The Kingdom
of Tonga is one of the few places left on our planet where it is
still legal to swim with the Humpback Whales. This group of whales
spends the summer in the Antarctic and travels to the warm waters
of Tonga for the Winter, essentially to calf, to take care of their
young, and mate.
The Kingdom
of Tonga is totally undeveloped with no huge resorts to speak of.
On our whale swim trip, we are blessed enough to stay at one of three
world class locations in the Kingdom…all - small and delightful
resorts, (that can sleep a maximum of 14 people) on the most pristine
islands and locations you can imagine. This is where we take one
or two weeks out of our routines to retreat into another world ….
a world of intense blue/green waters, white sandy beaches, world
class snorkeling, and 40 foot Cetaceans.
“Imagine being in the
water with a Mother, Baby and escort male Humpback whale... see yourself
lying on the surface and waiting for them to come over to you….
. nothing… and then there’s the Mother whale…a 40
foot gentle giant... and there’s her Baby, a 2 month old calf
at only 20 foot. The Mother allows the baby to come on over and visit
with us…the baby comes within feet of our bodies .. looks into
our eyes and our lives are forever changed”. (Phillipa Christian).
My experience
on Mounu Island, in Kingdom of Tonga was a true blessing. The
accommodations were exquisite, the food was tremendous and the
company of the boat captain and his wife made the trip a memorable
one.
The boat/shore swims with the sacred humpback whales and their
babies have been deeply transformative, and were at once exciting
and awe inspiring. These swims were then followed up with
the silence and tranquility of Mounu Island, planned relaxation/integration
time in the afternoons, and then a fun social time before 5 course
dinners.
Phillipa Christian, as the leader of the trip, was very well prepared
and a constant source of information and support.
This is a trip of a life time….
Steven Keeler
Amazing Humpback Whale Movies !
~ Frequently
Asked Questions: ~
How
much is the trip?
(1.) One Week
Option:
$2500 per person per
week. Included is all accommodation, meals, (excluding sodas and alcoholic
beverages), daily private & shared boat trips, taxes, transfers from the
airport and boat to the resort island. (The price excludes airfares from your
hometown to the Kingdom of Tonga, internal Tongan flights to Vava’au
and any additional nights you spend in either Tonga, New Zealand or
Fiji on the way to/from Tonga).
(2.) Two Week Option:
Add an extra $2500 per person for an additional week on the island
resort, with several additional days on the boat with the whales.
How
many whale swims does the trip include?
One week option includes
7 days / 6 nights at the resort, and at least 4 full day whale
swims. (with the possibillity of a 5th)
Two week option includes 13 days / 12 nights at the resort, and10
full day whale swims, (with a possibility of an 11th whale swim).
What is the deposit
and when is it due?
As there is
only room for 8-14 people per week, we have decided to make this a “first-in-first-served” basis
for selection. There is a 5% discount incentive to pay in full at the
time of registration before year-end. Your other option is to pay in
installments… $500 per person per week is due prior to year-end
this year; with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to the date
of your trip. Please note that the $500 per person per week initial
deposit is non-refundable, but transferable, unless we can replace
your space with a new guest(s). Note too, that unless we can replace
your space with a new guest(s), your full payment due 60 days prior
to your trip start date will be non-refundable.
What are the dates
of the 2008 trip?
Choose one or two weeks from September 16th through September 29th,
2008
The "week" comes from the following schedule example for
the FIRST week in the September trip:
Day 1:
Depart final USA airport; e.g.
September 16th
Day 3:
Arrive in Tongatapu, and travel to Vavau
(one day skipped for international dateline crossing) e.g. September
18th
Day 4:
Whale swim 1 e.g. 19th September
Day 5:
Whale swim 2 e.g. 20th September
Day 6:
Whale swim 3 e.g. 21st September
Day 7:
Whale swim 4 e.g. 22nd September
Day 8:
Whale swim 5 e.g. 23rd September (TBC)
Day 9:
Depart Vavau to Tongatapu and depart back
to the USA e.g. 23rd September or 24th September and arrival
back in the USA on the 22nd or 23rd September (one day PRIOR
to leaving, as you gain back the one lost crossing the
international dateline)
Note that the SECOND week in September
trip will have the same pattern as above, but will depart on the
US airport on the 22nd September, arrive in Tonga on the 24th September;
and have the 4 (maybe 5) whale swims on the 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th,
(and 29th TBC); and depart Vavau and Tongatapu on the 29th or 30st,
(with arrival back in the US on the day BEFORE YOU LEAVE TONGA!)
What is the routing to Tonga?
This can change every year. For 2007, we had 2 choices… to connect
from the USA through New Zealand or Fiji, and then to Tonga. In 2006,
there were 2 airlines we could choose from… Air New Zealand
/ United (code share) from LAX, SFO, or HNL into AKL (Auckland, New
Zealand), and from there to TBU (Tongatapu)..OR Air Pacific from LAX
, HNL or Vancouver to Nadi, (Fiji) and from there DIRECT to Vava'u.
Now, if you arrive in TBU (Tongatapu), there is also a short flight
you need to take to get to the island group of Vava’u, where
the whales congregate. This domestic airline is currently Air Tonga
(operated by the Fijian airline, Air Pacific). However, please note,
this could change at any time, and usually does!
How much time do we
get in the water with the whales?
It depends
very much on the day and how blessed we are. Some people go out for
days and spend only minutes close to the whales.“On all our trips
since 2002 we have been blessed enough to be right
next a Mum and baby pair for literally hours on end! For those of us
that spent 2 weeks with the whales on the last trip, we only had one
day, where we saw spouts only, and one day with poor weather…the rest
of the time it was magical. The best moments were when we were with
the Mum and baby pairs…Mama is tired and sleepy, and leaves baby
with us as playmates! Baby rolls and frolics around, whilst we just
lie there and enjoy the spectacle! We also had a day where a Mum/baby
pair were breaching literally for hours. We lost count at how many
breaches, maybe over 100?!”
On the 2007
trip, we had so many magical moments …. 3 whales playing in
and around us for 45 minutes, and at times, these 3 were joined by
another 2! (ask about getting a copy of the DVD of this!). We also
had 8 whales swing by and through us, playing, chasing, blowing bubbles!
We had a Mom and baby for 30 minutes, with Mom completely stationary
and asleep! Baby was nursing, peeking out under Mom’s nose,
checking us out, coming on over to us… for 30 magical minutes!
We also had a pregnant Mom in labor… you could actually see
the baby moving inside Mom… I really thought we would be witnessing
a birth!! (AND I only had my disposable underwater camera with me!)
"For
me, this is an ideal holiday. To be single, but amongst likeminded
friends, sharing a small intimate island and happy companionship,
and to
have the focus of the wonderful whales for each day. I felt totally
in awe
of these splendid animals, overwhelmed with emotion at their magnificence
and humbled to be part of their world. Initally scared, ultimately
thrilled
beyond belief and so proud and elated to have overcome the fear
and slipped
quietly into the water to swim so closely to them. What a joyous
experience
to share with my new island friends."
Hilda T. United Kingdom XX
Is it really OK to
swim with the whales, as they are birthing and taking care of
their young?
Yes, it’s
very impressive how much care and respect the boat Captains and their
staff have with the whales in the Kingdom of Tonga. Basically, only
one boat at a time can be with any group of whales. Only four guests,
and one swim support person can be in the water at any given time… If,
at any time, the Captain feels that the whales need their space, we
leave the area immediately and look for another group to interact with.
How fit do I need to
be? Do I need to be a good swimmer?
You can
be almost any level of swimmer and fitness, because you don’t
need to swim far from the boat. We are dropped close to the whales
and usually we only need to “hang” stationary on the
surface. We do have swim support every day and with every group
of four people in the water. I strongly recommend getting some
snorkel practice in the local pool or ocean prior to your trip… especially
if you have not snorkeled before, or if you are a bit rusty! This
will greatly enhance your experience.
What is the temperature
of the water?
It is
a little chilly, probably in the 70’s…so it’s
a good idea to bring along sweat suits or jackets for the boat
and a wetsuit whilst in the water.
How long is the boat
trip every day?
We usually
left the resort at around 9:00 – 9:30am and returned around
3:30 - 4:00pm.
Do we
need to leave the resort for our meals and drinks? No,
it’s wonderful – no need to leave the resort at all!!
The Chefs are fabulous!! "I found myself
really looking forward to meal time”, (Phillipa Christian).
It’s also very casual on the island, no need to dress up,
unless you’d like to!
Please let
us know if you have special dietary needs.
Sample Dinner Menu:
Appetizers:
- Seafood Chowder: Mixed seafood of the day in a white wine and herb
cream soup
- Ota Ika: Tongan raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream
- Market Salad: Fresh greens, vegetables and herbs toasted in a garlic
and olive oil dressing
- Grilled local giant scallop with a papaya and pickled ginger compote
served over a herb crouton
- Tomatoes and Cucumber salad with a spring onion crème fraiche
dressing
Main Course:
- Roasted turkey breast and rouladine of turkey leg served with its
own sauce, pureed local yams and roasted vegetables
- Mahimahi fillet grilled with a red curry cream sauce served with
a taro Tonga roesti and sautéed vegetables
- Red snapper fillet coated with herbs with a fresh lime and white
wine butter sauce served over pasta and vegetables
- Sirloin steak with a roasted garlic and red wine glaze served with "Duchess" style
Tongan taro and roasted vegetables
- Painted crayfish tail roasted with a shellfish cream sauce served
with rice and poached green papaya
What else can we say
about the trip?
“I
was completely blown away by the whole concept... and I was the
group leader! The resort is located in the most beautiful location …it’s
very quaint… I found myself waking with the sunrise each
day and meditating and doing yoga right on the balcony. The balcony,
by the way, is only feet away from the pristine, clear waters
around the resort.
The whale experiences are
difficult to describe in words. The whales got me right in the heart… they
seemed to communicate with what I can only describe as waves of Universal
Love and Beingness. To see the baby whale nurse from Mama, was mind-blowing …to
see the Mum and Baby head straight for us was utterly magical. I
simply can’t wait to go back…AND I’m staying two weeks
this time!”. (Phillipa Christian)
The resort
is just spectacular with a perfect white sandy beach right out the
front of the rooms. You can look at other
islands from any point of the resort. Another of the resorts,
is right on a beautiful lagoon, so you can go snorkeling with a few
minutes from your fale!
"My opportunity
to swim with the Humpback Whales in the Kingdom of Tonga was
the fulfillment of a dream. The experience was awesome. I entered
the world of the whales to watch the joy of the babies as they
learned to play while their mothers slept or quietly observed
us as we lingered near them. There was no sign of fear of our
presence. I can think of no more life altering event than gazing
into the eyes of those gentle giants...
The island resort where we stayed was a South Pacific paradise.
The food was delicious consisting mostly of fresh fruit and fish.
Our hosts, Alan and Lyn, were willing to do just about anything
to make our experience memorable. The island of Mounu has been
developed with the welfare of the environment as a primary concern.
We left only our footprints on the island, and they were fast washed
away by the incoming tide...
However, the experiences of those two weeks are seared into my
brain. I need only to close my eyes to bring the memories flooding
back. My time with the Humpbacks, makes all else pale by comparison."
Judy G.N. Cody, WY
What should I bring with me?
* at least a couple swimsuits, so that one can dry, whilst you are
wearing the other! (no need to bring towels)
* underwater cameras, (disposable are fine). IF you bring digital,
remember to bring along your charger and an extra battery! Please make
sure all your electronics can be used with 240 voltage!
* mask, snorkel, fins, (good ones if possible, so that you can enjoy
your time in the water with the whales, without having to worry about
your gear. Please try it out...especially if you get new stuff! Use
the local pool, or wherever you need to, but please try it out! Also,
remember to put toothpaste on the front/back of your new mask lense,
as otherwise you will suffer from a fogging problem the whole time!).
* wetsuit... IF you tend to get cold. You do not HAVE to have one -
most years, I have not taken one. But, I am thinking of taking a shortie
just in case. The temperature is probably around the 70's. (It IS Winter!).
* jacket for the boat. Last year, I had a waterproof outside, with
a fleece liner, and we needed it on the days where the weather was
not great!
* long sleeve shirt or blouse or sweater for any cool evenings, (especially
if you tend to feel the cold. Some people wear shorts the whole time,
but I find I like to wear long sleeves some nights at dinner)
What else do we need to know?
MONEY:
The local currency is the Tongan dollar (pa'anga). You will need to
bring any money for purchasing gifts, for example a necklace might
be T$10-20, a T-Shirt might be around T$45. You will need T$25 for
your departure tax at the airport. If you choose to take a water taxi
into town, or to explore, you will need money for that. During your
stay at the resort you are able to charge all Beverages, equipment
hireage, and laundry to your account.
LANGUAGE
The local language is Tongan but most people speak good English.
SHOPPING
There is a local market and a limited number of shops selling locally
produced jewelry, carvings, tapa cloth etc.
TRADITIONAL TONGAN MASSAGE
Available most days by prior arrangement. Costs are T$20.00 1/2 hr
or T$40.00 1 hr.
NEIAFU TOWNSHIP
Neiafu is situated at the head of the Port of Refuge Harbour and is
a 10km vehicle drive or a ten-minute boat ride in our Water Taxi. Neiafu
offers a few small foodstuff shops, some Gift/Souvenir shops, a Post
Office, the Westpac Bank of Tonga and the ANZ Bank.
'UTUNGAKE VILLAGE
Feel free to wander through the local village. There are often local
ladies weaving in the village hall about half way through the village
on the right hand side. They will welcome your interest. At the end
of the island there is another village called Talihau, which is approximately
a 45-minute walk each way where there is a nice beach for swimming
and snorkeling. Please close the gate behind you to keep out the local
dogs and pigs!
TELEPHONE, FAX, E-MAIL & INTERNET
It is very difficult to make phone calls. To send a fax is even more
difficult. You can make collect calls, you can be charged by the minute
or you can purchase a phone card from Telecom in Neiafu for International
calls.
Phone
T$1.00 per minute for local calls e.g. taxi
T$2.00 per minute to Nuku¹alofa
T$4.00 per minute to NZ/Australia/Pacific
T$5.00 per minute to USA/Europe
Internet
Unfortunately the resort does not have reliable or efficient access
to the Internet. There are several Internet cafes in Neiafu.
