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"6dc4771c-adc4-4a88-8202-cb9039b1e93a", "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": "Tongatapu", "name": "Whale Swim Private Charter", "slug": "whale-swim-charter", "product_free_write": "", "description": "<div>Enjoy the ultimate whale swim experience in Tonga with this <strong>private full-day charter</strong>&nbsp;for up to 4 guests from Tahi Tonga. Booking the entire boat gives you more control over how your time is spent, whether that’s extra swim sessions, relaxed whale watching, or a longer island stop for lunch. Led by a qualified local team with over a decade of experience, this is the most personal way to encounter humpback whales in Tonga.&nbsp;</div>", "island": "Tonga", "price": "1985.00", "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": "group", "full_day_booking": false, "mark_as_private": true, "allowed_start_dates": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday", "Saturday" ], "min_days_advanced_reservation": 2, "max_days_advanced_reservation": 366, "check_in_time": "08:00:00", "check_out_time": "15:30:00", "multiply_base_price_by_number_of_people": false, "count_people_as_separate_bookings": true, "last_minute_discount": null, "minimum_number_of_people": 1, "maximum_number_of_people": 4, "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": "2-99", "offered_languages": "English, Tongan, Tagalog", "whats_included": "<ul><li>Full-day private whale swim charter</li><li>Licensed skipper and qualified whale swim guide</li><li>Morning tea and lunch</li><li>Refillable drinking water on board (BYO bottle)</li><li>Snorkelling gear: wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel</li><li>Shared footage via Google link (when possible)</li><li>Island lunch stop</li></ul>", "what_to_bring": "<ul><li>Swimsuit (it's best to wear under your clothes each day)</li><li>Towel and dry clothes for after the trip</li><li>Sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses</li><li>Sea sickness medication</li><li>Water bottle (for refilling on board)</li><li>If you have your own snorkelling gear, if preferred, for comfort and fit</li></ul>", "what_to_expect": "<div>Meet your crew at Faua Wharf at your preferred time for up to 7 hours - let us know upon booking - for your private adventure.<br><br>With the boat all to yourselves, you’ll enjoy more flexibility in how your time is spent, whether it’s seeking whales longer, spending more time swimming, or relaxing longer on an island over lunch.<br><br></div><div>The crew will guide you through safe and respectful encounters with whales, always prioritising the comfort of both you and the animals.<br><br>Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on a stunning island and take the chance to snorkel or unwind before heading back to Nuku’alofa.</div>", "departure_and_return": "<div><strong>Departure</strong>: Faua Wharf, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu (we are stationed at the shelter and benches).<br><strong>Time</strong>: Meet at 8:00 am for an 8:30 am departure (flexible - let us know if a certain time suits you better)<br><strong>Return</strong>: Around 3:30 pm each day&nbsp;</div>", "additional_info": "<ul><li>Only 4 swimmers are allowed in the water at a time, even on private tours (note that the entire group has every opportunity to swim with the whales)</li><li>Free diving and duck diving are not permitted</li><li>Not available on Sundays</li><li>Must be physically able to re-board the boat via ladder</li></ul>", "faq": "<div><strong>How many people can join the private tour?</strong><br> The boat takes up to 4 swimmers. You can also add 1–2 non-swimming whale watchers. Please select the whale watching add-on on checkout. <br><br><strong>Do I need to be experienced to join?</strong><br> You don’t need to be an expert swimmer, but you must be confident in open water and able to swim with a snorkel and fins. The crew is well-experienced to support swimmers of varying abilities. Note that if you're swimming abilities are limited, this may hinder your chances of joining every swim. For example, if it is a rougher day, this may reduce opportunities for less-experienced swimmers further.<br><br></div><div><strong>Can children join the tour?</strong><br>As this is a private charter, this is the best option for children of all ages. It is the parents' responsibility to ensure safety in the water and on board. All children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult in the water and on board.<br><br></div><div><strong>What happens if the weather is bad?</strong><br> Tours may be shortened or cancelled if the captain deems conditions unsafe. You’ll be offered a spot on another trip or a refund (less your deposit) if rescheduling isn’t possible.</div><div><br></div><div><strong>How long will I spend swimming with the whales?</strong><br> Every day is different – swims may be short or last 20 minutes or more, depending on whale behaviour. We make use of the full day to help you make the most of every whale swim encounter possible.<br><br></div><div><strong>What kind of wetsuits and snorkel gear do you provide?</strong><br> You’ll be fitted with a 2.5 mm shortie wetsuit (or long wetsuit if available), plus mask, snorkel, and fins. You're also welcome to bring your own gear for the best fit.<br><br></div><div><strong>Can I use a full-face mask or freediving fins?</strong><br> No. Full-face masks are not permitted for safety reasons and to comply with Tonga whale swim regulations. Freediving fins are acceptable but note that you are not permitted to freedive with the whales.<br><br></div><div><strong>Are Sundays available?</strong><br> No. Due to Tongan laws and customs, no tours operate on Sundays.<br><br></div><div><strong>Do you offer transfers?</strong><br> No transfers are included, but most accommodations will assist with getting to Faua Wharf. You can also ask us for taxi recommendations (Typically TOP$10 within Nuku'alofa).</div>", "pg_review": "", "product_help": null, "featured": false, "cancellation_policy": "moderate", "cancellation_policy_extra_info": "", "fitness_rating": "3", "fitness_notes": "<div>Swimming with whales is a physically demanding activity. 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