What’s the difference between French Polynesia and Tonga?

Whales travel across the south Pacific and stop and various islands. We love running trips in both places. While they are difference, neither location is better or worse. There are days where we might spend hours in the water with whales, and others where we might not see them at all. This is true for both Tonga and French Polynesia. Wild animals exhibit a variety of behaviors that are not location specific. There are a few differences. Tonga has more whales but more boats. French Polynesia has less whales and very few boats. This ends up yielding similar time in the water and opportunity to swim with whales. You don’t need lots of whales to have a life changing experience. The whales in French Polynesia often come much closer to shore. Sometimes we see them over the shallow coral reef. In Tonga we sometimes go many kilometers / miles out to see. Tonga only allows 5 people in the water at a time (3 guests and our 2 guides) This means groups swap every other time but have very quiet encounters. On very slow days there can be a lot of waiting and taking turns between our boat and other boats. French Polynesia doesn’t have a limit. We try to coordinate with other boats, take turns and time things so that numbers are small, but it means there are times where there are more people in the water. Because there are so few boats, there have also been times where we spend hours alone with the whales. Tonga has more variety of whale encounters (singers, heat runs, mothers and calves, juvaniles, etcs) while French Polynesia is mostly mother’s and calves who stay close to shore. If you prefer lots of variety, Tonga will give that to you, however, swimming with the same whales over the course of the week can lead to much more intimate relationships where the whales get to know you. This is the only location we’ve ever experiences this. In 2022 we spent 25 hours over the course of the season with the same mother and calf. They recognized us, and got to know us well enough that the mother was incredibly comfortable sleeping in the same spot for many hours while her calf played, drank milk, slept, and interacted us. Neither location is better than the other, which is why we run trips in both places. Both Tonga and French Polynesia have equal chances of time spent and encounters with whales and they are both absolutely fantastic. Swimming with whales is an incredible privilege. These are wild animals, and it is one of the only instances where you can get out of the safari vehicle (our boat) and have face to face interactions with giant animals ethically and consensually.

What type of interactions will we likely encounter?

There is a huge range of interactions we may have that include: Juveniles playing, mother’s resting with their calves (baby whales), large male singers hovering with their head towards the ocean floor, heat runs (whale battles), playful calves, and maybe even whales playing with dolphins. Each whale has a different personality, and they vary with age. Every interaction is different, and the possibilities are endless.

Is swimming with whales ethical?

Ethics can be discussed in depth for a lifetime, but generally speaking, there is an ethical way and unethical way to do it.  The licensed whale watching boat we will be using holds a maximum of 6 guests. We will be split into 2 teams  taking turns, which means at most 3 people will be with a guide in the water at a time. We stay together, move quietly and completely on the whales’ terms. If they don’t want to interact with us, they will very quickly leave, or indicate that we should leave. We go to great lengths to make sure that the whales are in charge and that our interactions do not cause them stress. Some whales will be unfazed by us, while others  may be fascinated, curious, and playful. We will be flexible based on the situation. 

What swimming and/or fitness level is required?

Most people are physically capable for this trip, but you will need to be able to swim & snorkel. You should be able to swim 200 meters (a few times back in forth in a pool) to best reach the whales from the boat. You will need to be able to swim back to the boat and climb aboard via ladder or by pulling yourself up. You will need to be comfortable snorkeling and wearing fins. The conditions in the water can vary from calm glassy waters to large swells with rough waves.

Before your trip, we strongly recommend spending as much time in the water as you can.

Important note: We will not be wearing life vests. 

Are there health limitations for this trip?

This trip is extremely active. Be advised that if you have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions this trip is may not be for you, and you are required to state such at sign up. If you have injuries related to the back or spine, knees, shoulders, heart, lungs and/or other limiting conditions or health impairments, we strongly suggest that you do not come on this trip.

Please note if you are over the age of 55, we do require you to have a physician’s release of health along with a list of any pre-existing medical conditions. If you are unable to provide a clean bill of health you may be unable to join us.

Tonga is a developing nation with very little access to emergency care or high quality medical assistance. You will be required to have DAN insurance, comprehensive travel insurance and personal health insurance.

Do I need insurance for the trip?

Many of the locations where we guide trips have little access to emergency care or high quality medical assistance. For your own safety and well-being, you will be required to have DAN insurance, comprehensive travel insurance, and personal health insurance.

Do I need any diving or SCUBA certifications?

Nope! Although it is always beneficial to have diving certifications, there is no need for any formal certifications. We will only be snorkeling and free diving with the whales. All you’ll need is a snorkel, mask, fins and a wetsuit.

It is forbidden to SCUBA dive with humpback whales as they use bubbles in battles – to obscure vision, hide behind, and conceal females – and could be interpreted as aggressive.

What gear will I need for the trip?

No gear is provided. You will need to bring your own snorkel, mask, and fins. In addition to providing warmth, wetsuits or lycra shirts provide additional flotation, and are recommended. A full pack list can be found below.

We are happy to advise you on equipment after booking.

Is there an age requirement?

Typically the age requirement for going on the trips is 18. However, if you wish to bring someone younger please note they must be accompanied by an adult and must be capable swimmers. These trips are catered to adults and we cannot provide additional entertainment or supervision for young children.

Essentials

• Reusable water bottle

• Swimsuit

• Reef safe sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Rain jacket

• Sweater (for evenings and warming up on the boat)

• Bug spray

• Hat

• Toiletries and personal medications (limited access)

• Plug adapter

Gear

• Snorkel, mask and fins (we recommend fins that do not require boots)

• Wetsuit (2-3mm) – full suit, spring suit, short arm suit, steamer suit, or neoprene top

  • We will spend long periods of time in the water. Even warm water temperatures (23-27˚ C, 73-81˚ F) will strip your body heat.

  • Additionally a wetsuit will help provide UV protection for the long periods on the boat.

Recommended

• Personal first aid kit

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Waterproof bag or backpack

• Camera (and related accessories)

• Thermos or insulated water bottle

• Favorite snacks

• Clothes for dinners in town

• Women: We recommend bringing a Diva Cup. It tends to be the easiest and most comfortable way to swim if traveling during your period.