Swim With Humpback Whales in Tonga

I waited a year for this trip and it went without a hitch from beginning to end... I am booking the 8 day package as the 5 was phenomenal however I was more time in the water. The owner Nadia is amazing!! The crew above and beyond.. As far as the people from Tonga ???????? warm and genuine..
I would highly recommend this trip!!!!!!
Out of 10 stars this is a 15

I have a Divecentre in South Africa and have used Nadia for 2 group trips to Tonga so far-everything was excellent from arriving to departing in Vava’u.
Our accommodation was excellent and we swam with whales every day.Nadia runs an excellent operation and we will definitely be back!

This was one of the most memorable experience and definitely one that I will never forget. We had such an incredible time and Nadia gave us the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in open water. She was extremely knowledgeable about not only the whales themselves but also the environment in which we were swimming. Nadia exceeded my every expectation when it came to this incredible experience and it was truly one for the record books. Thank you so much, Nadia, for this experience we will never forget.

Humpback Swims - the Best in Tonga

Having used another well known company on the same island (Vava’u) in Tonga, back to back with Humpback Swims, I am in a position to make a real evaluation.

There is no comparison between the companies - Humpback Swims is by far the best - they are better organised , more reliable, has the best boats with the best crews - skippers and guides. Accomodation was comfortable and facilities were good. I would very happily use them again and highly recommend them.

I would stay well clear of the others located there where we paid much more, had three different crews in a week, on an overcrowded boat and accomodation with no hot water.

Enjoyed an incredible week, both on the water and on land with Nadia and crew in Tonga. Spending time with the humpbacks in the water was certainly life changing. They are the most beautiful gentle giants. Really hope to go back again soon.

Back for about a week now and still pumped from this adventure. Nadia Aly runs a well organized and amazing trip. The swimming with the whales can't be described in words but let me just say it exceeded my expectations in every way. The guides, the locals and new friends made was all part of a great time! This is something I would highly recommend to everyone...

I had a wonderful time swimming with the humpback whales in the beautiful island of Vava’u and I owe to Nadia and her team they have been fantastic with organising everything from accomodation to organising the days out on the water and I’m going home full of wonderful memories swimming with the whales from mother and calf to singing males and we even got to see pilot whales and dolphins too

Shout out to Julie, Pake (Tour guide), Waleey (skipper) and Sarah (Caretaker) you were absolutely outstanding and all went the extra mile to make sure we had a good time great addition to Nadia’s team thank you all for a wonderful holiday definitely will be back

Had an absolutely amazing time on my first trip to Tonga to swim with humpback whales. I'm very happy with the entire experience! The days were scheduled very well by Nadia. With plenty of time to look for and swim with whales, while also getting to explore and play in some of the nearby sea caves. Tasty lunches on board each day at gorgeous locations to relax and enjoy. Our skipper and guide worked well together to give everyone on board every chance available to get in the water.

The accommodations at Vava’u Villa were great, with a nice restaurant onsite. We also had many opportunities to check out the numerous restaurants around town.

My time in Tonga with Humpback Swims was incredible! I had many great encounters seeing mother & calf whales, and singing male escorts. I’d recommend this experience to everyone!

Just returned from a 2 week trip to Tonga (in the South Pacific) to snorkel with humpback whales in Tonga with my brothers John and David. David is an underwater videographer, and he met our fearless leader, Nadia Aly, on a shark diving trip. Nadia has created a wonderful trip - she has found the best housing, the best guides, the best boats, and the best food. Take a look at this video (this site will not let me include a web site, so search "Tonga humpbacks David Trescot" to find his wonderful video.

August, 2018
INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!! (wish I could give it 6 stars!)
This is an experience of a lifetime, and a “must-do” if you wish to swim with humpbacks. We could not have picked a better operator. We have done other in–water excursions (on snorkel) with marlin, sailfish, whale sharks and sperm whales, so we had a bit of experience and a general understanding of what to expect. This experience BLEW US AWAY in every respect!! Literally, every part of this trip exceeded our expectations. In fact, so much we are discussing a return visit. But the next time, we are inviting friends to enjoy this magical experience with.

From the very first contact, Nadia was polite, professional and loaded with details. She responded to e-mail inquiries quickly and thoroughly, which was comforting considering the commitment involved in travelling to Tonga from the US. We were met at the Vava’u airport by Nadia and her team, and transported to our Tongan accommodations after stopping for supplies.

We selected the Ocean Song house, which was absolutely wonderful and located right on the turquoise blue water’s edge. Upon arrival, Nadia hit the “do’s” and “don’ts,” and got us fixed up with internet immediately. She also provided a courtesy car for the entire trip! We enjoyed the sunrise every morning with the other guests while enjoying coffee and breakfast prepared by her wonderful employee, Lapola.

Our 5 days on the water was spent on a terrific (and safe) boat with a great captain (Simon) and in-water guide (Baia). These guys worked in tandem to drop us near the whales at just the right time and in just the right spots. We had numerous peaceful (and close) encounters with mothers and calves (some with escorts), and we spent a day and a half in the middle of a 10-13 whale heat run!! Just incredible! Virtually every day, there were whales everywhere. Simon and Baia were both experienced and knowledgeable, which is key to getting a great experience.

The Tongan people were kind, polite and friendly. Vava’u certainly has a third world feel to it, however, we never felt threatened or uncomfortable. To the contrary, the locals were grateful for visitors, and you could see it by their smiles and “hellos” from both the adults and the children.

There are a number of groups offering whale swimming in Tonga and Vava'u, so make sure you hire one with an experienced and knowledgeable team. After 40 years of diving and experiencing many other in-water encounters, I highly recommend Humpback Swims. They know what they are doing and not even the smallest of details was left to chance.

Lastly, Nadia is an experience photographer, which is quite an asset for this trip – both for the action above the water and below. With a few suggestions and tips, you’re sure to get some great photos! Be sure to take a dry camera for the boat with a telephoto lens! I used Nikon’s 80-400 for the dry shots on an FX DSLR. A 70-200 is more than enough as you get pretty close to the action. Underwater I mostly used a fisheye on a DSLR (along with an attached GoPro). I found a 16-35mm to be too much, as the encounters can be incredibly close.
Scott & Cindy Belt

This was my second time coming to TongA to swim with the hempback whales with Scuba Diver Life. It was easy for me to sign up again and be able to come back for this trip. The whole experience was once again incredible! The lodging and service and help with the people working there was so thoughtful and loving. The guides and our daily trips out into find & swim with the whales was fun and easy and they were able to each day give us such amazing experiences with the whales...beyond words! And the food on the boat was delicious and being food sensitive I enjoyed it each day.
I look forward to my next trip with Scuba Diver Life and coming to Tomga as it is such a magical place.

I made the mistake of visiting Vava’u 5 years ago and not making any bookings. Nadia and her team saved me. Just showing up doesn’t work on this small island and the boats that had space available were a 1 star in comparison to what this company has. Everything makes a difference and it’s worth going with a company who knows what they are doing. I can’t say enough good things about this company. Look no further.

The team at Humpback Swims are phenomenal and the best tour operator you can use in Tonga to fulfill lifelong dreams of being in the water with humpback whales. We have been using them for more than 4 years and will continue to because they look out for all our clients and supply details other operators do not. From trip insurance suggestions, fabulous lunches, accommodation needs, as well as birthday celebrations, they can cater to any individual or group needs. Their specialty is packaging humpback whale life experiences and thinking of every detail. Every day is different on the water when you go out to look for humpback whales as you never can predict what the ocean will give to you, but Humpback Swims is consistent with their commitment to excellence and cares deeply about all of their guests experiences.

After 5 days of swimming with the humpbacks in August I am truly the happiest person on the planet! What an awesome experience!! Nadia and her partners are running a 5-star operation, everything is taken care of. Great accommodation, great boat and skipper, and great guides who stick to the rules of max. 4 people plus 1 guide per whale. Lovely evenings out with really good food (loved the Mongolian BBQ!). We saw whales every single day, moms and playful calves, a heat run, encountered an incredible male singer which touched our hearts - a life changing experience, which I highly, highly recommend!! I will be back! Thank you soooooo much Nadia Aly for making it happen and for taking care of everything- loved every second! ????

Just got back from a 10 day trip with Humpback Swims. The best in-water encounters I've ever had. Swimming with a mother and calf humpback is just extraordinary. Do it!

I'm just finishing up my trip in Tonga for the 8 swim day trip at Mystic Sands.
Nadia and her team have been amazing. We have been having the most amazing whale swims! There is definitely a huge benefit to booking well in advance with Humpback Swims. The best trips book up quickly. They seem to have the best boats on the water, with the best crews(especially Baia and Sione). What I enjoyed most was the small groups on the boat and how sensitive they are to the whales mood. Only four people are allowed to go in the water at a time. There other boats with 12 or so people on them, I can't imagine having to wait on those boats. These guys seriously rock!

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