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.

This trip had it all! Being in the water with orca was insane! I really didn't think it would happen, but it did! We also saw sperm whales, blue whales, dolphins, mobula rays, it was awesome. The food was on point as Nadia said! She brought us somewhere fantastic every night! Great trip, would do it again in a heart beat! Top snorkel/dive tour I have ever done!