Tonga Tour dates and prices - 10th Anniversary!
In 2011 we will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary swimming with the whales in Tonga. This season we will be running 6 tours to Tonga with 2 specialist tours for the Ocean Geographic Society. Due to guidelines we limit
4 people and a guide in the water with the whales at any one time, all our
tours are small groups to maximise your time in the water. Each tour focusses
on photography and research. Check out the options below.
Tour 1 - Arrival of the Humpbacks
Tour Summary:
As the Humpbacks arrive in large numbers to breed and give birth, you will bare witness to natures great events. The crystal clear waters of Vav'u are the perfect place for nuturing mothers teaching their calves how to be whales while groups of whales demonstrate their overwhelming presence. Your day is filled with excitement only stopping to explore the coral gardens and abundant marine life that inhabits Tonga.
Download PDF ItineraryDate:
3rd - 10th August 2011
Charter:
Includes; boat, crew and guide for 8 days on the water
Deposit:
AUD $1000 (This is non-refundable)
Group:
Maximum of 4 people to maximize your time in the water with the whales.
Duration:
8 days including 1 leisure day
Tour includes:
7 days on the water with lunch, Photography/Research advice and guidance in the water, daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves. Airport transfers in Vava'u.
Costs:
From $3365
Accommodation:
There are several types of accommodation, and prices will vary to fit your budget. Click here for options.
Local Flights:
Chatham Pacific flies from the main Island Tongatapu to Vava’u. Check their website: http://www.chathamspacific.com/ for exact times and prices.
Note: Cost of local Flights is approximately $320 AUD depending on the exchange rate. Local flights can be organised but are not included in the tour price above.
Tour 2 - Whales in Paradise
Tour Summary:
As the Humpbacks arrive in the warm tropical waters of Vava'u to breed and give birth, we spend 8 days exploring the northern most group of islands in the Kingdom of Tonga. The tour starts from your resort where we pick you up at 8:30am every day for a day of swimming with the whales. We stop for lunch around coral reefs and stunning caves for some of the best snorkeling in the world.
Download PDF ItineraryDate:
13th to 20th August 2011
Charter:
Includes; boat, crew and guide for 8 days on the water
Deposit:
AUD $1000 (This is non-refundable)
Group:
Maximum of 4 people to maximize your time in the water with the whales.
Duration:
8 days including 1 leisure day
Tour includes:
7 days on the water with lunch, Photography/Research advice and guidance in the water, daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves. Airport transfers in Vava'u.
Costs:
From $3,365 per person
Accommodation:
There are several types of accommodation, and prices will vary to fit your budget. Click here for options.
Local Flights:
Chatham Pacific flies from the main Island Tongatapu to Vava’u. Check their website: http://www.chathamspacific.com/ for exact times and prices.
Note: Cost of local Flights is approximately $320 AUD depending on the exchange rate. Local flights can be organised but are not included in the tour price above.
Tour 3 - Humpbacks at Play
Tour Summary:
Boisterous males, nurturing females and energetic calves are abundant as the season kicks off with playful behaviour and large groups of whales visiting this Island paradise. We embark at 8:30am every day from your resort for a day of swimming with the whales, snorkeling the pristine coral reefs, stopping only for lunch and to admire this marine sanctuary.
Download PDF ItineraryDate:
22nd to 30th August 2011
Charter:
Includes; boat, crew and guide for 8 days on the water
Deposit:
AUD $1000 (This is non-refundable)
Group:
Maximum of 4 people to maximize your time in the water with the whales.
Duration:
9 days including 1 leisure day
Tour includes:
8 days on the water with lunch, Photography/Research advice and guidance in the water, daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves. Airport transfers in Vava'u.
Costs:
From $3,365 per person
Accommodation:
There are several types of accommodation, and prices will vary to fit your budget. Click here for options.
Local Flights:
Chatham Pacific flies from the main Island Tongatapu to Vava’u. Check their website: http://www.chathamspacific.com/ for exact times and prices.
Note: Cost of local Flights is approximately $320 AUD depending on the exchange rate. Local flights can be organised but are not included in the tour price above.
Tour 4 - Humpbacks in their Nursing ground
Tour Summary:
The middle of the season sees lively calves and nurturing mothers lazing their days away in the crystal clear water around the Islands of Vava'u. Curious calves explore their environment and seek out interactions with the new world they have entered. Snorkeling coral reefs and impressive caves adds to the unique natural phenomenon that is Vava'u. Each day brings a new experience.
Download PDF ItineraryDate:
31st August to 8th September 2011
Charter:
Includes; boat, crew and guide for 9 days on the water
Deposit:
AUD $1000 (This is non-refundable)
Group:
Maximum of 4 people to maximize your time in the water with the whales.
Duration:
9 days including 1 leisure day
Tour includes:
8 days on the water with lunch, Photography/Research advice and guidance in the water, daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves. Airport transfers in Vava'u.
Costs:
From $3,395
Accommodation:
There are several types of accommodation, and prices will vary to fit your budget. Click here for options.
Local Flights:
Chatham Pacific flies from the main Island Tongatapu to Vava’u. Check their website: http://www.chathamspacific.com/ for exact times and prices.
Note: Cost of local Flights is approximately $320 AUD depending on the exchange rate. Local flights can be organised but are not included in the tour price above.
Tour 5 - September Mothers and Calves - Ocean Geographic Society Special
Tour Summary:
These gentle giants of the sea give birth in the tropical waters of Vava'u to ensure the safety of their new born calves. You will be witness to the bond between mother and calf and the unique behaviour that can only be experience by observing these amazing creatures in their natural environment. Your day is filled with excitement and admiration only stopping to explore the coral gardens and abundant marine life that inhabits Tonga.
Download PDF ItineraryDate:
9th September to 17th September 2011
Charter:
Includes; boat, crew and guide for 8 days on the water
Deposit:
AUD $1000 (This is non-refundable)
Group:
Maximum of 4 people to maximize your time in the water with the whales.
Duration:
9 days including 1 leisure day
Tour includes:
8 days on the water with lunch, Photography/Research advice and guidance in the water, daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves. Airport transfers in Vava'u.
Costs:
From $TBC
Accommodation:
There are several types of accommodation, and prices will vary to fit your budget. Click here for options.
Local Flights:
Chatham Pacific flies from the main Island Tongatapu to Vava’u. Check their website: http://www.chathamspacific.com/ for exact times and prices.
Note: Cost of local Flights is approximately $320 AUD depending on the exchange rate. Local flights can be organised but are not included in the tour price above.
Tour 6 - Humpback's in Spring time - Ocean Geographic Society Special
Tour Summary:
Spring is in the air and curious calves are confident and somewhat independent. Mothers are trusting and except of their male companions eager to find a mate. The water is filled with excitement as these gentle giants display a multitude of behaviours. But wait there is more, as we explore the sapphire waters that are home to marine life and living coral reefs, you can see why the whales choose Vava'u for their holiday destination.
Download PDF ItineraryDate:
19th to 27th September 2011
Charter:
Includes; boat, crew and guide for 8 days on the water
Deposit:
AUD $1000 (This is non-refundable)
Group:
Maximum of 4 people to maximize your time in the water with the whales.
Duration:
9 days including 1 leisure day
Tour includes:
8 days on the water with lunch, Photography/Research advice and guidance in the water, daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves. Airport transfers in Vava'u.
Costs:
From $3325
Accommodation:
There are several types of accommodation, and prices will vary to fit your budget. Click here for options.
Local Flights:
Chatham Pacific flies from the main Island Tongatapu to Vava’u. Check their website: http://www.chathamspacific.com/ for exact times and prices.
Note: Cost of local Flights is approximately $320 AUD depending on the exchange rate. Local flights can be organised but are not included in the tour price above.
Sperm Whale Project - Sperm whale and Dolphin Encounters Program 2011
Tour Summary:
Sperm whales and Dolphins can be seen in the crystal clear waters of the Azores Archipelago. An area frequented by the largest toothed whale on the planet as well as dolphins and a multitude of other cetaceans that make this pristine place their playground. The Azores is a unique place where it is a privilege to see these amazing creatures and visit the local community. We work only with local operators and believe in giving back to the community. A donation of photographs and footage from the project will be provided for government, scientific and research purposes. Contact us for further information and options for professional photographers and film makers to be part of this specialised program in 2011.
Date:
July (Call or email to register your interest)
Charter:
Includes; boat, crew and guide for 8 days on the water
Deposit:
EURO $500 (This is non-refundable)
Group:
Maximum of 3 people to maximize your time filming the whales.
Duration:
9 days including 1 leisure day
Tour includes:
8 days on the water with lunch, Accommodation - bed & Breakfast, Photography/Research advice and guidance on the water. Airport transfers in Pico.
Costs:
Euro $3,410 per person
Accommodation:
All guests stay at a bed & Breakfast on the Island. There are several types of alternative accommodation, and prices will vary to fit your budget. Contact Us if you prefer to organise your own accommodation.
Local Flights:
The best way to reach the Azores is by plane to Pico. There are a number of direct flights offered by companies such as TAP (Portuguese Official Airline) and SATA (Azorean Official Airline) from most European cities. From Lisbon or Porto there are frequent connections with the town of Ponta Delgada (Island of São Miguel) and Horta (Island of Faial).
Note: Cost of local Flights is approximately $540 US Dollars depending on the exchange rate. Local flights can be organised but are not included in the program price above.