September 6 - 13, 2025
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Immerse yourself in the unparalleled splendour of the deep blue as you join Jono Allen, a renowned ocean photographer, environmental scientist, and marine megafauna guide, on this epic Tongan adventure. Witnessing humpback whales in their natural habitat is a magical experience. Every year, thousands of these gentle giants make their pilgrimage from Antarctica's icy waters to the tropical haven of Tonga for mating and birthing. With a naturalist's precision and an artist's eye, Jono will be your guide in unlocking the majestic world of these sentient beings.
Make your base in the island paradise of Vava'u, where every day you'll venture out on a private boat, led by one of the world's most experienced humpback whale boat operators to get the best chance to interact with these gentle giants of the deep. Elevate your underwater photography through exclusive Masterclasses led by Jono, capturing ethereal moments that will last a lifetime. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Explore mysterious blue caves and hidden beaches, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of your new Tongan community.
A passionate and knowledgeable environmental scientist, marine megafauna guide, and ocean cinematographer, Jono is dedicated to capturing powerful visuals to catalyse meaningful change for our oceans. His knowledge and expertise empower you to get as close as possible to these majestic creatures, forging an unforgettable connection through a face-to-face encounter. With Jono, you can be assured that you are in the hands of an expert who is committed to providing a truly thrilling and authentic travel experience.
Jono's approach to encounters with humpback whales is far beyond what you would consider a typical tour. He rejects the touristy "smile for the camera" approach and instead takes you on a journey of exploration and deep understanding of their physiology, behaviour, and unique personalities. With Jono, you can expect encounters that are both immersive and enlightening, providing a deeper connection with these magnificent creatures.
Jono is committed to supporting the local Tongan community of Vava'u, where humpback whales come every year to mate and give birth. It's important to him to use local services, food, accommodation, and staff wherever possible, ensuring high-quality experiences without compromising on the community's authenticity. By traveling with Jono, you can be assured that your trip is sustainable, responsible, and supports the local community.
Dive into Humpback Heaven
A warm Tongan welcome awaits you as our private driver meets you at the Vava’u airport.
After helping you with your luggage, our driver will take you to your water-view accommodation.
Meet Storyteller Guide, Jono Allen, and your adventure mates.
We'll kick off with an engaging lunch Q&A with Jono and your Expedition Leader. Discover the stories that fuel Jono's passions for underwater photography and marine conservation, as well as sneak peeks into the groundbreaking projects he's involved with.
Unplug, relax, and adjust to Vava'u's slower pace with a free afternoon for resort exploration or ocean dips.
Traditional Tongan welcome feast at sunset.
After dinner, dive into Jono's Masterclass where you'll learn about humpback whale behaviours and best practices for responsible interactions with these majestic creatures.
Rest up at Vava'u Resort.
Embrace Tongan Tranquility
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at Vava'u Resort.
Sunday is a day of rest in the Kingdom of Tonga, providing us with a great opportunity to test our snorkel gear.
Test the waters—literally! Take a dip in the crystalline ocean to familiarise yourself with your gear and the marine environment. We'll make sure that your fins, mask, and snorkel are in top condition so you can confidently swim with the whales.
Savour the peaceful Sunday atmosphere, accented by church hymns. Enjoy a free afternoon your way—savour local flavours at a wharf side eatery, kick back with a book and wine, or marvel at an iconic Tongan sunset.
Wind down and recharge for the adrenaline-filled days ahead.
Retire for the night at Vava'u Resort, as you dream about those upcoming close encounters with humpbacks.
Daily Encounters with Oceanic Titans
Kickstart your mornings with a cuppa and breakfast before we head to the wharf.
Board our private vessel for a day of whale spotting. You'll also receive a safety briefing to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Cruise past rugged coastlines under the morning sun, actively scanning for whale spouts, fins, tails, or breaches to indicate nearby activity!
Spend a full day (approx. 7 hours) on the water engaged in whale spotting and safe, guided swimming with these magnificent creatures.
Midday lunch break break: we'll drop anchor over a vibrant coral reef and take a moment to explore nearby blue caves and isolated white beaches.
Return to Vava'u Resort to relax and recharge.
Gather 'round to marvel at Jono’s captures of the day, followed by an Underwater Photography Masterclass.
Group dinner at a local eatery.
Overnight at Vava'u Resort.
Turning Your Experiences Into Lasting Captures
Enjoy breakfast at Vava'u Resort.
Dive into an interactive Masterclass on photo editing with Jono, perfecting your humpback whale captures.
This is your chance to apply the photography skills you’ve gained during the trip, setting you up to continue capturing extraordinary marine life images on your future adventures.
Exchange fond farewells with Jono, your travel companions, and the magical Vava'u islands.
Our private driver will take you back to Vava'u airport, marking the end of an adventure that we hope has surpassed your wildest dreams. 'Alu ā!
“Thanking the stars I found Airguides and Jono Allen's trip. We were totally taken care of! Paul answered all our questions and took care of the details so all we had to do was get there. Jono is an amazing, talented photographer who created a special group experience. The WHALES were mind blowing. What a gift to be in Tonga staring into the eye of a baby whale! This trip was a lifelong dream come true. I highly recommend it so much we’ve already signed up again for next year!"
*For assistance in booking your flights or if you have any other inquiries, please get in touch and we can help.
Interacting with the whales in an ethical manner is key to ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience. When these majestic creatures are comfortable, they actively approach humans in the water and explore their inquisitive nature. Since whale swims started in Tonga about 20 years ago, there has never been an opportunity like this. After two long years of practically no tourism and a devastating volcano eruption, Tonga is still recovering, making it even more important to support local tourism operators by travelling to destinations like Vava’u, a small community-oriented island in the northern region of the Kingdom of Tonga. Be sure you'll be warmly welcomed! The island is surrounded by clear, warm blue water and is lush and green, providing a perfect backdrop for your adventure. Vava’u may be relatively basic in nature, but it has everything you need, including restaurants, cafes, a pharmacy, ATMs, bakery, and 4G phone signal. If you've ever wanted to stare into the eyes of giants and share uninterrupted moments with these majestic creatures, now is the time to embark on this adventure!
No scuba diving experience is necessary! This experience is all about snorkeling, as the whales come up to the surface to breathe and that's where the best interactions happen. So get ready to jump in and enjoy some unforgettable moments with these majestic creatures.
Yes, swimming with humpback whales is an activity that has taken place in Tonga for over 20 years. However, there is always an inherent risk when in the presence of large wildlife.
Your adventure will be guided by a seasoned Airguides Trip Leader, who's an experienced travel guide and your primary contact for any needs or questions during the trip. What sets our trips apart? We'll be joined by a 'Storyteller Guide,' a true expert with deep knowledge and a genuine passion for the destination, adding authentic insights and stories to your journey.
For our ocean adventures, a moderate level of fitness is ideal to fully enjoy water-based activities like swimming, snorkelling, or diving, often lasting several hours. Being comfortable in the ocean is essential. If you have concerns about your fitness level or abilities in the water, please don't hesitate to contact us for advice.
Our trips are intimate and immersive experiences, accommodating 8-12 guests. Along with a knowledgeable Storyteller Guide and an Airguides Trip Leader, you'll join a diverse group of like-minded adventurers. Our guests come from various countries and backgrounds, including solo travellers, couples, and friends. This adventure is designed for travellers aged 18 and above.
Solo travellers can opt for a private room, which incurs a single-supplement fee. Please contact us for specific pricing details. Alternatively, we may offer a roommate pairing option on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Reach out to us for availability and more information.
Certainly! If you need help finding the best flights or planning your travel routes, we're here to help. Just reach out to us, and our team will be more than happy to provide guidance and support.
We'd love to speak with you about this trip and answer any questions you have! Feel free to call, text or WhatsApp our friendly team at +61 402 552 918. You'll be connected with a real, knowledgeable person from Airguides, ready to assist. We take great pride in our personal service, ensuring we're with you every step of the way, from planning your adventure to your journey back home.
“Thanking the stars I found Airguides and Jono's trip. We were totally taken care of! Paul answered all our questions and took care of the details so all we had to do was get there. Jono Allen is an amazing, talented photographer who created a special group experience. The WHALES were mind blowing. What a gift to be in Tonga staring into the eye of a baby whale! This trip was a lifelong dream come true. I highly recommend it so much we’ve already signed up again for next year!"
"The Airguides trip to Tonga to swim with humpback whales was the experience of a lifetime. I have traveled all over the world, and nothing compares to being in the wild, rustic, deep blue waters of the South Pacific while interacting with whales and their calves. A wonderful and caring team made our adventures stress free. Absolutely amazing, so much so, that I am doing it again this year! Thanks a million Paul, Jono, Al, Alistair, Christian and Polly!"
"Thank you for your help in putting together our trip to the Northern Territory. Everyone agreed that it was the best family holiday we'd ever had and - even better - everyone nominated something different as 'the best thing'."
"The trip with Airguides was magic. Paul was our kind and patient guide, Mark Fitz was our talented and positive photographer/storyteller. It was a perfect mix of activity and relaxation and I’m already planning my next Airguides trip."
"I recently visited Lady Musgrave Island with Airguides. They have a unique and meaningful approach to travel and travelling with and learning from a world-class photographer, who was on the trip, was incredible."
"I cannot say enough amazing things about Airguides and the amazing honeymoon they planned for us. We began our trip planning by being overwhelmed with travel blogs, not knowing what was actually the best plan for us."
“Just had an amazing trip to Heron Island organised by the Airguides team. Perfect balance of activity and relaxation, they made it so easy. Can't wait until I can do another trip!“
“ We recently organised our trip to Heron Island with Bibi and Paul as a last minute getaway. Seamlessly dealt with and an added bonus of having a world-class photographer/ free-diver as our story teller. The trip has only whet our appetite for more positive and relaxing experiences with the Airguides team- Awesome “