • Masterclass by Jono Allen on interacting with & photographing the whales in a responsible manner.
Tonga Retreat
Day 2 – 7 Diving With Humpbacks
  • Breakfast 6am
  • On the boat 7am
  • 7 hours of searching for and
  • swimming with humpbacks!
  • 2pm return back to base, rinse gear and enjoy some sunshine.
  • Interactive Underwater
  • Photography Masterclass
  • Dinner out on the town
  • Early night at our accommodation
Tonga Retreat Whales
Day 8: Depart Vava’u, Tonga
  • Breakfast at our accommodation
  • Jono Allen will present a final Masterclass on Photography Editing.
  • Apply your new skills to your own photos!
  • Sadly it’s time to say goodbye, but with memories that will last forever.
  • Return transfer to Vava’u airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 7 nights accommodation in water front accommodation
  • 5 full days on the water looking for whales
  • Breakfast & lunch each day
  • Interacting with marine megafauna workshop
  • Underwater photography workshop
  • Freedive workshop
  • Photography package of trip highlights
  • Airport transfers
  • Snorkelling on tropical coral reefs
  • Swimming and exploring hidden ocean caves
  • International flights & travel insurance
  • Cafe items between meals
  • Alcoholic drinks & dinner
  • All Wildlife is Wild and can’t be guaranteed
  • Perfect Weather
  • Yes, as any overseas trip you will require your own personal travel insurance.
  • Swimming with humpback whales is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe. These majestic creatures are known for their intelligence and beautiful songs. Not only will you get to witness their incredible size and grace up close, but you’ll also have the
    opportunity to learn more about their behaviour and habitat. Swimming with humpback whales is an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the ocean and these gentle giants.
  • No! You don’t need any scuba dive experience for this trip. The whales come to the surface, and we meet them there! You will sometimes have the option to ‘free dive’ with the whales, allowing you more time with them. Especially when they’re moving in heat runs, or singing down into the depths at about 20 meters deep!
  • While we can help with some gear, we strongly encourage you to bring your own snorkel, mask, fins and wetsuit that you have tested and are comfortable with! For those less competent swimmers we encourage the use of thick and highly buoyant wetsuits over safety vests, however it is your choice!
  • Many of the activities involve swimming and snorkelling so we recommend a moderate level of fitness. It is also recommended that you are comfortable in the ocean and able to swim 200m unassisted.
  • Flights currently operate from Australia, Fiji & New Zealand. While flights options are limited our team is here to help you find the best flights all the way to Vava’u.
  • Yes, swimming with humpback whales is an activity that has taken place in Tonga for over 20 years. However, there is always an inherent risk when in the presence of large wildlife.