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 is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.
*Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.
Payment schedule:
• 50% of the expedition cost is due 180 days prior to departure.
• Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Payment methods:
• Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.
• PayPal payments incur a 5% processing fee.
• Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.
• For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.
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SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.
Cancellation terms are as follows:
• More than 120 days prior to departure:
A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.
• 91–120 days prior to departure:
A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.
• Within 90 days of departure:
No refunds will be issued.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.
SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.
No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.
SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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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.