Every
day of whale watching in Tonga is different
and there's a vast array of interesting
whale behaviour that may be witnessed
- from a single breath, graceful spyhop
or powerful tail slaps to continual full
body breaching or inquisitive approaches
to the boat. These intelligent marine
mammals are always suprising us.
As
a fully licensed operator we can take
you swimming with Ha'apai´s Humpback
Whales and we strive to make it happen
on every trip. However, it is good to
realise that the whales are wild animals
and you will be observing them in their
natural environment. The open ocean is
nothing like a circus and the whales are
not trained to put on a show or sit still
when a boat is nearby. Swimming may or
may not be possible depending on the behaviour
of the animals, their reaction to us and
the weather conditions.
We
are only visitors in their realm and their
welfare is one of our primary concerns,
so we always adopt a precautionary approach
during our encounters and if the whales
show signs of being disturbed we cease
contact. Sometimes the dream of swimming
with a Humpback cannot be fulfilled in
just a single day...
That
being said, our experience with the whales
combined with our careful approach technique
usually results in exhilarating in-water
encounters that leave our guests with
unforgettable whale moments in Ha'apai.
What
else is included in the trip?
To
give you that little extra-bit of whale
we have a hydrophone on board, enabling
you to listen to the Humpbacks`
beautiful singing and at
times mothers teaching calves how to "speak".
You can even take the chance to record
your own song as a memento.
During
the day we can stop for snorkeling on
an outer reef where you will see pristine
hard corals and a myriad of tropical reef
fish.
Our
trips include a visit to one of the many
deserted islands here for a fresh and
healthy lunch on the beach. You will also
get the chance to go swimming, snorkeling,
beachcombing or just relax before we head
out again for the afternoon. Hot and cold
refreshments are also provided during
the day.
