This was my 8th trip with SDL Expeditions, and I can't recommend Nadia and her incredible team enough! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of joining her orca, sperm whale, and humpback whale expeditions in Tonga, and each experience has been absolutely unforgettable. The level of organization, care, and professionalism they bring to the table is truly exceptional. This year, we stayed at Flying Annie—a more budget-friendly option compared to Mystic Sands, where we stayed on previous trips. Both accommodations are fantastic, but each offers something different. Flying Annie was perfect for this trip. Its location is super convenient; it only took us 3-4 minutes to walk to the boats each morning, and the town’s restaurants were all within a 10-minute walk. The ease of getting around on foot really added to our experience, especially when you're in Vava'u, a place that feels so untouched and natural. When we stayed at Mystic Sands, we loved being right on the beach, with taxis to town and boat pickups directly from the resort. The beach views and calm surroundings at Mystic are hard to beat, but it does require a bit more planning for getting into town, which is no big deal. You really get a "I'm on an island vacation feel" staying at Mystic. The staff there are always so friendly and accommodating, which makes it another excellent option. Both Flying Annie and Mystic Sands are clearly some of the best choices for staying on the island, as finding nice accommodations in Vava’u can sometimes be a challenge given its more remote and undeveloped nature. As for the whale swims—wow! Every single trip has delivered breathtaking encounters with the whales. This year, we went a bit later in the season compared to our August tour last year and September tour the year before. All tours had extraordinary whale swims. It’s clear that Vava’u is the premier destination in the world for humpback whale encounters. We’ve tried whale swims in other locations like Moorea and the Dominican Republic, but nothing compares to the experience in Vava'u. The crews, boats, and meals provided by Nadia’s team are always top-notch, ensuring that every aspect of the journey is well taken care of. One thing I have to mention is how amazing Nadia’s communication is—she is so quick to respond! Whether by email or text, she always gets back to us right away, even when we had some last-minute questions before and during the trip. It’s rare to find that level of responsiveness and attention, especially when organizing complex expeditions like these. It makes planning stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you're looking to swim with orcas, sperm whales, or humpbacks, you can trust that Nadia and her team will deliver an unforgettable experience. She is truly a master at ocean expeditions, and I look forward to many more adventures with SDL Expeditions in the future! See you in May for Orcas!

This was hands down the best trip we’ve ever taken! Words can hardly capture the awe of swimming with humpback whales. Staring into the eye of such a magnificent creature is a life-changing experience. A huge shoutout to Nadia, whose excellent communication and meticulous planning made everything seamless—she was an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived at Mystic Sands, we were greeted with warmth by the wonderful staff and treated to incredible meals. After a restful Sunday, we spent the next eight days swimming with these gentle giants. The entire experience transformed both my wife and me. Choosing this trip—and staying at Mystic Sands—was one of the best decisions we’ve made. The location of Mystic Sands is perfect—right on the beach, with the boat pick-up and drop-off just steps away. The food was delightful, and the staff’s hospitality was top-notch. We opted for the six-person boat and are so glad we did. Swimming with whales is exhilarating but can be tiring, so having breaks throughout the day was a real treat. Lunches were exceptional, and we couldn’t be happier with the package we chose. Thank you again for an unforgettable adventure—see you next year, or the year after!

What a wonderful experience! Great food, kind people, nice accommodations

I recently had the extraordinary privilege of swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, and it was, without a doubt, one of the most awe-inspiring and magical experiences of my life! From the moment I arrived, everything was meticulously organized, making the trip seamless and enjoyable from start to finish. The guides were exceptionally knowledgeable, respectful of the whales' natural behavior, and made sure we were fully briefed on safety and responsible interaction with these majestic creatures. The boat crew was professional yet incredibly warm, making everyone feel comfortable and excited for what lay ahead. And then came the whales! Words can't fully capture the sensation of being in the water alongside these gentle giants. Seeing them glide gracefully, witnessing a mother and calf swim close by, and hearing their hauntingly beautiful songs underwater is something I will never forget. Each encounter felt deeply personal, as if time stood still in those moments. The crystal-clear waters of Tonga, paired with the breathtaking scenery, added to the magic. Every day offered new surprises, and each swim was different—some full of playfulness and curiosity from the whales, others serene and tranquil. Not only did this experience connect me deeply to nature, but it also left me with a profound sense of awe and respect for these incredible animals. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough. Whether you’re a seasoned ocean lover or a first-time adventurer, this is an experience that will stay with you forever. Tonga is truly the ultimate destination for anyone who dreams of swimming with humpback whales!

In spite of windy weather and rough seas we were excited to the see the mothers nursing and teaching the babies as well as the maile "escorts" accompany the mother. We did not get to see the heat run (male whales competing for a female) but or friends shared their video. The Mystic Sands hostess, Peta, checked on us everyday to see if we needed anything, her husband Mo drove us around the island and into town as needed. We ate at Mystic Sands most nights since Peta was a great cook. The owner, Keil, also checked on us. Julie from Humpback Swims arranged for us to have a different boat than our neighbors to accommodate our older needs i.e. 5-6 hours on the seas instead of 7 which is the maximum. The boat captain and crew worked hard to find the whales and make us as comfortable as possible in rough seas.