WhaleSwim Adventures
WhaleSwim Adventures
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WhaleSwim Adventures has been operating since 1999 guiding groups to swim with the humpback whales in Vava'u, Tonga and now in Moorea, Tahiti since 2016! We pride ourselves in providing top class accommodation and food, attention to details that makes our guests experience unforgettable and we provide the best experience possible each day in the water with the magnificent humpback whales of Vava'u! We have our own videographer aboard to record your holiday with us, can book a massage, a scuba dive and we assist with advising on other activities for you. Our tour packages are all inclusive - we take care of all the details from the time you arrive until your depart - you don't have to think - JUST RELAX! Our tours and service cannot be compared to anything else available in Vava'u!
Neiafu, Tonga
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
77 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
1
NickyM
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This was a trip that had been postponed since 2019/20 and was a long time in the making as a result of delays due to Covid and the eruption and Tsunami in Tonga. It was well worth the wait and was definitely a trip of a lifetime.
Shane and Helen at the Tongan Beach Resort made sure that our stay was as enjoyable as possible. Attending to issues such as towels, proper fitting fins etc. The packed lunches on the boat were excellent!
Annah was very attentive and ensured that we knew what was happening each day even though she was feeling under the weather. Checking our confidence levels in the water so that she could gouge the types of encounters that we could manage.
We had a lot of swims with the whales which included mothers with calves, heat runs, adolescents, solo whales. It was a magical experience being able to get that close to these amazing creatures. We were fortunate to encounter lots of whales every day of swimming. Sasha was our guide for the majority of the time due to Annah being ill. Thank you Annah, Helen, Sasha and Shane for a bucket list experience.
Shane and Helen at the Tongan Beach Resort made sure that our stay was as enjoyable as possible. Attending to issues such as towels, proper fitting fins etc. The packed lunches on the boat were excellent!
Annah was very attentive and ensured that we knew what was happening each day even though she was feeling under the weather. Checking our confidence levels in the water so that she could gouge the types of encounters that we could manage.
We had a lot of swims with the whales which included mothers with calves, heat runs, adolescents, solo whales. It was a magical experience being able to get that close to these amazing creatures. We were fortunate to encounter lots of whales every day of swimming. Sasha was our guide for the majority of the time due to Annah being ill. Thank you Annah, Helen, Sasha and Shane for a bucket list experience.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
262jillianb
Lithgow, Australia9 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
This had been a bucket list item for a long time. Finally did it, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. What an amazing experience! Swimming with these beautiful whales was extraordinary, going out on the boat everyday was exciting and fun, with a wonderful crew and guide. Staying at the Tongan Beach Resort was lovely and relaxing, my room was right on the beach, and was very comfortable. The food at the resort was delicious, and so fresh. All the staff were so friendly and helpful with any requests, I’d certainly stay there again.
I went on my own and everything was made so easy and welcoming for a solo traveler.
Just do it!
I went on my own and everything was made so easy and welcoming for a solo traveler.
Just do it!
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby M
Blenheim, New Zealand4 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
Had 5 days out on the water at Vava’u island with Annah at WhaleSwim Adventures, we saw whales every day. Such an amazing experience. There was laughter, a few tears, pictures and stories to keep. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew, or days out. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone! Good for the soul, going back home with my bucket well and truly full. Had the most beautiful stay at Tongan Beach Resort, staff were wonderful, right on the waterfront and everything you need is right at your doorstep. Couldn’t fault it.
Mālō, you’re a special one.
Mālō, you’re a special one.
Written 28 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hop_and_Go
Edmundston, Canada6 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
Hello, these are serious pre-trip problems I had with Rae Gill and I want everyone to be aware of my situation !
step 1: In may 2014, I booked my two tours with her and the prices were 5075 AUD (tour 1) and 5315 AUD (tour 2) respectively...At that precise moment, I paid my total deposit of 3000 AUD (1500 AUD each)
step 2 : In september 2014 (four months later after the SET deal), she sent me an email that the price for your 1 went up to 5850 AUD and she never offered to refund me if I disagree ! So an increase of 775 AUD for tour !
step 3 : still in september 2014, price for tour 2 went up to 5650 AUD...and increase of 335 AUD...
step 4: in october 2014, tour 2 went up to 5950 !!! but she didn't charge the extra 300 AUD because of the first two increase in prices and because I had booked 2 tours !
step 5: march 2015 ! Because the AUD$ was weakening, she decided to increase her prices for a fourth time ! giving me 24 hours to pay the remaining balance or I would have to pay the increased priced !
step 6 : after the last increase, I totally disagree with her way of doing business and told her in an email, but still saying that I would pay the remaining balance ! Without any notice, she cancelled both tours ! and refunded me the 3000 AUD$...
step 7 : now I have no tours with two airplanes tickets (international and domestic), no rooms is available for me, most of my dates are booked for whaleswim tours and hotels ! And I lost 600 CAN$ in transactions and currency fees that she doesn't want to refund !
PLEASE do not do any business with her ! she is an inappropriate person and very mean ! I will definitely write an official letter to both governments (NZ and Tonga) so that no other traveller will have to deal with a similar situation !
If anything, you can reach me and I will forward all communications showing the facts ! Thanks, Dominic
step 1: In may 2014, I booked my two tours with her and the prices were 5075 AUD (tour 1) and 5315 AUD (tour 2) respectively...At that precise moment, I paid my total deposit of 3000 AUD (1500 AUD each)
step 2 : In september 2014 (four months later after the SET deal), she sent me an email that the price for your 1 went up to 5850 AUD and she never offered to refund me if I disagree ! So an increase of 775 AUD for tour !
step 3 : still in september 2014, price for tour 2 went up to 5650 AUD...and increase of 335 AUD...
step 4: in october 2014, tour 2 went up to 5950 !!! but she didn't charge the extra 300 AUD because of the first two increase in prices and because I had booked 2 tours !
step 5: march 2015 ! Because the AUD$ was weakening, she decided to increase her prices for a fourth time ! giving me 24 hours to pay the remaining balance or I would have to pay the increased priced !
step 6 : after the last increase, I totally disagree with her way of doing business and told her in an email, but still saying that I would pay the remaining balance ! Without any notice, she cancelled both tours ! and refunded me the 3000 AUD$...
step 7 : now I have no tours with two airplanes tickets (international and domestic), no rooms is available for me, most of my dates are booked for whaleswim tours and hotels ! And I lost 600 CAN$ in transactions and currency fees that she doesn't want to refund !
PLEASE do not do any business with her ! she is an inappropriate person and very mean ! I will definitely write an official letter to both governments (NZ and Tonga) so that no other traveller will have to deal with a similar situation !
If anything, you can reach me and I will forward all communications showing the facts ! Thanks, Dominic
Written 29 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The dynamics in small group tours can make or break a trip and a sense of happy shared adventure and harmony is a priority for the WhaleSwim Adventures team.
We are proud of our 15 year record of so many wonderful whale experiences and happy guests.
Ongoing communication difficulties and concerns about these valuable tour dynamics led us to making the very difficult decision to cancel and refund the two-tour booking.
We understand the reviewers disappointment however, and wish him well.
We have paid the refund currency difference, assisted him in booking alternative whale-swims and will continue our endeavours to assist in finding alternative accommodation.
Sincerely,
Rae Gill
Written 2 April 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HelenElizabeth87
Reading, UK25 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
I went whale watching in the US when I was 12 years old and was lucky enough to see a humpback whale and look right into her eye as she passed along the boat. From that moment on my dream was to swim with these beautiful mammals. After a long wait (15 years!) I was finally able to book myself on to a Whaleswim tour (after following their website for many years - impressed by their ethos and putting the welfare of the whales first). Annah (our wonderful, lovely, informative and generous guide) and the crew on our Blue sky boat (the great Pouli and Nisi) made my lifelong dream a reality! I can’t thank them enough!
Right from the start the whole adventure was great. Firstly, it was very easy to book and I received all the information I needed (thank you Lynda). Pick - ups and drop offs to and from airports and hotels were all taken care of, so I didn’t have to worry about a thing (thank you Craig). We had a lovely welcome dinner to get to know each other (up to 8 in a group) and the accommodation they booked us into was amazing (see Tongan Beach Resort and Mandala Resort).
The boat was very comfortable (space out on deck and inside- plenty of room for all, and a toilet on board). Great when you are spending 7 hours on there each day! We were given a freshly made packed lunch each day; every meal was delicious and so varied! (Looking at others in my group, people with food intolerances or vegetarians were very well catered for). Annah kept us in constant supply of lovely biscuits and fruit to snack on throughout the day as well.
Each day was spent searching for whales, and Annah, Pouli, Nisi and Andrew worked very hard to give us the best possible encounters, in good weather and in the rain! On one of our rainy days we actually had a spectacular encounter with a very friendly whale, which was one of the best moments of my life! We had some gorgeous swims with amazing mums, playful, curious calves and cautious escorts. We also had the honour of swimming with about 7 males who were engaged in a heat run. It could be the fastest I have ever swum! Absolutely incredible and did not expect I would ever get the opportunity to do that!
There are no words that can really do this experience justice. I just feel extremely privileged to have been allowed to swim with these beautiful mammals; that they allowed us into their world and that the Tongan government let us too. I would like to add that at the moment the activity of swimming with the whales does seem well governed and the whales’ welfare is of paramount importance. This was my main main concern about this trip before I came – I did not want to be part of anything that interfered negatively with the whales in any way. I needn’t have worried with Whaleswim however. Annah and Nisi were so great in the water with us, getting us close to the whales and then allowing them to make the decision if they wanted to come closer or not. Professional and showing so much care for the whales and the environment at all times. Only 4 people were allowed in the water at one time, and the time spent with the whale was monitored so that we did not go over the allowed time. We swam to the whales so the boat did not get too close to them and most often we were the only boat there (and there were never more than 2 boats around a whale at any one time). The other boats we saw along the way looked like they were giving the whales the same respect that we were. When something like this is done well, like it is with WhaleSwim (and from what I have seen, Tonga as a whole) it can be a sustainable venture that does not harm the whales and one that benefits the local people.
I was so impressed by this company that I have just booked to go with them to Sri Lanka in January – to possibly swim with blue and sperm whales! And as soon as I can I will be joining them for another adventure in Tonga – I am addicted to those beautiful whales :)
Right from the start the whole adventure was great. Firstly, it was very easy to book and I received all the information I needed (thank you Lynda). Pick - ups and drop offs to and from airports and hotels were all taken care of, so I didn’t have to worry about a thing (thank you Craig). We had a lovely welcome dinner to get to know each other (up to 8 in a group) and the accommodation they booked us into was amazing (see Tongan Beach Resort and Mandala Resort).
The boat was very comfortable (space out on deck and inside- plenty of room for all, and a toilet on board). Great when you are spending 7 hours on there each day! We were given a freshly made packed lunch each day; every meal was delicious and so varied! (Looking at others in my group, people with food intolerances or vegetarians were very well catered for). Annah kept us in constant supply of lovely biscuits and fruit to snack on throughout the day as well.
Each day was spent searching for whales, and Annah, Pouli, Nisi and Andrew worked very hard to give us the best possible encounters, in good weather and in the rain! On one of our rainy days we actually had a spectacular encounter with a very friendly whale, which was one of the best moments of my life! We had some gorgeous swims with amazing mums, playful, curious calves and cautious escorts. We also had the honour of swimming with about 7 males who were engaged in a heat run. It could be the fastest I have ever swum! Absolutely incredible and did not expect I would ever get the opportunity to do that!
There are no words that can really do this experience justice. I just feel extremely privileged to have been allowed to swim with these beautiful mammals; that they allowed us into their world and that the Tongan government let us too. I would like to add that at the moment the activity of swimming with the whales does seem well governed and the whales’ welfare is of paramount importance. This was my main main concern about this trip before I came – I did not want to be part of anything that interfered negatively with the whales in any way. I needn’t have worried with Whaleswim however. Annah and Nisi were so great in the water with us, getting us close to the whales and then allowing them to make the decision if they wanted to come closer or not. Professional and showing so much care for the whales and the environment at all times. Only 4 people were allowed in the water at one time, and the time spent with the whale was monitored so that we did not go over the allowed time. We swam to the whales so the boat did not get too close to them and most often we were the only boat there (and there were never more than 2 boats around a whale at any one time). The other boats we saw along the way looked like they were giving the whales the same respect that we were. When something like this is done well, like it is with WhaleSwim (and from what I have seen, Tonga as a whole) it can be a sustainable venture that does not harm the whales and one that benefits the local people.
I was so impressed by this company that I have just booked to go with them to Sri Lanka in January – to possibly swim with blue and sperm whales! And as soon as I can I will be joining them for another adventure in Tonga – I am addicted to those beautiful whales :)
Written 23 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DavidGW209
Sydney, Australia21 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
My wife and I had been looking forward to this trip for ages, in fact it was our honeymoon. I want to start off by saying that our whaleswim guides Amy & Matt were lovely people who really tried to make our trip the best it could be (thanks guys).
Sadly, this is a negative review and yes part of the issue was that in the week we went finding whales was very difficult (unusual according to guides). Apart from having a 'quiet week' there were other aspects of this tour that let us down. Firstly, we stayed on a catamaran that we thought was going to be cruising around the islands as per the advertising, we parked up in a bay and didn't move for 4 days?? We all got bored very quickly. Things like 'daily lunch on uninhabited islands' never happened and what isn't mentioned on the website is a typical day is 6-7 hours of cruising around in pretty uncomfortable (and unreliable) vessels - the days are long and gruelling, and yes the lack of whales was the unwanted icing on the cake.
We did get a couple of great (very brief) swims with whales but considering the high cost of this trip and also the impression created by the advertising this trip was a big let down.
Sadly, this is a negative review and yes part of the issue was that in the week we went finding whales was very difficult (unusual according to guides). Apart from having a 'quiet week' there were other aspects of this tour that let us down. Firstly, we stayed on a catamaran that we thought was going to be cruising around the islands as per the advertising, we parked up in a bay and didn't move for 4 days?? We all got bored very quickly. Things like 'daily lunch on uninhabited islands' never happened and what isn't mentioned on the website is a typical day is 6-7 hours of cruising around in pretty uncomfortable (and unreliable) vessels - the days are long and gruelling, and yes the lack of whales was the unwanted icing on the cake.
We did get a couple of great (very brief) swims with whales but considering the high cost of this trip and also the impression created by the advertising this trip was a big let down.
Written 12 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This 2013 season gave us more wind and rain than any other season in 14 years! This can be very disappointing when we have to stick to the western side of the islands in the lee of the wind which then restricts us with the number of whales we can find and whether they are 'friendly' and where there are no white sandy uninhabited islands to have lunch on.
It can be stressful, especially for those who have travelled a long way and have high hopes for many magical swims with the humpbacks. Disappointment makes it easy to focus on the bad weather, lack of whales, too many boats on the water, the condition of the WhaleSwim boat or our crew who dedicate long days doing their very best to find whales so everyone can fulfil their dream. Operating in a 3rd-world country where most businesses just survive pursuing their 'passion' over a short 3 month season is not an easy feat and sadly many don't make it to 2 years of operation. Therefore the possibility of providing and maintaining the latest upmarket fast boats is unfortunately unrealistic under these circumstances.
We hope that our guests simply appreciate and are humbled by, the absolute privilege it is to be able to swim with the amazing humpback whales in the wild.
Written 1 November 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hellandhighwater
Australia14 contributions
Sept 2010 • Solo
2011 will be my third trip to Vava'u Tonga to join Whaleswim Adventures. The isalnds of Vava'u are just beautiful and there are many, habited and uninhabited. Whaleswim Adventures takes a boat out every day of the trip to visit the whale nursery. Here you are allowed to snorkel with the humpbacks. The trips are safe, well organised and the boat Captain Cam certainly knows his homeland and where to spot the whales. The trip is fully catered for and there are no hidden costs. After an amazing day swimming with the whales we go to a quiet coral reef to snorkel or dive in caves. I can thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone who loves being on the ocean, snorkelling and of course the precious humpback whales.
Written 2 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marissa O
1 contribution
Sept 2017 • Solo
I can't say enough about the experience I just had with Annah, Noah and our crew on my WhaleSwim 6-day tour. Having such intimate encounters with one of the most majestic creatures on the planet is just mind-blowing and well worth the 30+ hours it took to get there. My group was extremely lucky in that we had 6 brilliant days of unique encounters, but I wouldn't book anything less than 4 or 5 days. It does not get old, no matter how lucky you get, and having 6 days puts less pressure on the tour guides and allows a more relaxing experience for all. Everyone who only had a few days that I met regretted it terribly. This is an experience unlike any other and so incredibly surreal. I am an avid traveler and I know I just reached the pinnacle with this one. Other trips in the future will be special, but nothing will compare to SWIMMING WITH WHALES. I will never forget this!!
Written 15 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine F
Albury, Australia1 contribution
Aug 2017 • Couples
Whaleswim Adventures look after you from the day you arrive in Vava ú. They aim to give you the best experience possible. We had Annah in the water and Noah driving the boat finding whales as our leaders. Along with Henna and Nella their care and love for the whales is clearly evident. They all have a deep respect for these amazing creatures and though they work hard to give you the best possible opportunities to swim with the whales it was always about respect for the whale. The whales LET you swim with them. This is an amazing experience which will steal a piece of your heart.
Written 4 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly P
Greenville, NC3 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
A must experience! The staff were professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and most of all respectful of the whales. I definitely want to go again. I booked the Whales in Paradise Tour and the accommodations exceeded my expectations; especially the Mandala Resort which is eco-friendly and owned/managed by a great couple, Lisa and Ben. I saved up for one year for this trip and it was worth every penny.
Written 23 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am wondering whether to go to Tahiti or Tonga to swim with Humpbacks. WhaleSwim offers both. Can anyone tell me how the two places compare in terms of likelihood of wonderful whale encounters? Thank you.
Written 28 January 2018
Yes we opened in Tahiti in 2016 and Trip Advisors has just allowed us to add Tahiti as a destination now. We have operated 8 tours in 2017 and 8 tours this year in Moorea, Tahiti. Our guests love it here. Only need 1/2 day on the water as the whales are just over the reef and easily accessible. This leaves 1/2 day for other activities or just to relax or explore the lagoon by kayak.
Written 14 September 2018
Does the Mala Island Resort have wifi? Thanks
Written 29 January 2017
Hi Sarah, As Harriet says above. It drops out from time to time but in an emergency, if you have wifi on your phone the mobile towers are in view on the next island.
Written 29 January 2017
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