Whale Swim Vava'u Tonga

{ "id": "c090edd6-ce5a-4383-9bf7-bb7c22a4f27d", "slug": "whale-swim-vavau-tonga", "name": "Whale Swim Vava'u Tonga", "is_active": true, "price": "600.00", "sale_price": null, "booking_type": "person", "booking_duration": "1.0", "booking_duration_unit": "days", "featured_image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_images/product_images/Vaka_Moana_3.jpg", "short_description": "Join us for an unforgettable whale swimming adventure in Vava'u's pristine waters! As Tonga's pioneering female-operated whale watching business, we combine thrilling wildlife enc...", "description": "<div>Join us for an unforgettable whale swimming adventure in Vava'u's pristine waters! As Tonga's pioneering female-operated whale watching business, we combine thrilling wildlife encounters with meaningful conservation work. Our flexible tours adapt to where the whales are, giving you the best chance to swim alongside these magnificent humpbacks whilst learning about their ecology and behaviour from our expert guides.</div>", "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" } ], "tags": [ { "id": "ab34fe4a-2034-4c06-8d1f-73963517e460", "name": "Eco-Conscious", "slug": "eco-conscious", "icon": "sprout" }, { "id": "19850fc7-569c-490c-89cb-ac25901d8ee2", "name": "Adventure", "slug": "adventure", "icon": "compass" }, { "id": "8b070c75-1cef-47c8-bf73-69f160bc442f", "name": "Wildlife", "slug": "wildlife", "icon": "bird" } ], "public_promotions": [], "total_bookmarks": 20, "booking_mode": "standard", "availability_data_is_real": true, "display_price_in_native_currency": false, "display_currency": null, "featured_image_caption": null, "gallery_images": [ { "id": "4cb4103f-887a-4245-8b5b-8fd7479bdce6", "image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_gallery/Vaka_Moana_4.jpg", "title": "Vaka and Moana", "alt_text": "Vaka and Moana", "order": 1 }, { "id": "f263f923-7ad8-41fa-a9e6-6f0f8cb04a50", "image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_gallery/Vaka_Moana_1.jpg", "title": "Vaka and Moana", "alt_text": "Vaka and Moana", "order": 2 }, { "id": "0992e785-5883-40f2-813b-69f2e2681540", "image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_gallery/Vaka_Moana.jpg", "title": "Vaka and Moana", "alt_text": "Vaka and Moana", "order": 3 }, { "id": "881a6995-4173-4a73-9b4f-eacda69f15fa", "image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_gallery/Vaka_Moana_5.jpeg", "title": "Vaka and Moana - Copyright Ray Chin", "alt_text": "Vaka and Moana - Copyright Ray Chin", "order": 4 }, { "id": "1843bf7e-97af-46d5-b718-b4dae620640a", "image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_gallery/Vaka_Moana_6.jpeg", "title": "Vaka and Moana - Copyright Ray Chin", "alt_text": "Vaka and Moana - Copyright Ray Chin", "order": 5 }, { "id": "b376722c-4f66-4d41-a18c-241c693d1295", "image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_gallery/Vaka_and_moana_boat_2_BNhKr9u.jpeg", "title": "Vaka and Moana Boat", "alt_text": "Vaka and Moana Boat", "order": 6 }, { "id": "13474cf1-b422-4149-83e9-cba03f049173", "image": "https://d2iwhohslm84tu.cloudfront.net/product_gallery/Vaka_and_moana_boat_1_t6sNHhv.jpeg", "title": "Vaka and Moana Boat 2", "alt_text": "Vaka and Moana Boat 2", "order": 7 } ], "cancellation_policy": "flexible", "confirmation_type": "instant", "min_people": 2, "max_people": 8, "minimum_age": "10-80", "pickup_available": true, "languages": "English, Tongan", "inclusions": "<ul><li>Free pickup from Neiafu accommodation</li><li>All snorkelling gear and wetsuits</li><li>Safety and whale briefings</li><li>Lunch onboard (dietary requirements catered)</li><li>Water throughout the day</li><li>Expert whale ecology information</li></ul>", "exclusions": null, "what_to_bring": "<ul><li>Swimwear</li><li>Towel</li><li>Reef-safe sunscreen</li><li>Hat</li><li>Sunglasses</li><li>Waterproof camera</li><li>Your own wetsuit and snorkelling gear if you prefer</li></ul><div><br>If you wish to bring your drone, we need to see your registration with the Tongan Government. If you need assistance with registration, feel free to get in touch.&nbsp;</div>", "additional_info": "", "meeting_point": "<div><strong>Pickup:</strong> Free collection from Neiafu accommodations or meet at the wharf. Extra fee applies for pickups outside Neiafu (Utulei, Tongan Beach Resort, Mystic Sands, Wolfgramm, Anchorage, Port Mourelle).<br><strong>Departure time</strong>: 7 am (we'll arrange the exact time via email after booking)</div><div><strong>Return:</strong> Return to Neiafu wharf with drop-off to your accommodation if selected.</div>", "latitude": -18.652688311619098, "longitude": -173.98338484188542, "reviews": [ { "id": "2e395ee5-d87d-41a3-bc8b-8fead60d9e14", "created_at": "2026-09-19T22:05:48.082351Z", "first_name": "B.", "last_name": "Forde", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "This company was fantastic - the guides and captain work very hard to ensure a good experience and the most time in the water with the whales. Would definitely recommend!", "verified": true, "response_content": null, "response_created_at": null }, { "id": "ee5c1915-bbda-4aba-953a-e8859c00cadc", "created_at": "2026-09-13T10:30:48.902934Z", "first_name": "Katherine", "last_name": "McCallum", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "We had three days with Vaka and Moana, and had some spectacular swims with singing bulls, a mother and her calf, and a playful juvenile whale. The crew were welcoming and did their best to ensure we had a fantastic few days.", "verified": true, "response_content": null, "response_created_at": null }, { "id": "deedcaf8-a6f6-4bc1-a33f-70bf4fd2b62f", "created_at": "2026-09-02T04:54:15.968666Z", "first_name": "George", "last_name": "Sugitomo", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "Vaka and Moana’s whale tour was nothing short of spectacular, an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. Aunofu, the mother and founder of this family run business, is exceptionally experienced, attentive and refreshingly honest about what guests can expect. Whale encounters always depend on nature, the weather and the whales themselves, but we were incredibly fortunate to enjoy several breathtaking swims with these magnificent animals. Aunofu’s son, daughter and the other close members are outstanding guides and spotters. Their knowledge, warmth, professionalism and deep respect for the whales made us feel completely safe and well cared for throughout the experience. This is far more than just a whale tour, it is a genuine, personal adventure shared with a wonderful and trustworthy local family. An extraordinary experience that will stay with us forever! I cannot recommend Vaka and Moana highly enough.", "verified": true, "response_content": null, "response_created_at": null }, { "id": "0cd556a0-af7e-41f5-a912-e3352ac856a4", "created_at": "2026-08-14T01:36:28.031145Z", "first_name": "David", "last_name": "MacFarlane", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "Seeing whales is always spectacular, and overwhelmed any concerns about the tour. However, with no cabin on their boat there is no shelter from strong cold wind or rain or water splashing up while speeding from one place to the next. Neither is there a toilet. A lunch was provided but no drinks were offered.", "verified": true, "response_content": null, "response_created_at": null }, { "id": "36dc1cc9-bcdc-4db3-8cb5-06f6b037214a", "created_at": "2026-08-01T03:59:18.494686Z", "first_name": "Claire", "last_name": "Bloomfield", "star_count": "5.0", "review_content": "Great communication including Aunofo meeting me in person at the dock on the morning of departure. The team of 3 on the boat were superb. Big smiles and lots of laughs throughout the day. Despite some challenging weather conditions the team found us lots of whales and we were able to get in the water on 3 occasions, including to watch a mother and calf which was very special.", "verified": false, "response_content": null, "response_created_at": null } ], "review_count": 5, "average_rating": 5, "product_checkout_fields": [ { "id": 422, "name": "Do you require pick up?", "input_type": "text", "label": "Do you require pick up?", "help_text": "Please state the name of your accommodation. Note that accommodations outside of Neiafu require an extra fee arranged after booking.", "placeholder": "", "order": 0, "required": false, "dictates_booking_time": false, "use_duration_for_end_time": true, "tied_to_addon_name": null, "products": "c090edd6-ce5a-4383-9bf7-bb7c22a4f27d", "roomTypes": null }, { "id": 423, "name": "Do you have any dietary requirements?", "input_type": "text", "label": "Do you have any dietary requirements?", "help_text": "", "placeholder": "", "order": 0, "required": false, "dictates_booking_time": false, "use_duration_for_end_time": true, "tied_to_addon_name": "", "products": "c090edd6-ce5a-4383-9bf7-bb7c22a4f27d", "roomTypes": null }, { "id": 424, "name": "What is your size for wetsuits?", "input_type": "text", "label": "What is your size for wetsuits?", "help_text": "", "placeholder": "", "order": 0, "required": false, "dictates_booking_time": false, "use_duration_for_end_time": true, "tied_to_addon_name": "", "products": "c090edd6-ce5a-4383-9bf7-bb7c22a4f27d", "roomTypes": null }, { "id": 425, "name": "Do you require a weightbelt?", "input_type": "text", "label": "Do you require a weightbelt? If so, please state state your preferred weights.", "help_text": "", "placeholder": "", "order": 0, "required": false, "dictates_booking_time": false, "use_duration_for_end_time": true, "tied_to_addon_name": null, "products": "c090edd6-ce5a-4383-9bf7-bb7c22a4f27d", "roomTypes": null } ], "schedule": { "monday_open": true, "monday_start": "07:00:00", "monday_end": "14:00:00", "tuesday_open": true, "tuesday_start": "07:00:00", "tuesday_end": "14:00:00", "wednesday_open": true, "wednesday_start": "07:00:00", "wednesday_end": "14:00:00", "thursday_open": true, "thursday_start": "07:00:00", "thursday_end": "14:00:00", "friday_open": true, "friday_start": "07:00:00", "friday_end": "14:00:00", "saturday_open": true, "saturday_start": "07:00:00", "saturday_end": "14:00:00", "sunday_open": false, "sunday_start": "09:00:00", "sunday_end": "17:00:00" }, "addons": [], "variants": [], "people_types": [], "availability_exceptions": [ { "id": "aecc20c9-45d2-4d7b-ad19-ac33831c559e", "exception_type": "closure", "start_date": "2025-10-31", "end_date": "2026-07-01", "modified_hours": null, "modified_capacity": null, "is_recurring": true, "recurring_frequency": "yearly" } ], "advanced_pricing": [], "main_island": "Vava'u", "return_product_info": null, "asset_info": { "pool_id": "0de74dea-6657-463a-9234-7338ab0ddf98", "pool_name": "Vaka and Moana Fleet", "total_capacity": 8, "assets": [ { "id": "41b46504-6d4a-45f5-ba0c-569d0ccc2995", "name": "Vaka and Moana Whale Swim Boat", "asset_type": "vessel", "capacity": 8 } ] }, "upcoming_departures": null, "route_info": null, "active_promotions": [], "best_seller": true, "top_reviewed": false, "island": "Tonga", "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_minimum": null, "booking_duration_maximum": null, "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": "07:00:00", "check_out_time": "14:00:00", "multiply_base_price_by_number_of_people": true, "count_people_as_separate_bookings": true, "last_minute_discount": null, "minimum_number_of_people": 2, "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": "10-80", "offered_languages": "English, Tongan", "whats_included": "<ul><li>Free pickup from Neiafu accommodation</li><li>All snorkelling gear and wetsuits</li><li>Safety and whale briefings</li><li>Lunch onboard (dietary requirements catered)</li><li>Water throughout the day</li><li>Expert whale ecology information</li></ul>", "what_to_expect": "<div>Your whale swimming adventure begins with convenient pickup from your accommodation around Neiafu, or you can meet us directly at the Neiafu Small Marina Dock (see the map pin for location). We can collect you from popular spots like Utulei, Tongan Beach Resort, Mystic Sands, Wolfgramm, Anchorage, Port Mourelle, or Port Wine Guesthouse. Note that accommodations outside of Neiafu have an extra charge.<br><br></div><div>Once aboard, we'll fit you with properly sized wetsuits, snorkelling gear, and weight belts - just let us know your sizes beforehand so we can have everything ready. We start each day with a comprehensive briefing covering the waiver, safety procedures, whale behaviour, and what you can expect during your time on the water.<br><br></div><div>The beauty of this tour lies in its flexibility. We head out to wherever the whales are that day, adapting our route based on current whale locations and conditions. When we encounter these magnificent creatures, we carefully assess whether conditions are safe and suitable for swimming before making any decisions.<br><br></div><div>Our experienced team shares fascinating insights about whale ecology, migration patterns, and where these incredible animals have travelled from. If we do spot whales and conditions are right, we'll provide detailed instructions on proper swimming etiquette and behaviour around these gentle giants.<br><br></div><div>Around the three-hour mark, we'll pause for lunch onboard - a delicious meal with water included, all catered to your specific dietary requirements. The timing is flexible though, depending on whale activity and our location at the time.<br><br></div><div>If we haven't encountered whales by lunchtime, we continue our search afterwards. While we can't guarantee whale swimming, we almost always spot these amazing creatures during our trips.&nbsp;<br><br></div><div>As pioneers in whale swimming and watching - and proudly the first female captain in Tonga and skipper for whale swimming - we combine thrilling wildlife encounters with important conservation work, conducting surveys that contribute to ongoing research efforts.</div>", "departure_and_return": "<div><strong>Pickup:</strong> Free collection from Neiafu accommodations or meet at the wharf. Extra fee applies for pickups outside Neiafu (Utulei, Tongan Beach Resort, Mystic Sands, Wolfgramm, Anchorage, Port Mourelle).<br><strong>Departure time</strong>: 7 am (we'll arrange the exact time via email after booking)</div><div><strong>Return:</strong> Return to Neiafu wharf with drop-off to your accommodation if selected.</div>", "faq": "<div><strong>What's included in the Whale Swim Vava'u Tonga experience with Vaka and Moana Co.?</strong></div><div>We provide all snorkelling gear, wetsuits, weight belts, lunch onboard, water, comprehensive safety and whale briefings, plus free pickup from accommodations around Neiafu.<br><br></div><div><strong>Do you guarantee whale sightings on Vaka and Moana's whale swimming tours?</strong></div><div>While we can't guarantee whale sightings, but we usually see whales during our tours. We're very experienced and flexible, adjusting our route depending on where the whales are located on the day.<br><br></div><div><strong>What should I bring for the Whale Swim Vava'u Tonga tour?</strong></div><div>Just bring yourself! We'll need your size for wetsuits and snorkelling gear beforehand so we can prepare the right fit. All equipment, lunch and water are provided onboard. If you have your own snorkelling gear and wetsuit, feel free to bring them along.<br><br></div><div><strong>How long does the whale swimming experience last?</strong></div><div>Tours last approximately 7 hours, adhering to the whale swimming laws in Tonga. Our tours are very flexible depending on whale locations. We typically have lunch after a few hours if we've spotted whales, but continue searching throughout the day to maximise your whale encounter opportunities.<br><br></div><div><strong>What makes Vaka and Moana Co. special for whale watching in Tonga?</strong></div><div>We're female pioneers of whale swimming and watching in Vava'u, operating as the first female captain and skipper for whale swimming. We also conduct surveying for conservation purposes and research, combining tourism with meaningful whale protection efforts.</div>", "pg_review": "", "product_help": null, "featured": true, "cancellation_policy_extra_info": "", "fitness_rating": "3", "fitness_notes": "", "accessibility_rating": "0", "accessibility_notes": "", "highlights": "<ul><li>Pioneer female captain whale swimming experience</li><li>Conservation research during your adventure</li><li>Flexible itinerary following whale movements</li><li>Complete safety briefing and equipment</li><li>Catered lunch with dietary options</li></ul>", "facilities": [], "itinerary": [], "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": true, "require_fully_booked_before_next_available": false, "require_minimum_capacity_for_booking_confirmation": false, "minimum_capacity_required_for_booking_confirmation": null, "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, "qr_code": null, "total_booking_count": 297, "total_review_count": 5, "updated_at": "2026-06-14T02:27:08.380024Z", "business": "56c2e603-28d3-4c76-a356-ffb656a8449e", "accommodation": null, "asset": null, "asset_pool": "0de74dea-6657-463a-9234-7338ab0ddf98", "route": null, "return_product": null, "awards": [], "bed_configurations": [], "room_amenities": [], "type": "product" }