Our day begins around 8:00 a.m. with a hearty breakfast. We then head out on the water to learn about Tonga’s humpback whale population and have our first swim. We’ll begin with a safety briefing and discussion on ethically swimming with whales, which will cover how to enter and exit the water without disturbing them. At first, they can be jittery around humans, and learning to work in unison as a group will give us a better shot at swimming gracefully alongside these gentle giants. We'll participate in a brief orientation aboard our vessel—one of the best-equipped boats on the island. In the evening, you can either head back to the hotel or unwind with a beer at the local fishermen’s club.

Each day on the water is devoted to searching for humpback whales, with two days to relax between all our time spent at sea. The exact order and activities for the next several days are intentionally kept flexible so we can spend time among the whales when conditions are best. With a steady, patient approach, we’ll find the most vocal whales and slip into the water nearby so we can hear them sing as we swim. In the evenings, we’ll return to our cozy hotel for a restorative meal and a restful night’s sleep. 

We’ll return to the sea to spend another day with whales. Accompanied by our marine mammal biologist guide, we’ll learn to use a hydrophone to listen in on their vocalizations and capture their conversations. Our guides will help us interpret what we’re listening to, providing a rare window into the lives of these mysterious creatures. Not only will the songs we capture serve as fascinating lyrics from the deep for our group to geek out over, but they’ll also contribute directly to ongoing research.

Tonga is a kingdom with deep religious ties, and Sundays are considered days of rest. We’ll take a break from our time in the ocean to observe the Sabbath. You’re welcome to relax on the island, attend religious services, or venture out for an optional snorkeling tour around Pangaimotu Island.

Spend another day searching for and swimming with humpbacks and learning about their lives, habitats, and songs in the company of expert guides. Each day presents a new opportunity to see and hear them, gaining deeper insights into their mysterious lives and contributing to the research of our biologist-hosts.

We’ve reserved one full day for exploring life on the main island. As a group, we’ll meet with our local Tongan guide to explore Tongatapu and learn about the history, mythology, and complex cultural and religious influences that manifest in contemporary Tongan life. Please note the order of our swim days and the island day will likely be shuffled to take advantage of the best weather and conditions on the water.

Today we’re back in the water. We’ll work with our guide to identify and count whales as part of an ongoing research project tracking migratory patterns. Each year, humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere make their way from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the tropical waters of Tonga to mate and give birth. As we listen in on their haunting calls, we’ll also be contributing to their preservation.