For years, I dreamed of swimming alongside humpback whales in the crystal-clear waters of Tonga, and thanks to Humpback Swims, that dream became a breathtaking reality. After spending over a decade in Tonga, experiencing countless encounters with these gentle giants, I can confidently say that Humpback Swims has set the gold standard for whale swimming in Tonga. From the very first interaction, their commitment to excellence is evident. The boats are top-notch, the crew is world-class, and the guides are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate people I've ever met. Their deep respect for the whales and the ocean is at the heart of everything they do, ensuring not just incredible encounters but ethical, responsible interactions that prioritize the well-being of the whales. What truly sets Humpback Swims apart is the level of care and personalization they provide. Every guest is treated like family, and every detail is meticulously planned to ensure an unforgettable experience. The team understands that no two whale encounters are the same, and they go above and beyond to maximize each moment in the water. Whether it's gliding alongside a curious calf or witnessing the hauntingly beautiful songs of a male humpback, every encounter is pure magic. The accommodation at Mystic Sands perfectly complements the experience—relaxing, intimate, and right by the water, making it the ideal home base after a day on the ocean. And the boat crew and resort staff? Simply incredible—warm, welcoming, and always going the extra mile to make the experience seamless. Humpback Swims has not only exceeded my expectations but has also created the ultimate whale swimming experience in Tonga. If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with humpback whales, this is the team to trust—they’ve perfected the art of making dreams come true. Beyond five stars – an experience of a lifetime!

My recent humpback whale swim experience in Vava'u, Tonga, was nothing short of magical. Staying at Mystic Sands added a peaceful and picturesque backdrop to the entire adventure. From the moment I arrived, the warmth and hospitality of the resort staff made me feel like I was among family. They went out of their way to ensure every aspect of my stay was comfortable, from the beautifully maintained beachfront accommodations to helping me relax and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean right from my doorstep. But the real highlight, of course, was the whale swimming. The boat staff were absolute professionals—knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly passionate about the whales. Each day on the water felt like a dream, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and, of course, the breathtaking encounters with these gentle giants. The crew made sure that everything was smooth and safe, from briefing us on the protocols to guiding us into the water at just the right moments. Their expertise added so much to the experience, and they seemed to genuinely love sharing their knowledge with us. What truly stood out was the impeccable organization by Nadia. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered someone so on top of things! She handled every little detail of the trip, from booking to making sure we were all well-informed, with a level of efficiency that is honestly awe-inspiring. It seemed like every time I had a question, Nadia had an answer for me within 10 seconds—no exaggeration! She made the entire process seamless and stress-free, which allowed me to fully enjoy the magic of the experience. Her passion for what she does shines through in every interaction, and it made such a difference knowing I was in such capable hands. The combination of the incredible whale encounters, the wonderful staff at Mystic Sands, the boat crew, and Nadia’s flawless organization made this trip one for the books. I’ll carry the memories of swimming with the humpbacks with me forever and would highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Tonga!

Humpback swims provides again!!! This was my second trip to Vava’u with HS, and I am confident in saying that this time was even better than the first! So many INSANE whale encounters, really amazing human connections, and I’m perpetually enamored with the warmth and generosity of the Tongan people. Everything about these trips is fulfilling, and Tonga feels like a piece of home now. I believe that humpback swims truly cares to make the individual experience a complete one. Every base is covered, they are prepared, organized, thoughtful with group matching, and above all, FUN. I can’t wait to return!!!

This was our fifth trip to Tonga with Humpback Swims, and we couldn’t be happier! We first met Nadia on her sperm whale expedition in Dominica, which was incredible. After that experience, we decided to try a season in Tonga with the humpbacks instead of French Polynesia, as we had been going there for almost 7 years, and we’ve never looked back. Tonga has been the clear winner when it comes to in-water interactions with humpbacks. The swims here are far more intimate, and the overall experience is exceptional. Nadia’s company truly offers the best of everything, and that’s something we really appreciate about her approach. From the boats to the accommodations, food, and service, she ensures top quality across the board. That was the reason we originally chose to swim with the sperm whales in Dominica—everything was top-notch. My wife and I don’t want to compromise on comfort, especially when the price differences between operators are minimal. This is something we highly recommend considering when choosing a provider, Nadia's accommodations are the best out of everyone we looked at, and we looked at everyone! We stayed at Mystic Sands, a lovely seven-room resort right on the beach in Vava'u. It’s a fantastic place, with boat pickups right from the resort and an incredible staff. The in-room dining, courtesy of Peta, might just be the best food on the island—she’s an absolute rockstar! The boat crews were outstanding, taking their time to ensure we were with the right whales to maximize our swim time. Of our eight swim days, six were absolutely unreal! On the other two days, while the whales were less interactive, we still had great sightings. Overall, it was another amazing trip with SDL Expeditions and Nadia’s fantastic team. We’re already signed up for 2025! Thank you, everyone, and see you in nine months!

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!