7 night Tongatapu Package - 1 day Whale Swim

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

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

WHAT TO EXPECT

Spend the day on the water searching for humpback whales, with opportunities to observe and, when conditions allow, enter the water to snorkel alongside them. Your crew will guide the experience based on whale behaviour, weather, and ocean conditions. Around midday, there may also be time for a relaxed snorkel at a nearby reef or island, followed by lunch. If conditions remain favourable, there may be an additional swim opportunity in the afternoon before returning to shore.

Each day is different. Crews focus on respectful, low-impact interactions, allowing for natural encounters that can be both memorable and unhurried.

Important Information: Swimming with whales takes place in the open ocean using mask, snorkel, and fins. Participants must be confident swimmers and able to climb a ladder to reboard the vessel. All tours are operated by licensed whale swim providers and follow local regulations, including a maximum of 4 swimmers in the water at any one time, accompanied by a qualified guide. A licensed captain remains on board at all times.

INCLUSIONS

• Return hotel transfers
• Water
• Fruit and snacks
• Lunch
• Snorkelling equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel) – bringing your own is recommended for best fit
  
• Duration Approx 6hrs

2-day car hire in Tongatapu, giving you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and visit key sights independently.

TOYOTA COROLLA or similar for 2 days

Pick up 10am and return 5pm the following day

INCLUSIONS 

• Unlimited Mileage
• Comprehensive Insurance
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance
• Clean & Sanitized Vehicle
• Reduced Excess $3000
  

Welcome to Pangaimotu Island, just a relaxed 20-minute boat ride from Tongatapu. This is your chance to spend a full day enjoying clear waters, white sand beaches, and easy island living.

Pangaimotu is surrounded by soft coral sand beaches and the protected Pangaimotu Reef, a marine reserve since 1989, making it a great spot for snorkelling and ocean time. The waters are usually calm and clear, with plenty of marine life to explore close to shore.

One of the island’s most unique features is a rusted shipwreck sitting just 50 metres from the beach. For those feeling adventurous, you can climb up and jump into the ocean below—an iconic Pangaimotu experience.

Once on the island, the day is completely yours. Swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, or take part in the wreck jump if you choose. Your guide will be on hand throughout the day and will also set up a comfortable beach picnic area for you with everything prepared so you can simply relax and enjoy the setting.

A fresh picnic lunch is included, along with cold drinks, all brought over from the mainland for you to enjoy at your leisure on the island.

INCLUSIONS

• Return hotel transfers
• Local English-speaking guide
• Return boat transfers to Pangaimotu Island
• Beach picnic lunch
• Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine (a few each
• Duration approx 5hrs

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