Whale Watching
& Swimming-

Swimming with Whales
About the Whales
The Boats

Whale Watching & Swimming (July to November)

The warm seas and calm waters of Vava'u provide the perfect nursery for Southern humpback whales. Having spent their summer feeding in Antartica, they travel thousands of miles to mate and calve here in Vava'u. Our unique geography means Vava'u is the only place in the world where you can swim with whales in their natural environment in calm warm inland waters.

At Sailing Safaris, you're with the most experienced whale-watchers in Tonga, perhaps the world. We have been operating for 15 years and all boats are skippered and crewed by our original Tongan staff. Our day trips include a fascinating presentation on the whales and their behaviour. Our boats all have hydrophones too so not only can you see them but you can also hear the humpbacks famous song.

Glide Paul Sutherland www.sutherlandimages.com

Our 3 speedboats cater for specialist charters, extremely popular with photographers, videographers, film crews and private groups. We have established a global reputation as specialists in whale photography and videography and have welcomed crews from BBC, Discovery, Disney, National Geographic as well as numerous reknowned professional photographers and film crews.

We also operate whale-watching trips daily on our customised boat Whalesong. Popular with young and old, Whalesong provides a fast, safe and comfortable way to see the whales as well as easy water access and onboard facilities. See these amazing mammals weighing more than 40 tonnes throw themselves clear of the water. Get splashed as they slap their tails, and wave their fins measuring more than 3 metres across in nature's most spectacular acrobatic display. And for the more adventurous, hop in the warm clear sea and experience close-up a mother whale and her calf in their full glory as they glide through the water beside you.

For more information on our boats and crews see the relevant pages.

Download the whalewatching guidelines.

Download the rates for the boats

The popular Sailing Safaris whalewatching shirts are available by contacting Holly at the Mermaid.

Did You Know?...
The average size of a Humpback whale calf at birth is 14ft (4.3m)

Quote it from the Whalesong comments book...

" Fantastic day - many thanks to the crew for making it such a special family day. Welldone! "
Rayes Family 19-07-05

" What a rich day! and how respectfully you've treated the whales"
Beate & Jo 16-08-05

" Wow second time out with captain 'O' and 'Whalesong' and what Trip! always wanted to see a whale jump and we did, 3 times!!! "
Fay Lumsdale 11-07-05

" The whales had an opportunity to swim with me. I think they enjoyed it! A great day, Thanks"
Nick Coates 15-07-05