Whale Encounter Ha'apai 11 night Package

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide with a traditional floral lei before being escorted to your private car for a comfortable transfer to your hotel, approximately 45 minutes away.

INCLUSIONS

• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Knowledgeable local English-speaking driver
• Water 
• Traditional Floral Lei
• Assistance with luggage

Little Italy Tonga is a charming boutique stay located in the heart of Nuku’alofa, offering a unique blend of comfort and authentic Italian hospitality. Perfectly positioned for easy access to the town centre, shops, and waterfront, it’s an ideal base for exploring Tongatapu.

The boutique hotel sits above a popular Italian restaurant, where guests can enjoy freshly prepared dishes in a relaxed and welcoming setting. With its intimate size, friendly service, and central location, Little Italy Tonga offers a simple, comfortable stay with great food just downstairs.

Room Type: Deluxe King Ocean View Balcony

Inclusions: Free breakfast, Free WiFi, Free self parking

7:30pm to 9:30pm

Welcome to Tonga. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation and had time to freshen up, your local guide will meet you at your hotel and take you out for a relaxed evening of dining.This is more than just a transfer to dinner. You’ll have the freedom to choose a restaurant that suits your taste, with expert local guidance to help you decide. A popular favourite is Chef Zero, a hidden gem you’d be unlikely to find on your own, but your guide is a true foodie and will happily walk you through all the best options available on the night. The experience is designed to be as social or as private as you like. Your guide can join you for dinner at no extra cost, offering great company along with fascinating insights into Tongan culture, cuisine, and daily life. If you’d prefer a quieter evening, you are equally welcome to dine on your own while your guide remains nearby should you need anything.

With return transfers included and a knowledgeable local by your side, this is an easy, enjoyable way to start your time in Tonga and discover some of the island’s best dining spots.

INCLUSIONS
• Return transfers to local restaurant
• 2hr guided dinner with local knowledgeable food expert
• Dinner for the guide who joins you

NOT INCLUDED
• Your dinner & drink costs will be paid direct to the restaurant

WHAT TO EXPECT

Today you’ll explore the east coast of Tongatapu on a fully private tour. Your guide will meet you at your hotel on time, in uniform, with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. As you leave town, they’ll share local knowledge and stories while you enjoy complimentary water and snacks along the way.

This is a private, flexible experience. We don’t run on fixed timings—you set the pace. If you see something interesting and want to stop, we’ll stop. If you’d like to spend longer at a particular site, that’s no problem. The locations below are our recommended east coast highlights, but the day flows around you.

If you move quickly through the main sites, we’ll continue on and include additional stops. If you spend more time in one place, you may not reach everything listed. To make sure you see your must-visit locations, we recommend discussing priorities with your guide at the start of the tour so they can plan the day with you.

Some of our favourite stops include:

The Ancient Terraced Tombs at Lapaha (Paepae ‘o Tele’a), dating back to around 1200 AD. These royal tombs are constructed from precisely cut coral limestone slabs, fitted together without modern tools. You’ll be able to walk right up to the site and see the craftsmanship up close.

Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge, a dramatic coastal formation created by the collapse of a sea cave. Waves crash against the cliffs below, making this one of the most striking viewpoints on the island.

The famous Tonga Fishing Pigs, often seen foraging in shallow ocean water at low tide. Sightings depend on conditions and the pigs themselves, but when they appear, it’s a memorable experience.

Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon, built around 1200 AD, is a massive stone structure made from three coral limestone slabs, each weighing around 40 tonnes. Often compared to Stonehenge, it’s believed to have been used as a solar calendar. This is an important cultural site, and your guide will explain its significance.

Anahulu Cave Pool, one of Tonga’s hidden natural highlights. You enter through a small opening in the rocks, which then opens into a cathedral-like ceiling. Walking through the cavern, you’ll reach a clear freshwater pool—perfect for a swim. Outside the cave, there is a reef-protected beach where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

At a time that suits your day, you’ll stop to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch.

At the end of your tour, you will be returned to your hotel.

INCLUSIONS

• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Knowledgeable local English-speaking guide
• Water and snacks
• Lunch
• Entry fee to Anahulu Cave Pool
  
• Duration 5hrs

Flight from Tongatapu to Ha'apai with Lulutai Airlines

L8 22

Depart Tongatapu at 12:10pm

Arrive Ha'apai at 1:00pm

Checked baggage: 23kg per person

*Flight times subject to change

Swim with whales. Ride the wind. Reconnect with nature.Welcome to Fanifo Lofa Resort, a boutique Tonga resort set on the pristine shores of Uoleva Island in the Ha’apai archipelago. Here, adventure meets serenity in one of the last untouched corners of the South Pacific. Our eco resort in Tonga invites you to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the rhythm of island life — from whale swimming in Tonga to kiteboarding, yoga, and barefoot living beneath the palms.

Inclusions
Daily meals featuring local ingredients & High-speed Starlink internet

7 nights in the Private Beachfront Fale
Each of our five fales is elevated above the sand and surrounded by coconut palms for natural shade and privacy. They feature verandahs with stunning ocean views — a perfect spot for morning coffee, sunset drinks, or simply watching humpback whales breaching offshore during whale season stays in Tonga

DAY 1

Morning
Early breakfast. Optional self-guided yoga, meditation, or Pilates on the yoga deck as the sun rises.

8:30–9:00am Whale Encounter DepartureDepart aboard Tropic Bird for a full whale encounter day. After a briefing, head out to search for humpback whales, with 
opportunities to observe and, conditions permitting, enter the water.

2:30pm Return to Fanifo Lofa Lunch and time to relax.

Afternoon Activities (Optional)
• Snorkelling straight off the beach
• Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding
• Nature trail walk around the island
• Beach time, hammocks, or whale watching from shore

Evening
Dinner and free time

DAY 2

Morning
Optional self-guided yoga / meditation / Pilates on the yoga deck. Breakfast.

8:30–9:00am Whale Encounter Departure

Afternoon
Return to the island and enjoy:
• Lagoon snorkelling
• SUP or kayaking
• A relaxed island walk or sunset swim

Evening
Dinner and island downtime.

DAY 3

Morning
Sunday is a national day of rest in Tonga. Sleep in, enjoy a slow breakfast, beach walks, swimming, or quiet time.

Late Morning / Midday
Join a 2-hour Off-Grid Sustainability Talk & Resort Tour, covering:
• How Fanifo Lofa operates completely off-grid
• Solar and renewable energy systems
• Water collection and waste management
• Food growing and sustainable island living

Afternoon
Free time for:
• Snorkelling
• SUP or kayaking
• Relaxing on the beach or in a hammock

Evening
Dinner and a calm Sunday evening.

DAY 4

Morning

Optional self-guided yoga, Pilates, or meditation. Breakfast.

8:30–9:00am Whale Encounter Departure

Afternoon
Free time on the island:
• Snorkelling
• Kayaking / SUP
• Nature trail walk

Evening
Dinner and relaxed evening.

DAY 5

Morning
Optional self-guided yoga or meditation on the yoga deck. Breakfast.

8:30–9:00am Whale Encounter Departure

Afternoon
Relax and enjoy the island at your own pace.

Evening
Dinner and group time.

DAY 6

Morning
Optional self-guided yoga, meditation, or Pilates. Breakfast.

8:30–9:00am Whale Encounter Departure Your final scheduled whale encounter day.

Afternoon
Return to Fanifo Lofa for a relaxed final afternoon on the island.

Evening
Farewell dinner.

DAY 7

Departure Morning
Enjoy breakfast, a final swim or beach walk, and prepare for your transfer back to Haapai airport.

Flight from Ha'apai to Tongatapu with Lulutai Airlines

L8 23

Depart Ha'apai at 1:30pm

Arrive Tongatapu at 2L20pm

Checked baggage: 23kg per person

*Flight times subject to change

We begin our journey with sightseeing, exploring Tonga's natural wonders and cultural highlights. Join us for a heartwarming visit to a local primary school in Tonga where you'll have the opportunity to meet the children and see their classrooms. This school serves some of the poorest families in the area, and the children are in great need of 
stationery and educational equipment. During your visit, you'll meet dedicated teachers and witness the resilience and spirit of the students. As a special treat, the children will sing a few songs for us, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm. Stationery 
donations are warmly welcomed by the school, and your contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of these young learners. This visit is not only an eye-opening experience but also a chance to make a positive impact on the local community.

Tsunami Rock  a massive coral boulder sitting surprisingly far inland, and its origin is still a bit of a mystery. Scientists believe it was hurled inland by a powerful ancient tsunami… but local legend tells a more colourful tale: the demigod Maui threw it from 
the heavens to silence a rooster that wouldn’t stop crowing. Either way, it’s an impressive sight with a story to match!

Experience the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Mapu a Vaea Blowholes, known locally as the "Whistle of the Noble." Located on the southern coast of Tongatapu near the village of Houma, this 5-kilometer stretch of volcanic rock features nearly 
a hundred spectacular blowholes. When waves crash into the reef, they force water through natural channels in the rock, creating impressive plumes that can reach up to 30 meters high.

Take a refreshing swim at Ha'atafu Beach, one of Tonga’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise water, it’s the perfect spot to cool off, float in the shallows, or simply soak up the laid-back island vibe. A great little stop to unwind and enjoy the ocean.

INCLUSIONS
Private Air-Conditioned Van
Local knowledgeable English Speaking Guide
Snacks and Water
Tasty Lunch

Your local guide will meet you in the foyer of your hotel for your departure to the airport. Please be ready at the designated time so we can ensure a smooth and relaxed transfer. We hope you’ve had a wonderful time exploring Tonga with us and leave with great memories of your experience.

INCLUSIONS

• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Knowledgeable local English-speaking driver
• Assistance with luggag