{ "id": "bcc76b9d-f0f5-4b75-a473-0b9f73ce2c80", "tags": [ { "id": "8b070c75-1cef-47c8-bf73-69f160bc442f", "name": "Wildlife", "slug": "wildlife", "icon": "bird" } ], "categories": [ { "id": "574d63fc-1c79-48b6-bbfb-674e6d804883", "name": "Water Activities", "slug": "water-activities", "description": "", "icon": "waves", "parent": null }, { "id": "1c0f8f43-1f16-416e-9db4-c051f567f0cf", "name": "Boat Tours & Cruises", "slug": "boat-tours-cruises", "description": "", "icon": "sailboat", "parent": "574d63fc-1c79-48b6-bbfb-674e6d804883" }, { "id": "5e50b55e-0956-4d8b-9e02-f47ab9d7494e", "name": "Snorkel & Scuba", "slug": "snorkel-scuba", "description": "", "icon": "fish", "parent": "574d63fc-1c79-48b6-bbfb-674e6d804883" }, { "id": "daed5557-18b9-48ee-bc7a-43ba19b8db49", "name": "Wildlife", "slug": "wildlife", "description": "", "icon": "paw-print", "parent": "2cbedf7c-74b9-4ad8-b93d-6557c924da68" }, { "id": "2cbedf7c-74b9-4ad8-b93d-6557c924da68", "name": "Free & Cheap Activities", "slug": "free-cheap-activities", "description": "", "icon": "banknote", "parent": null } ], "reviews": [], "gallery_images": [ { "id": "188ed2e0-d72f-4b31-a087-5d305ed2ca70", "image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_gallery/Kikos_Whale_Swim_Alakoko_Guesthouse_MUST_CREDIT_tongapocketguide.com_.jpg", "title": "Kiko's Whale Swim Alakoko Guesthouse", "alt_text": "Kiko's Whale Swim Alakoko Guesthouse", "order": 1 }, { "id": "5b511c3a-0c2d-4867-9c15-49fded574f15", "image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_gallery/Snorkelling_Gear_Rental_Kikos_Budget_MUST_CREDIT_tongapocketguide.com_.jpg", "title": "Kiko's Snorkelling Equipment", "alt_text": "Kiko's Snorkelling Equipment", "order": 2 } ], "schedule": { "monday_open": true, "monday_start": "07:00:00", "monday_end": "12:00:00", "tuesday_open": true, "tuesday_start": "07:00:00", "tuesday_end": "12:00:00", "wednesday_open": true, "wednesday_start": "07:00:00", "wednesday_end": "12:00:00", "thursday_open": true, "thursday_start": "07:00:00", "thursday_end": "12:00:00", "friday_open": true, "friday_start": "07:00:00", "friday_end": "12:00:00", "saturday_open": true, "saturday_start": "07:00:00", "saturday_end": "12:00:00", "sunday_open": false, "sunday_start": "09:00:00", "sunday_end": "17:00:00" }, "addons": [], "variants": [], "product_checkout_fields": [], "people_types": [], "availability_exceptions": [ { "id": "26758d0e-e189-47dd-a54d-5bc45d0fdc44", "exception_type": "closure", "start_date": "2025-10-31", "end_date": "2026-06-30", "modified_hours": null, "modified_capacity": null, "is_recurring": true, "recurring_frequency": "yearly" } ], "advanced_pricing": [], "main_island": "'Eua", "name": "Kiko's Whale Swim", "slug": "kikos-whale-swim", "product_free_write": "Get the real local experience, as well as local knowledge of the whales’ behaviour, with Kiko’s Swim with Whale Tours. Kiko is a certified whale swimming guide. Kiko is a local fisherman who started operating whale swimming and watching tours from his small fishing boat. The boat has been upgraded to a vessel that’s low to the water and shaded from the sun, providing a comfortable whale-watching experience. There is a limit of eight passengers, keeping with legislation and ensuring an uncrowded experience with the whales.\r\n\r\nOnboard is also a passionate whale swimming guide, who will guide the experience in the water and ensure a safe and respectable swim with the whales.\r\n\r\nWetsuits and fins are provided, but Kiko only has a few masks and snorkels, so those with any of their own gear are best to bring them along. Accommodation transfers are also included in the rate, as is breakfast and lunch.\r\n\r\nSpeaking of rate, Kiko’s Whale Watching has got itself a reputation for being the cheapest in the country for many years. Although it is now the same price as some operators in Tongatapu and Vava’u, it’s still on the more affordable end of the spectrum. However, if you don’t see whales during the trip, you only are required to pay for fuel costs; not the full cost of the tour – typically a TOP$150 shared cost with other boat passengers.", "description": "<div>Experience the magic of swimming with humpback whales through the eyes of a local fisherman turned whale guide. Kiko's intimate boat tours offer authentic Tongan hospitality with small groups of just eight passengers, ensuring uncrowded encounters with these magnificent creatures. Our low-to-water vessel provides comfortable whale watching, whilst our certified guide ensures safe, respectful swims. With breakfast, transfers, and gear included, plus our unique 'no whale, partial refund' guarantee, we deliver exceptional value for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.</div>", "island": "Tonga", "price": "522.00", "sale_price": null, "wholesale_price": null, "high_season_price": null, "high_season_start_date": null, "high_season_end_date": null, "duration_type": "fixed", "certify_information_accurate": true, "confirm_tripcarver_commission": true, "booking_duration_unit": "days", "booking_duration": "1.0", "booking_duration_minimum": null, "booking_duration_maximum": null, "booking_type": "person", "full_day_booking": false, "mark_as_private": false, "allowed_start_dates": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday" ], "min_days_advanced_reservation": 1, "max_days_advanced_reservation": 366, "check_in_time": "09:00:00", "check_out_time": "17:00:00", "multiply_base_price_by_number_of_people": true, "count_people_as_separate_bookings": true, "last_minute_discount": null, "minimum_number_of_people": 1, "maximum_number_of_people": 8, "extra_price_per_person": null, "buffer_time": 0, "require_confirmation": false, "enable_price_per_people_type": false, "availability_rules": {}, "deposit_percentage": "8", "verify_photo_ownership": true, "ages_allowed": "1-99", "offered_languages": "English, Tongan", "whats_included": "<ul><li>Accommodation transfers</li><li>Breakfast</li><li>Wetsuits and fins</li><li>Certified whale swimming guide</li><li>Passionate in-water guide</li><li>Limited masks and snorkels</li><li>Whale guarantee policy</li></ul>", "what_to_bring": "<ul><li>Swimwear</li><li>Sun hat</li><li>Sunscreen</li><li>Towel</li><li>Mask and snorkel</li><li>Waterproof camera</li><li>Cash</li></ul>", "what_to_expect": "<div>Join local fisherman Kiko for an authentic whale swimming adventure that combines genuine Tongan hospitality with incredible marine encounters. This intimate experience begins with accommodation transfers, setting you up for a day that feels more like joining a local friend than taking a tourist tour.<br><br></div><div>Your adventure starts with a hearty breakfast before heading out on Kiko's specially designed vessel. The boat sits low to the water with plenty of shade, creating the perfect platform for whale watching and swimming. With just eight passengers maximum, you'll have plenty of space and personal attention from your certified whale swimming guide, 4 people for each group to go to the water.&nbsp;<br><br></div><div>Kiko's local knowledge really shines as he navigates to the best whale spotting areas. As a lifelong fisherman, he understands whale behaviour like few others, positioning the boat for optimal viewing and swimming opportunities. When whales are spotted, your passionate swimming guide will brief you on safe and respectful interaction before you slip into the water.<br><br></div><div>We provide wetsuits and fins for everyone, though if you have your own mask and snorkel, it's worth bringing them along as our supply is limited. The experience in the water is nothing short of magical, swimming alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat with expert guidance ensuring both your safety and the whales' wellbeing.<br><br></div><div>Between whale encounters, you'll enjoy a delicious snacks and drinks onboard whilst sharing stories with fellow adventurers. Kiko's years of experience mean he knows exactly where and when to find the whales, making this one of the most reliable whale swimming experiences available.<br><br></div><div>What sets this tour apart is Kiko's genuine approach to whale encounters and his commitment to fair pricing. If we don't spot whales during your trip, you'll only pay fuel costs (typically TOP$150 shared between passengers) rather than the full tour price - that's our confidence guarantee in action.</div>", "departure_and_return": "<div><strong>Departure:</strong> Hotel pickup included, departure times vary by season and whale activity</div><div><strong>Duration:</strong>&nbsp;Half day tour with breakfast and lunch provided</div><div><strong>Return:</strong> Hotel drop-off included, return times depend on whale sightings and conditions</div><div><strong>Group Size:</strong> Maximum 8 passengers per trip</div><div><strong>What to Bring:</strong> Mask and snorkel recommended (limited equipment available onboard)</div>", "additional_info": "", "faq": "<div><strong>What makes Kiko's Whale Swim different from other whale watching tours?</strong></div><div>Kiko is a certified local fisherman-turned-guide who offers authentic local knowledge and genuine passion. Our boat is specially designed low to the water with shade, and we limit groups to eight passengers for a more intimate experience.<br><br></div><div><strong>What's included with Kiko's whale swimming experience?</strong></div><div>We provide wetsuits, fins, accommodation transfers, breakfast, and snacks and drinks. We have some masks and snorkels available, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them for the best fit.<br><br></div><div><strong>What happens if we don't see whales on Kiko's Whale Swim tour?</strong></div><div>If no whales are spotted during your trip, you'll only pay fuel costs (typically TOP$150 shared between passengers) rather than the full tour price. We stand behind our whale encounters!<br><br></div><div><strong>How many people join the whale swimming tours with Kiko's Whale Swim Tour?</strong></div><div>We limit our groups to a maximum of eight passengers to comply with legislation and ensure an uncrowded, respectful experience with the whales. This keeps the experience intimate and special. Two groups for each swim, 4 people each group.&nbsp;<br><br></div><div><strong>Do I need swimming experience for Kiko's Whale Swim?</strong></div><div>Our passionate whale swimming guide will be in the water with you, ensuring a safe and respectful swim experience. All necessary safety equipment is provided for your comfort and security.</div>", "pg_review": "", "product_help": null, "featured": false, "cancellation_policy": "flexible", "cancellation_policy_extra_info": "", "fitness_rating": "3", "fitness_notes": "", "accessibility_rating": "0", "highlights": "<ul><li>Local fisherman's authentic whale experience</li><li>Certified guide ensures safe swimming</li><li>Small groups maximum eight passengers</li><li>No whales spotted full refund</li><li>Includes transfers and breakfast</li></ul>", "facilities": [], "itinerary": [], "total_bookmarks": 15, "featured_image": "https://tripcarverbucket.s3.amazonaws.com/product_images/product_images/Kiko_Whale_Swim_Tour_Boat_MUST_CREDIT_tongapocketguide.com_.jpg", "featured_image_caption": null, "extra_notes": "", "all_public_holidays_closed": false, "cruise_extra_information": "", "custom_accordion_item_title": null, "custom_accordion_item_content": "", "display_hours_publicly": false, "allow_single_bookings_once_capacity_is_reached": false, "require_fully_booked_before_next_available": false, "require_minimum_capacity_for_booking_confirmation": false, "minimum_capacity_required_for_booking_confirmation": null, "is_active": true, "email_extra_information_to_customer": "", "return_option_available": false, "minimum_duration_for_customer_defined_booking": null, "is_rental_product": false, "rental_inventory_count": null, "rental_unit_label": "", "allow_customer_duration": false, "business": null, "accommodation": "0705460a-e046-4159-8942-8056fc01088b", "awards": [] }