Tonga Whale Swim
Tonga Whale Swim
tour 1:
7th-18th august 2021
(11 nights / 7 Water days)
AU $6750pp
tour 2:
18th – 28th August 2021
(10 nights / 7 Water days)
AU $6700pp
Join me, Matty Smith, on a whale photo excursion to the Islands of Vava’u, northern Tonga.
To register your interest please email info@mattysmithphoto.com.au
There is nothing quite like gently slipping into the water and taking your first look at a mother humpback whale nurturing her calf. Or the excitement of being dropped into the middle of a heat run of humpbacks charging through the ocean as they compete for the attention of a mate.
The protected, warm and clear waters of The Kingdom of Tonga are the perfect place to do it, with photo opportunities a plenty.
During your time here, you will spend 10 nights in one of two fabulous, private water front houses (twin share or double). Each house has its own boat jetty for personal pickup and drop off for your 7 full days on the water with the magical humpbacks of Tonga.
Our boat skippers and guides are fully licenced and very experienced with many years of leading whale tours to put you right where you need to be. Groups are kept to 6 guests per boat to maximise your experience.
For the photographers, I will be providing tutorials on how to best capture the essence of the many whale encounters you will experience and will also help you with post production and edits to get the best out of your shots.
Come along for a never to be forgotten trip with me to an island paradise.
TOUR 1 DETAILS:
7th-18th August 2021
(11 nights/7 water days)
Price: AUS$6700pp
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Sat 7th August
Arrive and transfer to accommodation
Day 2 – Sun 8thAugust
Free day to site see.
Photo tutorials with Matty
Day 3 – Mon 9th August
Water day with the whales
Day 4 -Tues 10th August
Water day with the whales
Day 5 -Wed 11th August
Water day with the whales
Day 6 – Thurs 12th August
Free day to sight see. Photo tutorials with Matty,
review of how your pictures are going.
Day 7 – Fri 13thAugust
Water day with the whales
Day 8 – Sat 14th August
Water day with the whales
Day 9 – Sun 15th August
Free Day to sight see
Day 10 – Mon 16th August
Water day with the whales
Day 11 – Tues 17th August
Water day with the whales
Day 12 – Wed 18th August
Return home
TOUR 2 DETAILS:
18th-28th August 2021
(10 nights/7 water days)
Price: AUS$6700pp
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Wed 18th August
Arrive and transfer to accommodation
Day 2 -Thurs 19th August
Water day with the whales
Day 3 – Fri 20th August
Water day with the whales
Day 4 -Sat 21st August
Water day with the whales
Day 5 -Sun 22nd August
Free day to site see. Photo tutorials with Matty
Day 6 – Mon 23rd August
Water day with the whales
Day 7 – Tues 24th August
Water day with the whales
Day 8 – Wed 25th August
Free day to sight see. Photo tutorials with Matty,
review of how your pictures are going.
Day 9 – Thurs26th August
Water day with the whales
Day 10 – Fri 27th August
Water day with the whales
Day 11 – Sat 28th August
Return home
What's included
- 10/11 night accommodation
- Boat with crew and experienced whale guide for 7 days on the water, approx. 7 hours
- Lunch on board the boat
- Photography and post production tutorials and onboard guidance
- Snorkelling equipment
- Reef and cave snorkelling between whale swims
- Airport transfers
What's not included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals and drinks not onboard the boat
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
How do I get there?
The International airport Fua’amotu is located on the main island of Tongatapu in the city of Nuku’alofa. It’s the gateway to the Tongan island group and all international visitors arrive here via Australia, New Zealand or Fiji only.
From Tongatapu you will need a domestic flight to Vava’u via Real Tongan airlines. At the time of writing flights are scheduled on the tour beginning and finishing dates of the itineraries.
However, most international flights don’t hook up with domestic flights very well and you may find the need to book a night’s accommodation on Tongatapu at the beginning or end of your trip.
Other Activities?
During your free days off the water you may wish to book other activities, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied and include:
- Scuba Diving
- Game fishing charters
- Island tours
- Car and cycle hire
Do be aware that in Tonga Sundays are considered a day of rest and some businesses may be closed.
Accommodation
During your stay you will be in either a twin share or double room (depending on which you book) in one of two beautiful water front houses located next door to each other a short walk from Neiafu town centre.
Sea Star House
Sea star sleeps 4 guests in two bedrooms, 1 double & 1 twin room & 2 bathrooms. It has a comfortable living room area with TV and dining, fully appointed kitchen, wrap around outdoor deck area with water front views and water access for boat pick up and drop off or for swimming during your down time.
Hibiscus House
Hibiscus sleeps up to 6 guests in two bedrooms, each bedroom having 1 queen and 1 single bed & 2 bathrooms. It has a comfortable living room and spacious outdoor deck, kitchen and water side boat wharf for pickup and drop off or for swimming during your down time