Swim with the Giants of the South Pacific
If you’re an adventurer searching for your next bucket-list experience, our Tonga Humpback Whale Swim Expeditions are designed just for you.
Each year, humpback whales migrate thousands of kilometres from Antarctica to the warm, sheltered waters of Tonga to give birth and nurture their calves. This rare natural spectacle offers one of the only places in the world where you can legally and safely swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural environment.
Your journey will be guided by internationally acclaimed and award-winning photographer Craig Parry, who has over a decade of expertise running whale swim experiences in Tonga. His intimate knowledge of the whales’ behaviour, combined with his passion for the ocean, ensures that every guest enjoys an unforgettable, respectful, and safe encounter.Between swims, you’ll stay in self-contained apartments overlooking the harbour in the heart of Vava’u. Just a short stroll from
charming shops, cafés, and restaurants, it’s the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and island atmosphere. Our Whale swim boat is one of the best in Vava’u offering a toilet plus dry area and easy access in and out of the boat when jumping in with the whales.
Your host Craig Parry
Craig Parry is an internationally acclaimed, multi–award-winning ocean and nature photographer and conservationist based in Byron Bay, Australia. Recognised globally for his powerful imagery of the natural world, Craig’s work has been featured by leading platforms including National Geographic, and he proudly serves as an Ambassador for Sony Australia.
With over a decade of experience leading whale swim expeditions in Tonga, Craig combines his deep respect for the ocean with unparalleled knowledge of humpback whale behaviour. His calm and professional approach ensures guests not only experience these extraordinary encounters safely but also walk away with moments that are truly unforgettable. As both your guide and mentor, Craig shares his expertise in underwater photography, offering insider tips to help you capture the magic of swimming alongside humpback whales. Whether you are a professional photographer, a passionate adventurer, or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, Craig’s leadership guarantees your journey will be both inspiring, supportive and transformative.
Great accommodation right on Vava’u Harbour
Enjoy some of the best accommodation in Vava’u, perfectly positioned on the harbour front. Just steps from the water and a short stroll to local restaurants, shops, and cafés, it’s the ideal base for your whale swim adventure.
Each self-contained apartment offers comfort and privacy, complete with your own ensuite, kitchenette, hot shower, and a plush queen bed. All rooms are air-conditioned, ensuring a cool and restful retreat after your time on the water.
In the afternoons, you can take a refreshing swim just meters from your door, or simply relax on the harbour front and watch island life unfold. Conveniently, the whale swim vessel picks you up from the nearby jetty—only a short walk away—making every day of your adventure easy and effortless.
Highlights of Your Experience
- Five full days of whale swims – 7 hours each day on the water with a small group for maximum time in the water with a beautiful lunch included each day.
- Expert guidance from Craig Parry – photography tips and ocean knowledge
- Intimate group size – only 7 guests per session for a personalised experience
- Beautiful accommodation – 7 nights in modern harbour-front apartments
- Immersive cultural setting – discover the warmth of Tongan hospitality
- Sunday chill Spend the Sunday at Craig’s favourite local beach for a snorkel and relax then finish off with a cooked lunch.
Tour Details – Vava’u, Tonga
Session 1 – 7 spots available
📅 Saturday 31st August – Monday 7th September 2026
💲 $7,500 AUD* Twin share
Session 2 – 7 spots available
📅 Monday 7th September – Tuesday 14th September 2026
💲 $7,500 AUD* Twin share
Single occupancy supplement: + $900 AUD
*To secure your spot a $1500 deposit is required
Why Choose This Experience?
- Swim in one of the world’s most pristine whale habitats
- Capture once-in-a-lifetime moments with guidance from a world-renowned photographer Craig Parry
- Relax while enjoying the raw beauty of Tonga
- Limited spots to ensure exclusive and meaningful encounters
MULI.
IZZY.
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Our local guide and skipper Muli and Izzy from Tonga with over collectively 35 years of experience to give us the best and most respectful interaction with these gentle giants. In our option the best in Vava’u at whale spotting and swimming.
Spaces are strictly limited. Secure your place today and create memories that will last forever — swimming alongside humpback whales in the turquoise waters of Tonga is more than a trip, it’s a transformative experience.
