Whale Discoveries | Whale & Dolphin Watching

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Watch & Swim with whales in The Kingdom of Tonga. Celebrate the annual return of the Humpback Whales from Antarctica to the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific. Join us aboard our 8.5 metre purpose-built vessel 'Tropic Bird' for whale watching/swimming in the scenic Kingdom of Tonga. An ultimate whalewatch experience awaits.

Whale Discoveries was formed with the goal of promoting whale watching in Tonga as a means of conserving the South Pacific humpback whale, which came close to the brink of extinction following decades of whaling. Whale Discoveries is not exclusively a commercial venture; it is more importantly an opportunity for us to celebrate with others the gradual recovery of Tonga's humpback whale population and to heighten awareness at the local, national and international levels of the value of preserving these magnificent creatures.

The name "Whale Discoveries" reflects our philosophy that the more we learn about whales the more there is to discover about these complex mammals. The name "Whale Discoveries" thus also serves as our reminder to maintain an attitude of humility as our understanding of whales, their habitat and behaviours increases.

Months

June • July • August • September • October

Duration

Full day (6-9 hours) • Multi-day

Vessel types

Rigid inflatable

Times and prices

Join us for a magical day out on our purpose built whalewatch/swim vessel “Tropic Bird” Complimentary pick up from your accomadation with snorkeling gear and wetsuit supplied. Morning tea lunch and afternoon fruits served. Cost is $300 TOP per person swimming $225 TOP per person observer Departs 0830 return 1530 hours We have 6 day 10 day and 14 day packages available including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and daily whalewatch/swimming trips aboard the Tropic Bird. Prices start at 6 day package ex Auckland AUD$2150 ex Sydney AUD$2650 ex perth AUD$2820 Includes; airfares and accommodation (subject to availability) Airport transfers, 4 days whale swim trips aboard Tropic bird

About our skippers and naturalist guides

Facilities

Deck with 360?vision • On board hydrophone • Onboard research • Public participation in research • Restrooms / toilets on board • Support conservation • Swim / snorkel included • Use a code of conduct

We frequently

See a whale's tail • See leaping dolphins • See leaping whales • Swim with them in the wild • Watch whales and dolphins

Baleen Whales

Humpback Whale

Ocean Dolphins

Bottlenose Dolphin • Spinner Dolphin

Other wildlife and points of interest

The rare green sea turtle breeds in Tonga waters, and is occasionally seen darting amongst coral heads by snorkellers, though is more likely to be spotted on the water's surface in calm conditions. Vigilant snorkelers might even glimpse a manta ray or eagle ray. Vava'u's extensive reefs of sturdy hard coral teem with small, colourful reef fish including clownfish, damselfish, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and lionfish. Among the invertebrates are anemones, shrimp, feather stars, sea hares and sea horses.