Swim with humpback whales in Vava'u

Humpback whales migrate north from Antarctic waters to the warm, sheltered waters around Tonga to give birth and raise their calves. Vava'u, with its maze of islands and calm channels, is one of the best places to see them.

Whale season is also our busiest time of year, and tour spots are limited. If you're travelling between July and October, we recommend getting in touch early so we can help you secure both the house and your whale days.

Your tour is run by our partner, Port Wine Guesthouse in Neiafu, and booked and paid separately with them. We coordinate everything from the villa, including boat transport from our jetty to meet your tour, so you can head straight out to the whales.

On whale days, our boat picks you up from the jetty at around 6 am for the ride across to Neiafu. Tours leave the marina at around 7 am and run for about five hours.

Hot drinks, lunch, snorkel gear, wetsuits and towels are included. On the way back, the boat usually stops at Swallow's Cave, where you can swim inside.

Then it's back to a quiet beach, your own jetty and a house with nobody else in it.

Whale swims in Tonga are run by licensed operators with a guide in the water, and the whales set the pace. Tongan rules allow only four swimmers in the water with the whales at a time, so the group takes turns.

Some days you get long, close encounters. Other days are spent watching from the boat.

Niulahi is made for groups of friends and families travelling together. Three bedrooms give everyone their own space, and the house, the jetty and the boat days are shared.

Outside whale season, Vava'u is still one of the best places in the Pacific for island hopping, snorkelling and kayaking.