Tonga’s tropical waters are the mating and calving grounds for Humpback Whales which migrate from their winter feeding grounds in Antarctica. Our trip is based at a beachfront lodge on Vava’u and we will make daily small boat excursions to see the whales and subject to strict conditions (we will not disturb the whales), plan to snorkel with them. We will enjoy lots of other snorkelling opportunities with unspoilt corals and myriads of tropical fish. Previous snorkelling experience is required for this holiday. Some tropical seabirds breed here too.

 

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Holiday info

Dates: 4^th – 15^th August and 15th – 26th September 2011

Naturalist: Karen Stone

Cost: £3495 per person based on sharing a twin room

Single supplement: £549

Deposit: £500 per person

Maximum no. of participants: 12

 

Price includes: Return economy class flights from Los Angeles, transfers, accommodation in rooms with private facilities, excursions, services of leader, all meals in Tonga.

 

Price excludes: Flights to Los Angeles, insurance, drinks, meals in Fiji, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

 

 

                                                    

Tonga tropical waters are the mating and calving grounds for endangered humpback whales who migrate to these warm waters annually from Antarctica.   Humpback cows and their young calves remain in Tonga from July through November to allow the calf to grow in strength and stamina in preparation for its journey to summer feeding grounds far to the south.

 

In a large protected lagoon off the island of Vava’u, we immerse ourselves in whale watching above and below the water’s surface.  The Vava’u group of islands is located north of the Tongatapu, Tonga.  Our comfortable beachfront lodge is nestled on the island of Utungake, and by private charter boat, we make daily excursions to visit with the whales and snorkel the clear waters filled with corals and colorful fish.

 

Our focused activity is the chance to enter the water with these magnificent mammals to observe them unobtrusively underwater.  Using only snorkel equipment, all "soft in-water" encounters are while floating at the surface and always determined by the whales' response to swimmers.  Strict guidelines will be followed for participants' safety and to avoid disturbing the whales.  Of course, we cannot guarantee whale sightings or underwater encounters.  We should be able to observe a variety of whale behaviors, including courting adults and playful calves.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the whales in their habitat.  Participants must be experienced snorkelers, but no special skills are required.  In addition to extraordinary whale watching experiences, this expedition offers exceptional coral reef snorkeling with soft coral walls and profuse marine life. 

                                                                                                                                                                       

 

ITINERARY

(Our itinerary will remain flexible, taking into account sea state, currents, and whale sighting opportunities.)

 

Days 1-3Depart in the late evening from Los Angeles, cross the International Date Line and arrive in Nadi, Fiji,in the early morning of the third day.  Day on your own.  Overnight at comfortable hotel.

 

Day 4 Early morning flight from Nadi to Suva, to connect with flight to Tongatapu, and continue on one-hour flight to Vava’u.  Transfer to lodge.  Afternoon beach snorkeling.

 

Days 5-11 Six full days whale watching and reef snorkeling.  One day for land-based activities. We set out in our privately chartered motor boat, weather permitting, to search for whales in their breeding and nursery areas. We should be able to observe a variety of behaviors from mother and calf interactions to the sometimes combative behavior of mature bulls. Humpbacks are the most acro­batic of whales, and we may witness spectacular displays of breaching, lobtailing, spyhop­ping, or fin-slapping.  Although one of our objectives is to observe the whales underwater, this is dependent on weather and whales, and we follow strict guidelines to avoid disturbing them.  This is the time of year when we encounter mostly humpback cows with their young calves -- these are the friendliest, and the most curious about humans.  Our observations, whether above or in-water, may last from a few minutes to nearly an hour.  When the whales are less ac­tive, we can slip into the water with them to snorkel among them while floating at the surface.

 

The humpbacks are wild, and our experienced guide will determine when we can snorkel with them. During these encounters we will be able to observe their behavior and explore their underwater habitat.  Photographic opportunities are excellent.  Our naturalist will help ensure that these encounters are as safe and non-intrusive as possible.

 

When not whale watching, we can snor­kel along nearby reefs. The sheltered waters of Vava’u offer a variety of snorkeling sites.  Soft coral walls, large sea fans and an abundance of tropical fish and colorful invertebrates are found in these clear, warm waters.  Most of our snorkeling sites are within 20 minutes of the dock. Set against the lush tropical coastline, we will also search for birds such as brown boobies, noddy terns, great frigate birds and herons. 

 

One day will be dedicated to island exploration including nature hikes and visiting a traditional village.  Evening presenta­tions help place our experien­ces and discoveries in perspec­tive.

 

Day 12 Vava’u/Tongatapu/Los Angeles.  Mid-day departure from Vava’u for Tongatapu, to connect with flight to Nadi, and onward to Los Angeles, again crossing the International Date Line, to arrive in Los Angeles the same day.

 

LEADERSHIP

 

The naturalist for your expedition will be Karen Stone.  Born in England, she holds a degree in Wildlife Management, as well as a diploma in Ecology and Environment Studies, and a Marine Mammal Guide Certificate.  She worked as a dive instructor and whale guide in the Silver Banks Whale Sanctuary in the Dominican Republic for 2 years.  She has studied sperm whales with marine biologists, and worked as a dive master in Palau, Tahiti, and Indonesia.  She moved to Tonga in 2004 to work with humpback whales, studying their behaviors, including fluke IDs and song recordings.

 

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TRIP INFORMATION

Accommodations

Our lodge has only 12 double occupancy beachfront rooms, only meters from the clear, turquoise waters edge.  Each room offers private baths with hot and cold showers, and ceiling fans. The sand-floor restaurant serves good food and a full meal plan is included.  The protected waters off the beach offer great swimming and snorkeling should reward us with a variety of colorful tropical fish such as butterfly fish, angelfish and clownfish.

 

Meals

Meals are included during our stay at the lodge.  Meals are not including during travel days.  Special dietary requests can usually be accom­modated with advance notice.

 

The Vessel

Our chartered vessel is a 28-foot rigid hull inflatable pontoon powerboat designed to comfortably cruise at 30kts.  A custom designed dive ladder ensures ease of entry/exit of the water.  If the minimum of 8 group members is not reached, some whale watch trips may have non-Oceanic members participating on specific whale watching days. 

 

Health & Fitness

Anyone in general good health can participate in this expedition.  You should be an experienced snorkeler, comfortable and competent in the water.  Whales are found in the deeper waters and you will not be able to see the bottom.  Snorkeling spots are chosen in protected, shallow waters but we may experience modest currents and surface chop from winds.  It is recommended that partici­pants bring their own snorkeling gear (snor­kel, mask and fins) but rentals can be arranged.  Before your trip, you should test your gear thoroughly, and we rec­ommend honing your swimming skills for ocean conditions and currents.  Please call us if you have questions about eli­gibility.

 

Entry/Exit Requirements

A passport and return ticket are required for travel to Tonga.  Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days

 

Climate

May through October is winter in Tonga and we should enjoy settled weather with southeast tropical winds.  Daytime temperatures should range in the mid-80’s to mid-90’s, and a cool 65-70 degrees at night. In the tropics there is always a chance of rain. Water temperatures in September usually range from 75°-80° F.  For snorkeling, a shortie wetsuit or dive skin/Lycra suit is recommended.