Tonga Whale Encounters tour

Check out our Q&As

• What should I know before traveling?

  It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters. General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not. You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds. Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information.

• Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

  Most international airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 23kg per person of checked in luggage to go in the hold of the plane. However, domestic flights between the main island and Ha'Apai n Tonga have lower personal luggage allowances of 15kg per person (allowances may be combined between 2 or more people if you are travelling on the same ticket - eg. two people could check in one 20kg bag and one 10kg bag). Most international airlines allow between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Domestic flights within Tonga are restricted to 4.5kg. For simplicity we recommend that you bring no more than 15kg per person of checked in luggage and 4.5kg per person of carry on luggage. All luggage must be labelled with your name & address. Please ask us for details if you are unsure about luggage allowances on your tour. Any excess baggage fees will be your responsibility to cover.

• Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

  While on Tongatapu your travel is essentially independent, with the hotel shuttle providing your transfers to and from the airport for your international flights and your flights to and from Ha'apai. While on Ha'apai the owner/managers at Ha'apai Beach Resort will be your hosts and manage your time there. Matt Haling and Jodi Hawley originated from Australia and New Zealand and were drawn to The Kingdom of Tonga in 2012 by the humpback whales and the idyllic island lifestyle. These avid sailors sailed their yacht 2800 nautical miles from Australia to settle in the paradise that is Ha’apai. Matt began diving in 1989 and has a special understanding and bond with the marine life. He has taught underwater photography and video around the globe, spending over 6000 hours underwater, professionally filming and photographing its wonders. Jodi is a skilled sailor, amazing cook and a passionate whale guide who has an affinity with the whales. Their partnership makes for your perfect holiday experience at the resort and on the water as they welcome you into the island lifestyle.

• Are vaccinations required for this tour?

  You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation Vaccinations: Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are: Tonga: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus. Malaria is not present unless contracted abroad and brought into the country. Yellow Fever certificates are not required. The above information can change at short notice. For up to date health information & vaccination requirements we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner or a travel clinic. Health, Fitness & Dietary info: You must be able to swim and be confident in the water to join this tour. However you do not need to be a strong swimmer. You do need a reasonable level of fitness with the ability to climb a moving boat ladder with a maximum capacity of 120kg. Ha'apai is a remote island with few medical facilities, a limited flight service and unpredicable electricity supply. Please inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies, dietary requirements or physical disabilities that you may have. We can then advise you of whether we can accept your booking to visit the island. Our resort hosts' decision on accepting guests is final. Unfortunately vegan menus are not available due to the lack of available produce.

• Are airport transfers included in this tour?

  The tour includes a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Tongatapu airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers. You will be met on your arrival in Tongatapu airport, after you have passed through immigration and collected your luggage. Please exit the building and turn left where you’ll find a driver from the Scenic Hotel Tonga holding a board with your name(s) displayed. Please look out for them and introduce yourself. They will then transfer you on to your hotel. Please call the contact numbers on your voucher if you do not find them straight away. On Day 2 you will need to arrange your transfer to the airport through the hotel reception (their shuttle bus travels very regularly as the airport is very close by). On arrival in Ha’Apai you'll be met and transferred to the resortfor breakfast. We will send you your e-tickets and flight numbers for the Tongatapu - Ha'Apai flights; you will need to check in yourselves. Please be ready to leave the hotel 2 hours before your flight departure to Ha'Apai.