Hear what our Guests have to say
“This was a bucket list dream trip that far exceeded expectations. Besides extraordinary interaction with humpback whales that was respectful toward the whales and in line with Tonga's protective regulations for the whales well-being, there were so many layers to this trip that made it an incredible life experience. I loved our guides, Grant and Rosie. They have so much knowledge and expertise in photography, marine biology, and felt like friends in addition to being extremely professional guides, there to help us in any way needed throughout our trip. It was obvious they really cared about providing each of their guests with an optimum experience. The groups are small, with adventure enthusiasts from around the world and it was an absolute pleasure to spend time together on the boat, in the water, and at dinners in the evenings. Our whale guide and boat captain were Tonga locals who are passionate about the whales, their culture, and really wonderful to get to know. They took great care of us, and also were able to find whales even during two windy, rainy days when it can be extremely hard to locate them. Every experience in the water was unique, and on sunny days it was an absolute paradise. Variations in the weather made it more of an adventurous, memorable experience. Grant helped each of us set up our underwater photography equipment, from a simple iPhone underwater camera case to a professional camera set-up. We were all able to capture amazing images. Listening to male humpback whales sing, watching a mother trust her calf to come near us and make eye contact with us while surfacing multiple times to get some air, was magical. The water view from the desks of the shared houses is beautiful, and we always had good food to eat at the house, on the boat, and at night we were treated to dinner at local restaurants which we enjoyed. The Swimming With Gentle Giants experience spans far beyond the whales- I'm so grateful that I chose this team for the experience and hope to return again.
- Chelsea L
I really enjoyed this trip. I arrived on a Saturday so that I could explore the island before the tour started and to scuba dive. I made arrangements to pick up an e-bike on Sunday and travelled around site-seeing. Based upon online research, I found several sites to check out (a cave, Lucky Beach, climbing steep steps up a hill and general scenery). Alas, I found these unspectacular. Where this could have been my grumpy day, if this could have been improved that would have been good. We had amazing whale encounters and great snorkelling experiences. Grant was very helpful. On a couple of days, we had somewhat challenging snorkelling conditions and I am glad that he was not over protective. All hopped in the water to enjoy the show. Other times Grant organised scuba diving trips for me. Riki Tiki was good but note he did not check my paper work and he does not use a dive computer. Our 1st dive was the wreck in the lagoon at 28m depth. I went 2min into deco based upon my shearwater computer - this cleared during assent at 6m depth. I felt that even though more expensive, Tongan Beach resort checked paperwork and brought me to better dive sites. The accommodation was comfortable and the food provided by SWGG good (catering for keto diet was hit or miss). I often experienced difficulty in getting to the markets to buy vegetables and never got to the fish market in time.
- Peter B
“It was a wonderful experience. Thrilling whale encounters, everything perfectly organized, a great vibe, an excellent and comfortable boat with a fantastic crew, and delicious food. I wished I could have stayed longer.”
- Ceci M
“We have just returned from a whale of a time in Tonga, Humpback Heaven Tour 10. By far it has been the most incredible experience of our lives, to immerse in the wild beauty of creation and swim free with these amazing creatures. How thankful we are for the wonderful business you have created to bring life moments like this to people who don’t normally stretch out into such adventure.
We just want you to know what an outstanding job Grant delivered to lead our group.
With a diverse mix of backgrounds and nationalities amongst our group, Grant’s array of people skills and passion maintained a good atmosphere.
We loved the variety each day brought and the wonderful experience that our crew helped create. The cohesion between our Captain Villi, and Guide Lucky, brought a confidence and a rest. Watching their expertise and care for the whales on each encounter provided a level of professionalism that was unexpected. They made sure we were ready, coached our interactions, and discouraged anything that would not support the mothers and calves. It was so refreshing to see how much they appreciate the rich treasure the whales are for this environment and how important they are for Tonga. Both Grant and Lucky shepherded the weaker swimmers, giving them opportunities to come closer to whales and swim into caves that would normally be beyond their reach.
Perhaps our most favourite part of the trip was Grant’s total engagement with each of us. He conversed with everyone, checking in to see what else we might need, any extra equipment that might be needed, and made sure we were well fed and watered. His photos and footage captured throughout the week is just so fantastic. It is such a great boost to our own photos and videos, and to have our experience so well documented by him means the world to us. Over and over again we look at the photos and are so grateful for his skill and willingness to go the extra mile to capture every moment. We so appreciate Grant sharing his photos and drone footage to contribute to the iMovie and PowerPoint currently being creating to show Mel’s Kindergarten to Year 6 boys on her return to school. Our experience will open their eyes to new possibilities and inspire them to protect the gentle giants of the Tongan tribe. We hope they capture the importance of advocating to protect our ocean environments for their children and their grandchildren to come.
We have cc’d Grant here to express our gratitude for his continuous effort and the enormous happiness he has brought both of us. He is such an asset to your company, and we are incredibly grateful to have been gifted him for our time in Tonga.
- Melinda and Graham Bargwanna
Tonga has long been on my radar. Nowhere in the world compares to Vava’u, Tonga, when it comes to swimming with humpback whales. I’m so glad that I saved this magical experience for the right time, as Scott Portelli’s team at Swimming with Gentle Giants made it just perfect.
I immediately felt at home with the crew; their years of experience were evident from the get-go. As the week went on, I not only appreciated their expertise on the water but also their numerous presentations during some evenings. From Grant’s whale photography workshop to Angel’s talk on digital editing, and perhaps my favourite, our marine biologist Alice’s talk on cetacean biology (which definitely had me seeing the whales in a new light throughout the week).
From what I’ve seen and now experienced, Swimming with Gentle Giants has designed a trip that is unlike any other. They have created an experience that embraces Vava’u, the whales, and the Tongan way. I loved how I was able to slip into a wonderful routine of diving all day, spending the mornings with great people on the water, and relaxing into Tongan life during the afternoons and evenings. Oh, and the accommodation was absolutely fantastic! Nothing beats waking up on the water every morning. I felt so spoilt!
I still can’t believe the whale experiences we had. Mothers and calves, escorts, heat runs, breaches—I honestly felt like we saw it all, and the amazing thing was how different each day was from the last. The really special thing was that this wasn’t just luck or a wild coincidence that we scored so often. It was because the team at Swimming with Gentle Giants have created an operation that solely focuses on meaningful and memorable encounters. This takes time and experience, and they’ve nailed it.
Where other operators might drop you in at the wrong time or on the wrong whale, so you might catch just a glimpse and be done, the team was methodical in their approach, ensuring we had encounters that, I can tell you first-hand, will last a lifetime.
Thank you, Scott, Grant, Alice, Angel, Sophie, and the entire Swimming with Gentle Giants team. I can’t wait to return!
_ Todd Thimios
“I had the best time on my tour end of July. Grant, Lucky and Villi were the best !!!!
They looked after me in every way. They found the great whale experiences!!
Lucky made sure I got in close with my smaller camera and smaller fins. Grant freely shared his photography skills n knew the tg6 back to front . A fantastic tour leader. !!!
Villi made sure we found the whales .
They were all so passionate about their jobs and so eager to give us the best time. I thought from my first email your trips would be good and the tour exceeded my expectations.
Food was great each day and accommodation was beautiful. A great team !!!!”
- Kaye Dixon
“From long before our arrival we knew this would be a unique trip. Our guide Grant, contacted us a week before to help us prepare with advice from what equipment to bring to how to negotiate our entry into Tonga. It was just a hint to the level of personal and focused detail that would characterise our trip with Swimming with Gentle Giants.
We loved our trip for so many reasons. But perhaps for us the highlight was the pace of each day. Waking up with birdsong in our waterside accommodation. The gentle banter and laughter of our boat’s crew picking us up in the still quiet of the bay. The first whale blow of the day, and then the watching and waiting till the sudden explosion of activity and into the water. The discovery of each new and mind expanding whale behaviour; each new moment adding to our understanding of these remarkable creatures. The mid afternoon return home and mandatory nap before dinner and sleep and around again. Before we knew it we were in the routine. Accustomed to our guides making sure we were ok in the water, how good food tastes when you’ve been swimming next to a cruising whale for half an hour, and our captain’s certainty that of course we always wanted to have just one more swim. And we did. Every time.’”
- Daniel Stavert
“Making the decision to book a trip with Scott Portelli is exactly like taking the decision to become part of a nature documentary that you see in Television. I feel I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to travel to Vavau, Tonga and every day, after going out on the boat, I would write down on my journal of my encounters with whales. Every single encounter is completely different, with its own touch of magic. I honestly think I could never get tired of swimming with whales, which was a dream that I had been chasing for a few years now.
Scott made my dream come true, and I will always be eternally thankful with him. I do believe in destiny, and I do not think that I met Scott by chance to swim with the whales. Before entering the water Scott would always brief us on what we would see and in the water, he has the gift to convey a cosmic emotion of peace and safety. He knows how to read the behaviour of Humpback whales in seconds just the slightest movement of a mother and calf. From these movements, he could tell whether the whales would be moving, resting, in a playful mood, or if the calf had just been fed. It is just amazing. These small yet extremely valuable insights make the experience priceless.
Being an economist, I have defined it the Scott Portelli added value which you will not find easily around. Scott has a deep bond with nature and with these amazing creatures, and he is able to share this passion and bond when you travel with him. My suggestion if you are a nature lover: book a trip with Scott at least once in your life. Also, I feel that my bond with nature has been completely re-defined thanks to the trip I took with him. Finally, my hope in the future is to be able to travel with once again. Scott, a big and sincere thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
- Vasco Bernardi
“After a very long trip, I have now returned to New York and went straight back into the office (landed at 5am at JFK and was in the office at 10am haha). I am looking through my photos and still can’t believe that this trip actually happened for me, after dreaming about it for 7+ years! Our interactions with the whales were incredible – every day we saw something different, each time I was simply blown away. And this couldn’t have happened without you and your wonderful team! Starting with you and Kate, who were always responsive and helpful over email and text, and were incredibly supporting with my complicated visa situation and everything else.
And I want to write a special thank you to Grant, who has been wonderful and made my experience even more amazing. He was always very responsive over email and that gave me comfort in embarking on this very long journey, because I knew that between you, Grant and Kate – everything was planned and taken care of for my arrival. And when I actually got to Tonga, Grant stopped by my house to make sure I am prepared and know what to expect the next day – I was kind of freaking out at the house alone with no internet, so was very happy to see him! Haha. And each and every day throughout my stay in Tonga he was always supportive and went above and beyond to make sure my experience was as best as it could be. And on top of all that, he took some incredibly magical photos of me under water, that I will literally cherish for the rest of my life and show to my grandkids! Attaching one here because I can’t stop sending it to everyone I know! Grant told me the story of how you hired him – I’m sure you’re very happy with that decision, along with all the tour participants that get to work with Grant.
I also want to give a shout out to the local crew, especially Vili and Lucky. They work so well together as a team and just know the ocean and the whales so well that on a day when many other boats saw nothing in the water, I jumped in the water like 4-5 times and saw whales each time. I know the rest of our group thought the same, so please let them know how great they are when you see them 🙂 I could feel that to them, it’s not just a job, it is a passion and they really care about both the whales as well as making our experience great, so I really appreciated that.
I am already thinking of the next adventure I will choose to go on in the next couple years, and it is very likely that it will be one of yours! Thank you for opening a whole new world to me, Scott – these are lifelong memories.”
- Aliana Berdaliyeva
“Every time I close my eyes I see whales thanks to Scott Portelli.
It’s rare that all things align to be absolutely amazing when you travel, so having just experienced this very thing with Scott Portelli and Swimming with Gentle Giants, I’m happy to say it’s been the best life experience for me to date.
I’ve come away from this experience with a deeper understanding about humpback whale behaviour thanks to Scott and his team; an even greater appreciation of Scott’s skill in capturing these majestic creatures while they play, pursue and communicate with each other; huge respect for Scott’s passion and his approach to nature and research; renewed vigour for jumping into the ocean to discover new things and the bonus is I’ve gained a bunch of new friends.
You get the whole package when you book a holiday with Swimming with Gentle Giants.
From the get-go, the communication between Scott and myself was informative and efficient, the professionalism in which he arranges the tour, organises the meet and greet, conducts the on and in-water briefing and guides and supports you through your mind-blowing encounters with cetaceans is excellent. And the knowledge and skill of Scott and his guides in locating whales to swim with is impressive. Even the thoughtful little touch at the end surely makes Scott’s tour stand out from any of the others (but I’m not giving away that surprise!).
Our group couldn’t have asked for 8 more diverse and exciting days of whale interactions. I pity my mates at home who are going to hear about this adventure on repeat.”
“I recently had the absolute pleasure of experiencing one of Scott Portelli’s ‘Swimming with Gentle Giants’ tours in Tonga and I was blown away. But first, some back story… I am actually a professional traveler and instagrammer and literally spend my life traveling to the best places in the world doing incredible experiences all the time. And yet, by the end of my two weeks in Tonga I had named it the “Best Trip I’ve Ever Done!” It’s a coveted title, with previous title holders including my first trip to Alberta Canada, the aurora in Northern Finland and a luxury cruise in Australia’s Kimberley region. What makes a great trip? For me it’s always a combination of a great destination, a life changing experience and wonderful people and Scott ticked all the boxes. He’s such a lovely man with such a genuine love for what he does, it’s a pleasure to be around. And then you get in the water and it’s actually impossible to describe how you feel when you come face to face with the whales. Combine this with the chill vibes of Tonga and you’ve got a trip of a lifetime on your hands. I’m already scheming how to get back next year, I urge anyone to do this tour and book now because the secret it well and truly out.
Australia’s first instagrammer, Digital Influencer”
“Well the only word that I can use to try to explain my experience that i had with the whales and people is unexpected.
You cannot be really prepare 100% for this adventure.
To me this trip was a big deal as I wanted to face one of my biggest fear … which is water. But of course have the best time in my life.
Well the only thing that I can say is thank you to the very professional team of swimming with gentle giant. They made me feel like a part of the family, everything went extremely smoothly and even when I struggled into the water they where around me to make me feel secured and this way help me to push myself further up in this adventure.
Tonga is an incredible country full of surprised. Honestly can you imagine one second that you are so close to a whale that you can give her a high five, personally before this trip if you come to me and say that i will experience this i wont believe you and probably laugh a lot. But it happened. And not one second i felt in danger. The team of swimming with gentle giant includes local people who knows better than anybody else the whale’s behaviour. They will only let you go in the water at the right moment when everything will work for the best of the everyone including the whales of course.
Also make sure that you are ready to live the same way as local. Simple things are the best and they knows that more than anybody else. Don’t expect to get everything served on a silver tray because if you want to make the most of it you will need to understand where you are and how lucky you are at first to be there and to be surrounded by the most beautiful people and wildlife on earth.
The team of swimming with gentle giant showed me the beauty Tonga can offers, they showed us some hidden places which looks like heaven. I couldnt believed it.
From the first day till the last one my smile was getting bigger and bigger… except when I got sea sick. Yes you can expect to face this things especially if you are as delicate as me.
You need to realised that you are in a water all day, so make sure that you keep the sea sick pills ready! Even during those less fun moment the team was surrounded me to help me to feel better about it.
Somebody asked me if this is one life time experience well at the beginning is said yes. I though first that I was extremely lucky at first to realise one of my dream and that I should feel blessed for it but the occasion won’t come twice at me.
But then I changed my mind, the trip wasn’t finished that I decided to come back. I didn’t get enough of it, I can’t explain it really but I know that inside me I need to explore more Tonga and be more personal with those magic beauties.
I already booked my second trip, but I will need to be patient as the demand to go enjoying some unforgettable day with the whales is getting bigger. So in 2 years time I will be again in the water with the crew of swimming with gentle giant.
I can’t explain really the way I felt over there the only thing I can add is, I laughed, I have been extremely excited, I haven’t stopped smiling and I cried too.
Only tears of happiness, I met some incredible people which I can call friends now and they helped me to get the best experience in my life.
I will never thanks them enough for that. I could speak about what happened over there for hours and hours. But I won’t the only thing is if you want to experience it, honestly don’t think twice … and go for it!!
You won’t regret.”
“Having a close encounter with a humpback whale became my dream when I first saw one in Iceland few years ago during a whale watching. I could not imagine back then what was going to happen in Tonga…
Our expedition started like a roller coaster, full on from the start. We had the incredible luck to have our first encounter with a very playful and interactive whale. This first experience literally got my breath away (I could not catch my breath) as this amazing creature came to us, slowly moving below/next to us, looked at us. It is hard to describe the intense emotions/feelings I felt at the time. It is surely not like anything I have ever experienced before, and I feel blessed for this life experience.
Vili, our Tongan guide in the water has been amazing, specially when he took my arm and helped me moving around her as she was playing with us. He enhanced this experience, as I have to say I panicked a bit at the beginning since I did not know what to do and where to go when this 17 metres giant came straight to me. I know now by experience they are extremely gentle, very aware of where we were, moving slowly, knowing somehow how fragile we are compare to them.
I will never forget my other swim with this other interactive female, when I was swimming just next to her, at the level of her eye. This eye to eye contact shook me deep in my soul.
Witnessing the tenderness of a mum and her baby, listening them speaking to each other, enjoying a male’s song, or being (again) lucky enough when a baby came up to me from the deep for a closer look at us tiny humans are priceless moments words cannot fully describe.
These 10 days in Tonga have been like a dream I wish I never wake up from. And saying “thanks” to Scott would not be enough. From the preparation of the trip, to our days in and on the water, I could not have wish for another person than Scott to have this experience with. Sione, Vili and Scott are an amazing team, so knowledgable, and respectful of the whales. The whales always came first before our desires to do anything with them. The world would be a better place if everybody behaved that way. I also remember our lunch breaks next to paradisiac islands, where we could go for a dive and visit the corals gardens and their inhabitants. The cave and underwater cave were mesmerising to me.
So as little as it sounds compared to what I feel: THANK YOU Scott, Vili, Sione (our amazing Tongan skipper who made this experience possible), and the whales… They are in my heart more than ever, and I cannot wait to visit them again.”
“I have had the pleasure of travelling twice with Scott now. I met Scott at the airport at the start of my first trip with him, to Tonga to swim with the Humpbacks. He made the whole experience really seamless, his knowledge of the local area a huge help, and of course he delivered on a priceless experience. That trip to Tonga with him was one of the highlights of my life, so much so that I am going back for round 2 later this year. We saw the most amazing sights and I honestly believe it’s Scott’s knowledge of the area and whale behaviour, and that of his amazing local team that meant we had such a fantastic experience. And having a professional photographer around was certainly handy to capture the moments!
My 2nd trip with Scott was to Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas and again, an absolute highlight. The trip itself was wonderful, the accommodations lovely. Seeing these majestic creatures up close is the stuff of dreams. If it’s on your bucket list do it! You won’t regret it.
One of the great things about Scott is he is a really calm person to travel with and I knew he’d be across all the admin, and I could just relax and enjoy the experience. I’ve jokingly told him more than once he will send me broke one day because every time he sends an email of his recent trips I start dreaming of where to go next. Norway and the Orcas are top of the list.
You honestly won’t regret accompanying Scott on any of his trips.”
“I’ve visited Tonga before – about 4 years ago – and enjoyed it immensely, hence I booked with Scott to go a second time, when I realised he had a free spot come up. But this trip… it just blew me away!! I could never have expected to have encountered so many whales in just a few days.. some days left me mesmerised and in the most amazing state of calm, some swims in the heat runs left me with the biggest adrenaline buzz of my life and then there were moments and interactions that had me crying into my mask, in complete disbelief!
The trip took my breath away and will be in my memory for ever. Definitely ranking up there in the top two trips of my life, alongside a month in Antarctica. To get so close and get so many stunning encounters was nothing short of dreamlike.
Scott’s tour was so well organised, being an intimate group of only four meant that we got maximum time in the water, the staff on the boat were really connected and worked together so that the Whales were always treated with the utmost care and respect. They always seemed to get us where we needed to be, whilst putting the Whales first. I guess that’s how the best experiences come about, with patience and knowledge. I am already booking my next trip with all my family. I can’t wait to get out there again.
Thanks Scott & Whales in the Wild & Swimming with Gentle Giants.
mālō ‘aupito”
“Cut to the chase, when your considering other operators, here’s why we are so glad we booked with Scott: 1) A boat that is easy to get in and out of. There was a nice, level area where we could sit and be comfortable until we slipped into the water and an easy, sturdy ladder to get back in. 2) We had long days to maximize our vacation time, on the boat by 7:30 am and sometimes not back until 4:30 if we were seeing lots of whales, swimming and snorkeling. 3) Lots of knowledge, education and excitement of getting safely close to observe and actually “swim” alongside the whales. 4) Having only 6 vacationers on the boat was fun, a personal experience of making friends for a lifetime plus maximum time in the water 5) Scott even had us bring a memory stick so that we came home with underwater photos of us swimming with the whales.”
“This experience changed my life. We had so many amazing encounters with the whales, every day another unique experience. Scott and his crew love the whales as much as we do, it was all about the whales. Scott is an amazing photographer and sent us home with some beautiful pictures of the trip, and we got some amazing Go Pro footage. There is nothing like looking a humpback whale in the eye or watching the moms and babies interacting. I picked the trip because Scott only takes 6 people out at a time so we were in the water with whales most of the time. We plan to go back and go out with Scott again.”
“I first traveled to Tonga in 2009 for research on my Masters. I worked with several tour operators, including Swimming with Gentle Giants (SWGG), to assess whale swimming in The Kingdom of Tonga.This gave me the rare opportunity to go out with different tour operators in one season. That’s why when I returned the next year for fun I booked with SWGG exclusively.
Their focus is on education, conservation, wildlife photography and fun. Their approach to the whales and the Tongan community is that of respect. Your in good hands with Scott and his guides.
The best experience for me came one day as we entered the water with a mom, calf and male escort. Scott lead us along side of the whales and positioned us in such a way that the female and male turned directly toward us. They stopped, noses touching near the surface and sun back lighting them, right in front of us maybe 3 meters away. We hung like that for a good minute, just us looking at them looking at us while the baby played below the adults. There are no words for what one feels except to say that I personally feel there is no better tool for conservation for the whales and the ocean than an experience like this.
Swimming with Gentle Giants will change your life forever. I highly recommend this company, their team and Scott.
Tia – MSc. Wildlife Conservation
http://seaillumination.blogspot.com/”
“Oh WOW… my first ever whale experience and is was mind blowing. Being in the water with those beautiful creatures is a once in a lifetime trip, except I want to go back – and I will!!!
I first met Scott on another huge life adventure and quickly learned that he had an execptional vision and compassion for wildlife both above and below the water. When I heard that he organised these tours to Vava’u in Tonga there was no one else I would have even considered booking with. Scott was accommodating and willing to listen to what we wanted and his crew on board the boats was exceptional in every way. Their knowledge of the humpback whales and other sea creatures was enlightening and I thank them from the bottom of my heary for making our (my hubby and my) experience something that will never be forgotten.
Antarctica is awesome, spending time with mountain gorillas humbling but being in the water with a singing whale has to be the most exhilarating experience I have ever had in my life!”
“My first trip to Vava’u to Swim with the Humpbacks. Loved the tour and the fact that we were in a small group so whenever there was an opportunity, we got to go into the water. The trip far exceeded my expectations. Scott was a great guide and the rest of the local team (skipper and guides) were exceptional. They were totally professional but also personable and accomodating. I really hope that I can get back to Vava’u in the next few years and if I do, it will definitely be with Scott and the team.
The opportunity to swim with the humpack whales, with mothers and calves, listen to the whales singing while also enjoying the beautiful waters of Tonga was fantastic. I would definitely recommend the trip.”
“This experience changed my life. We had so many amazing encounters with the whales, every day another unique experience. Scott and his crew love the whales as much as we do, it was all about the whales. Scott is an amazing photographer and sent us home with some beautiful pictures of the trip, and we got some amazing Go Pro footage. There is nothing like looking a humpback whale in the eye or watching the moms and babies interacting. I picked the trip because Scott only takes 4 people out at a time so we were in the water with whales most of the time. We plan to go back and go out with Scott again.”
“I want to say that swimming with whales is a once in a lifetime opportunity but I can’t because I’ve already done it two years in a row, and plan on doing it for many more years. It is an amazing and humbling experience to be in the presence of these enormous, peaceful creatures.
Without a doubt the most memorable experience I had was when an adult male was floating lazily beside our group and gently turned over, his pectoral fin outstretched and seemed to reach over to me and give me a friendly slap. It was incredible!
An unforgettable experience – something everyone should do at least once in their life.”
“Swimming with Gentle Giants are great supporters of my humpback research and go out of their way to assist with fluke IDs and song. Their approach to whales and the marine environment is excellent and they have a commitment to educating their guests. I would highly recommend them for a great opportunity to see whales up close and personal in the wild and learn about their conservation and research. The entire local environment features heavily in educational talks, and time is put aside to observe coral reefs, sea birds and other critters. They are passionate about what they do and share this passion with the guests and locals. I would highly recommend them and I’m very grateful for their great assistance with, and interest in, my research.”
“I had heard about the adventures of swimming with humpback whales in Tonga numerous times over the years from Scott and this year I thought, right, it’s time for me to experience this unique opportunity!
Whilst the stories, the photographs I had seen prior to my trip gave me some insight into what to expect… absolutely nothing can even come close or describe what it is actually like to be right there in the water with a whale first hand and the beauty of a mother nurturing it’s calf.
If you want to do something that will remain with you forever and encounter these amazing creatures, Swimming with Gentle Giants can take you there. Indescribable!”
“Imagine if there was a tropical island paradise where the people always smile, the ocean was a beautiful azure blue, the water was warm and clear, and you could swim peacefully alongside the largest and gentlest animals to ever inhabit the earth. Just a dream? Well think again. There is a place….Vava’u Tonga, and Scotty can take you there.
My first day on the water I will never forget. I shared the water with a curious baby humpback, mother and male escort. All three were relaxed as I floated above them, while I was so excited I had to keep reminding myself this was really happening. Then the humpback calf surfaced, approaching like a playful puppy, bouncing by and checking me out at close range. So close in fact my camera could only fit half of his oversized baby’s body in the shot. I wondered what he would tell his mum as he dove down to be back by her side. Moments later the family slowly rose, peacefully surfacing beside me like huge submarines. They allowed me into their space. They nuzzled and touched lovingly as I floated close by. An unbelievable privilege to be in their presence.
The following days were filled with similar wonderful encounters. One day we floated 20m above a male humpback while he sung his original whale song hoping to attract a mate. Our chests reverberated like we were at a rock concert as he hit the deep base notes.
Scott and his team know and respect the whales. They ensure encounters are safe and on the whales terms, and the whales open their world to him. This really is an experience of a lifetime.”
“When you spot the first sign of a whale for the trip, the blow, the very reason why I came to Tonga became very clear- I was going to swim with the humpback whales! After the excitement of spotting a whale’s blow, we were then informed by our guide, Scott that we had to get our fins, masks and snorkels on…the time had come! The first time you slip into the water and see these amazing, majestic mammals ‘dancing’ as it swims right by you, sometimes rolling onto it’s side to satisfy their curiosity and take a look at us, I couldn’t believe what was happening, that these 15m animals could be so graceful, so curious and yet so comfortable with our presence.
On other sightings, lone males blow and the show their flukes as they dive deep for many minutes at a time. This provided an opportunity to hear Humpback whale song first hand just by bring in the water. Hearing this unique singing was incredible and feeling the vibrations passing through your body is indescribable. For those people in our group who didn’t want to get into the water didn’t miss out as a hydrophone was placed into the water (but when the water is a beautiful 25-27 deg cel, I couldn’t help but jump in the water at every opportunity!).
Another day we had a calf repeatitively breaching within about 30m of the boat and just when we thought it couldn’t possibly get any better, the mother breached…we were speechless! the calf finished off the ‘show’ with another breach and then they continued swimming by.
I’ve been fortunate to have seen the humpbacks numerous times along the NSW coast, but to have an experience like this, there is nothing like it! Thanks Scott and the experienced Tongan skipper and crew for enabling me to experience these amazing mammals and the other marine animals we came across (pilot whales, spinner dolphins and common dolphins and a manta ray) and great snorkelling locations for our lunch break. I can’t wait to travel back to Tonga and do it all over again!”
“You have probably seen videos of whales and you may even have been lucky enough to get out on a boat and see whales up-close, but Scotty and his team can take you one step further and get you into the water up close and personal with these gentle giants; and you will never ever ever forget the experience.
If a picture is worth a thousand words then a thousand pictures will still not explain what it is like to be alongside a whale in its own environment, where they choose to spend time with you. You are eyeball-to-eyeball with one of the most astonishing creatures you will ever see and you will have feelings you never had before … and you will never be quite the same again. Treat yourself while you can, you will not regret it.”
“I joined Scotty’s expedition in Tonga in September 2018, and I think the best way to express my experience is simple… I booked my second trip with Scotty in Tonga for 2019 before my first was complete.
The experience was exceptional from the months leading up to the trip, to the time in the water, and on and off the boat. Scotty does an amazing job making sure you are set for success in your packing and planning, and that you have a memorable experience every moment. He and the crew’s respect for the waters and for the gentle giants is felt and taught to the guests, and makes you proud to be with them vs any other boat. Scotty and his crew understand the whales, their behavior, their mood (even the signs that they can understand from the whales’ eye contact!). This respect and understanding creates only safe (for you AND the whales) interactions that from what I heard at my hotel from other guests, is unparalleled. By far the 2 weeks I was in Tonga I know our group had the most intimate, longest experiences in the water with the whales.
Scotty has a joy for the ocean, the whales and the islands that is unlike any other guide and that joy is infectious. He was incredibly generous in educating us on the whales’ behaviors, stories of his experiences in Tonga and around the world, and I appreciate his time and patience in answering all my questions as I felt eager to keep learning from him!
If you are interested in Tonga and Humpback Whales, I cannot suggest anyone better to go with than Scott Portelli and his crew. The boat is fast and clean, the crew is knowledgeable and incredibly skilled at spotting the whales, and Scotty (and crew) care about the whales and their safety, as well as creating the best memories and interactions for you and the whales.
Can’t wait to join them for my second year this August!”
“A magical adventure, one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Guided by Scott and his amazing crew, we explored the waters around Vava’u for 5 days in mid-July. Each day brought different exciting encounters with the gentle giants who allowed us to get close and swim with them on multiple occasions. Truly appreciated Scotty’s dedication and respect for the nature, the whales and all other life we came across. His knowledge and experience were a huge bonus for all of us on the boat, not to mention photography skills, delicious lunches and fun stories. Life will not be the same after meeting the gentle giants.”
“Vava’u is a special place, a magical place and we have Scott Portelli to thank for sharing this part of his life with us, as well as the incredible people of Tonga for making us feel so welcome.
Extraordinary and indescribable are two words that come to mind when attempting to retell the experience of swimming with humpback whales. The pristine blue and turquoise waters allows you to greet these enormous, yet curious mammals and literally meet them eye to eye.
To swim alongside these gentle giants is a humbling experience and it’s the skill and experience that Scott and his crew bring that makes all of it possible. The knowledge that Scott shares and his passion for everything to do with the oceans is infectious. His humble dedication and commitment to environmental sustainability and protection is admirable.
If you’re one of the few who get to experience this magical place with Scott and his team, consider yourself really really lucky. We can’t wait to do it all over again.”
“The best and exceptional lifetime experience. If you dream about close encounters with whales The Kingdom of Tonga should be your prime destination. We spent almost four weeks there with amazing people and humpback whales. Scott Portelli with his Team was guiding us giving endless and unique opportunities to see and feel the presence of these “Gentle Giants.” Scott, you are a great guide and photographer. Thanks to your skills and experience we got amazing footage and photographs. We feel infected by this place. It was our first time but for sure not the last!
Thank you, Scott.”
“Tonga has been on my list of places to visit for the longest time but only this year it finally happened. It may not be the most accessible place to get to from my part of the world, but it was well worth the effort.
My friend who had been in Tonga with Scott and Swimming With Gentle Giants recommended Scott to me and am glad I took his advise.
Pre-trip: Throughout the months leading up to the trip Scott was constantly in touch with me, providing all the necessary travel tips, accommodation booking, what to expect, side trips etc. My tourist visa to Tonga took much longer than expected to come out and was very grateful that Scott went out of his way and helped a lot to expedite the process from within Tonga until my visa was finally granted.
During the trip: We benefited greatly from Scott’s leadership and experience in reading and anticipating the whales’ behaviour to maximise our in water time. Being a great photographer, he also provided everyone in the group with lots of photo-taking tips, as well as tales of his encounters with the whales over the years. The boat we used was very new, bigger than most other whale swimming boats.. Plus, with only 4 guests in the boat, there was a lot of space for everyone. Over the 1 1/2 weeks there were a lot of bonding within the group through dinners meet up and weekend excursion that Scott arranged.
So in summary, I would highly recommend Scott and Swimming With Gentle Giants and I look forward to the opportunity to join Scott again in his other trips.”
“Swimming with humpback whales has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Choosing to go with Scott’s Swimming with Gentle Giants was hands down the best decision I’ve ever made. My expectations were met on the very first day and then exceeded a million times over by the end of the tour. From the moment I arrived till the day I left, everything was well organised and everything I could have ever hoped for.
Every day on the water was breathtaking. One day would be calm waters with inquisitive baby whales, gentle mummy whales and indescribably incredible whale songs, then the next be epic breaches and chaotically intense heat runs. Amongst the countless humpback whale encounters, we also swam with pilot whales, dolphins and hundreds of fish.
In addition to his genuine love for nature and extensive underwater photography experience, Scott is the greatest guy you will ever meet. Having been running these tours for 15 years, Scott an accredited whale swim guide himself is extremely knowledgeable in all things Whales. Both on and off the water, Scott was always happy to make time for the group. In addition to sharing his wealth of photographic knowledge, he also happily assisted with equipment set up, optimal camera settings and post-processing teaching and advice. Furthermore on the rest days he was more than happy to tailer and organise the day around the group whether it be going for a swim, exploring the island or simply relaxing. We even went out exploring late at night to take photos of the stars. Additionally, when I had an incident with one of the airlines, Scott went above and beyond what I would ever expect from anybody to help me out.
The boat and staff were faultless. Having only 4 people on each trip is premium for maximum time in the water. There was always plenty of yummy food available for all and the boat was well equipped for photographers. But the staff on the boat took it to the next level. Their infectiously enthusiastic and friendly attitude made the boat trips exciting and delightful every day. With arguably the best and most experienced whale guides in Tonga, we had incredible experiences time and time again.
I have no hesitations whatsoever in highly recommending Scott Portelli’s SWGG tour. In fact I am already looking into booking a return trip as well as booking in on at least one other of his trips that he offers around the world.”
“I met Scott over a timing plan in an advertising agency in Sydney, little did I know a year and a half later he would be taking me on an unforgettable journey to Tonga.
Scott is a world class photographer, but far more than that, someone who loves showing people the wonder of swimming with whales in Tonga. It can be a fairly daunting prospect when you see the size of the whales, but Scott makes you realise very quickly how gentle and graceful these huge mammals are. I never could have imagined how incredible an experience it was, and owe it to going with Scott. Don’t question whether you will go, just sit down, contact Scott and make this dream an incredible reality.”
“In 2002 I watched a television travel show on swimming with the humpback whales in Tonga. It immediately became the number thing on my ‘bucket list’. Ten years later I was lucky enough to meet Scott, but even then it took me another three years to get organised and brave enough to go and live my dream. And what a dream it was! Every day for nearly two weeks I got to swim alongside not only humpback whales but also pilot whales, thousands of different fish and even a hammerhead shark. What I didn’t realise before this trip was how conscious whales are… they’re as intelligent and as engaging as dogs. I keep telling everyone the calves are like golden retirever puppies! I was apprehensive at first but Scott was a confident, calming and knowledgable guide for the entirety of my tour and I am already saving my pennies to go back again next year. I definitely came home feeling happier and more relaxed. If you ask me, everyone has to do at least one swim with the gentle giants in their lifetime! And Scott is definitely the man to see them with ”
“I have had the opportunity to attend a tour organised by SWTGG earlier this year. It has been one of the most mesmerising and humbling experiences of my life.
I found the tours run by SWTGG were unique in so many different aspects. There are only 4 people plus crew on each tour which potentially doubles up your time spent in the water with the whales. The crew are all experienced Tongan locals which spent much of their time exploring the ocean. Their knowledge of the ocean and the animals allowed us to have varied interactions from watching mothers and calves nuzzle up to each to watching wonderful courtship between adult whales. One of the most beautiful things about the tours was that we got to experience their life style too. The genuine interest in wildlife and love of their job was translated into every aspect of the tour. Another unique aspect of the tours is Scott him self. Being an experienced underwater photographer he had given me crucial tips and provided me with endless opportunities to get the images that I needed. His experience of photographing whales for the past 13 years has given him great understanding of their behaviour and their body language underwater and he uses that knowledge selflessly to guide us through this experience. The tour has by far exceeded any of my expectations of what swimming with the humpback whales would of been like and became so much more.”
“My first trip to Vava’u to Swim with the Humpbacks. Loved the tour and the fact that we were in a small group so whenever there was an opportunity, we got to go into the water. The trip far exceeded my expectations. Scott was a great guide and the rest of the local team (skipper and guides) were exceptional. They were totally professional but also personable and accommodating. I really hope that I can get back to Vava’u in the next few years and if I do, it will definitely be with Scott and the team.
The opportunity to swim with the humpback whales, with mothers and calves, listen to the whales singing while also enjoying the beautiful waters of Tonga was fantastic. I would definitely recommend the trip.”
“As the small plane flew from the mainland of Tongatapu we looked out of the windows of the plane, admiring coral reefs and beautiful blue waters.We were looking forward to a well earned break, relaxing on tropical islands, snorkelling in coral reefs, and swimming with humpback whales! Approaching the outer islands of Vava’u we landed at the airport to smiling faces and gorgeous weather. We were lucky to be blessed with eight amazing days where the sun was shining and the water was warm.
The experience was surreal, it was unbelievable to be able to get so up close and personal with the humpback whales. We saw mother and calves and escorts and juveniles and watched them pop up spy hopping at the back of our boat! We were looking out for them, and it seemed they were looking for us too! They were curious. When they were close by we were in the water as soon as possible experiencing some amazing encounters. It was such an incredible, unforgettable, wonderful experience.
On lunch breaks we were taken to these beautiful caves or beaches where you can snorkel among the coral reefs and where you can see lots of amazing fish, plate corals, see stars, sea slugs, you name it. We enjoyed a packed lunch each day and had cupcakes which were a real treat. The only bananas allowed on the boat were lolly ones, but be sure to buy some from the markets for your leisure days. They are delicious.
If you are interested in a fun and friendly holiday that is not only relaxing but exhilarating then this may be the holiday for you. Swimming with the Gentle Giants with Scott Portelli and his team is a once in a lifetime experience, and if you are lucky you may even get to experience it twice. I know I would love to.
I had a wonderful experience and hope you do too. There is nothing quite like it, the feeling of seeing whales curiously look at you as they swim towards you, beside you, below you and around you.
Definitely one for the bucket list.”
“Cut to the chase, when your considering other operators, here’s why we are so glad we booked with Scott: 1) A boat that is easy to get in and out of. There was a nice, level area where we could sit and be comfortable until we slipped into the water and an easy, sturdy ladder to get back in. 2) We had long days to maximize our vacation time, on the boat by 7:30 am and sometimes not back until 4:30 if we were seeing lots of whales, swimming and snorkeling. 3) Lots of knowledge, education and excitement of getting safely close to observe and actually “swim” alongside the whales. 4) Having only 4 vacationers on the boat was fun, a personal experience of making friends for a lifetime plus maximum time in the water 5) Scott even had us bring a memory stick so that we came home with underwater photos of us swimming with the whales.”
“It was a good friend who had experienced swimming with the whales with Scotty for a few years in row who shared with me some of her photos, stories and experiences of being with these gentle giants, Green with envy I was determined to join her for her 4th visit. I really had no idea what to expect despite everything I had been told. I will never forget the first time I jumped in the water to be greeted by one of these giant creatures. It is an incredibly humbling experience being in the presence of the whales, they are gigantic without being the least bit intimidating.
I will never forget the time we had been swimming with a mother and her calf, simply enjoying their company when they decided to continue on their journey, not knowing which way they went or how far they had gone we simply bobbed around in the water waiting for the boat to come and collect us when literally 20 metres in front of us these 2 enormous creatures launched themselves out of the water breaching across each other. Being so close I felt the power through the water as I was left stunned at what had just happened right in front of my very eyes.
Every single day on the water brought new experiences and provided us with many more stories to tell over a glass of wine in one of the islands many wonderful restaurants and bars. No two days were the same with us exploring different parts of the island with our guide Scotty who offered endless information on the Whales, the locals, the way of life as well as providing us with some sound photography tips as well.
Swimming with the whales is a truly addictive experience one in which I will embark on again as soon as possible.”
“So, I should see whales! My dream- of which I thought might never come true is becoming reality. And I wasn’t nervous at all. Jump into the water: I can’t see anything. The guide is grabbing my hand and shows me where the whales are…. right underneath ME!
My heartbeat is running and I can’t breathe anymore. (Without a snorkel I would’ve drowned or at least drunk 1000 litres of seawater.)
There is only one thing I can hear and that is my own-heavy- breath. IT IS AMAZING, AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, FANTASTIC, SHOCKING, CHRISTAMS AND BIRTHDAY AND…Much much more. It’s a feeling you can’t describe!
There were 3 adult Humpback whales plus a calf and they aren’t small at all. Back on the boat I had a little shock: I neither could speak (in any language) nor cry; I never felt like that before.
The next week in Vava’u was awesome; I had such a beautiful time. Every day we found whales who wanted to hang out with us. They shared a tiny little part of their lives with us and didn’t have a clue how they made us feel.
One special thing about them was their look: when they look at you, they see you, like you see them. They don’t know what we are, but they can definitely see us as we see ourselves in the mirror. And that is just amazing. I love whales.”
“2009 will be my third year travelling to Tonga with Scotty as my photography guide and whale guru. I used to be the type of traveller that couldn’t imagine going back to the same place twice as it’s a big world out there with unlimited experience to be had. Since going to Tonga and meeting Scotty and the whales I can’t imagine not making Tonga part of my yearly travels. I have had the most amazing and varied experiences that words cannot really describe, you just have to go and experience the whales for yourself.
One of my most cherished experiences with Scotty was getting in the water and just floating above a mother and her calf while she was feeding, the calf was inquisitive and swam right around us before heading back down to the safety of it’s mother, to my amazement it continued to do this for the rest of the time we were in the water. The heightened understanding I received that day of how very gentle, beautiful and intelligent these creatures are was a gift I am blessed to have experienced and will never forget.
Scotty is an amazing guide that makes the whole trip incredibly enjoyable from his local knowledge of the area and Tongan people, his amazing affinity and love for the whales we encountered and his genuine wish to make every trip fun, exciting and unforgettable.
Thanks Scotty, I’m hooked!”
“I was lucky enough to join a Swimming with Gentle Giants tour in the Azores, Portugal a couple of years ago.
My main interest was being able to see some sperm whales and see some sperm whales I did, we had some awesome encounters that I will never forget. Our guide ensured that each of us on the tour had our share of amazing encounters and ensured that we got the most out of our time on the water. The crew were very mindful of our needs and we were looked after.
On land, the tour was so well organised that all I literally had to do was show up! Absolutely everything was taken care of, our accommodation was tidy and clean and the food was great.
I highly recommend Swimming with Gentle Giants tours and am looking forward to the next opportunity that I have to go on another one!”