HUMPBACK WHALE DIVING EXPEDITION
Ha’apai, Tonga
TRIP DATE
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September 17 - 24, 2026
(8 day trip / 5 days whale swim )
- SOLD OUT -
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September 9 - 16, 2027
(8 day trip / 5 days whale swim )
- 7 SPOTS AVAILABLE -
THE ADVENTURE
Thank you for your interest in our Tonga humpback whale expedition.
There is something different about Tonga, and you feel it the moment you slip into the water.
The ocean is warm, clear, and quiet, and then you see them.
A mother and her calf.
The calf is usually the first to notice you, curious and unafraid, coming in closer than it needs to just to understand what you are.
The mother stays nearby, watching, present, allowing it.
This isn’t an encounter you chase, it’s one you’re allowed to witness.
Each year, humpback whales travel thousands of miles to reach the waters of Ha’apai to give birth and raise their young.
What happens here is rare, not just because you can swim with them, but because of the way they choose to interact.
Some days are quiet, some days they pass by, and some days a calf comes in close enough to change the way you see the ocean.
This is not a high-adrenaline trip, it’s a slow, patient experience built on presence and respect.
And when it all comes together, it becomes something you carry with you for the rest of your life.
Trip cost is $6488 per person
A $1000 deposit is required to reserve your space.
PRICE INCLUDES:
7-night stay at Sandy Beach Resort (Double occupancy)
5 days snorkeling with humpback whales
Daily breakfast, tea and biscuits on the boat, and dinners at the resort
Round-trip charter flights from Tongatapu to Ha’apai
Round-trip airport transfers on Ha’apai
Expert photo coaching to help you capture your underwater moments
❌ NOT INLCLUDED:
- Airfare to Tongatapu (TBU), lunches at the lodge, crew gratuities, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, gear rentals, airport luggage fees for bags, Trip Insurance.
🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE…
- Book your trip now… Or request more information on the trip.
TRIP REPORTS
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TRIP ITINERARY
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Day 1 – Arrival Day
Fly into Tongatapu (TBU) the day before the trip starts to catch our 8AM charter.
Arrive on Ha’apai via an 8AM charter flight from Tongatapu (TBU). We'll help you get settled, and the rest of the day is yours to relax and prep.
Days 2 – 6 – Whale Swimming Days (6 Days)
Each day begins at 9AM as we head out for six hours at sea. Some days may offer quick encounters, others slow, magical moments alongside mothers and calves.
Sunday is a Rest Day
Due to local laws, no boating on Sundays—but plenty of options to enjoy the island: shore diving, kayaking, beach walks, or just relaxing.
Day 8 – Departure Day
Early morning transfer back to the Ha’apai airport for your return flight.
You can schedule your return flight from TBU after 2PM on departure day.
YOUR ACCOMODATIONS
The lodging's are at Sandy Beach Resort.They are situated on a beachfront tropical garden setting. The comfortably furnished rooms have tiled floors and each fale has a private terrace with a view of the crystal clear Pacific Ocean.
Fales may be configured with two twin beds or one king-sized bed and each has it’s own table, chairs, fan, wardrobe and tea and coffee making facilities. Spacious ensuite bathrooms have a large washbasin, WC and a large, fully tiled shower.
There are limited Fales so this trip is double occupancy only.
SUNDAY SNORKELING
On Sundays, swimming with the whales is not permitted due to local laws. However, just steps from your Fale lies a world-class snorkeling paradise. The reef system and coral bommies here provide some of the South Pacific’s most pristine and rarely explored underwater experiences. From vibrant soft coral gardens to impressive hard coral structures, this marine environment offers unparalleled diversity.
The area is teeming with life, from large creatures like zebra sharks and eagle rays to smaller, colorful wonders such as nudibranchs and Spanish dancers—and everything in between.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY
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A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.
50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.
100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.
A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.
A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.
Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info. Please add $40 to cover bank fees.
Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:
SDM adventures 332 East 15th St. San Juan, Texas 78589
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A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.
50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.
100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.
A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.
A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.
Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info. Please add $40 to cover bank fees.
Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:
SDM adventures 332 East 15th St. San Juan, Texas 78589
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Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.
To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.
We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.
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To keep trips running smoothly for all guests, we require timely payments according to the schedule provided. If a payment is not received by the agreed-upon due date, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and release the space to another guest without refund of previous payments. We will make every effort to communicate and send a reminder before doing so, but it’s important to stay on schedule to secure your spot.