Trip Overview
Come and experience the joy of swimming with the curious and playful humpback whales! Once you arrive in Tonga, we will arrange a transfer to a hotel near the airport for some rest. The next day, you’ll fly over to Ha’apai, where the magic truly begins.
You will spend 7 nights at a beautiful, secluded eco-resort located on the island of Uoleva, considered one of the most stunning islands in the Tongan group. It sits along the eastern barrier reef of Ha’apai and takes about 3 hours to walk around the entire island.
During your stay, you will have 5 days out on the boat, swimming with majestic humpback whales—a memory that will last a lifetime. Additionally, you will have access to kayaks, paddle boards, and a fantastic reef right in front of the resort for snorkeling. If you prefer a more relaxing day, you can enjoy reading a book on the beach.
This eco-resort is also renowned for kite surfing, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced kite surfers. The tranquil setting of the Eco Retreat offers a deep connection to the island.
Dates
August 11–18, 2027
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Package Cost
$4,500 USD (approx. $6300 AUD) pp. twin share
Exclusive resort and whale swims for max. 8 pax
5 fales (traditional thatched huts), based on twin share (either with a king bed or twin bed) with an ensuite
Note: All costs for this trip are in United States Dollar (USD)
Included
- Return internal island flights
- 7 nights beachfront accommodation, Ha’apai
- 5 days out on the boat, swimming with whales
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding
- Whale swim guide
- All main meals
- Sustainable Island Life Initiative walk
- Whale Presentation by a Marine Biologist
- WiFi
- All transfers
- Escorted tour
Excluded
- Travel Insurance: Learn more about our Preferred Plan.
- Beverages/Alcohol
- International flights
- Snorkel gear: mask, snorkel, and fins
- Wetsuit
- Accommodation on the mainland (Tongatapu)
Requirements for Participation
Strong swimming skills, you must be able to swim at least 200 metres unaided in open water. Guests must be physically able to get up a small boat ladder on their own.
How to secure your booking
An $800 USD deposit for accommodation and whale swims is required to secure your place. You will be contacted via email with an individual invoice outlining the payment details below.
For availability, please email: amanda@amandadelaforce.com
- Deposit: $800 USD
- Second payment due: February 08, 2027
- Final payment due: April 08, 2027
Accommodation
The accommodation on this beautiful, remote island features many natural timbers, creating a stunning South Pacific hideaway. You will be captivated by the romantic soft diffused lighting, exquisite ensuite bathrooms with hot solar showers and composting toilets, and top-quality linen and bedding, including memory foam mattresses. Sit and watch the aqua-blue water and whales passing on your own private verandah.
For your comfort, each fale has its own dedicated solar power system (12 v). You will have the comforts you require while still remaining way off the beaten track. The fales are all beachfront and are on raised stilts to give you stunning elevated views. They are constructed entirely of timber, including the beautiful exposed cedar roofs. You won’t find air-conditioned fales on the island of Ha’apai, but your accommodation will always remain comfortable no matter what the temperature is.
What to Expect
Uoleva is a remote island. There are no shops and no roads; we arrive and depart by boat. All food is grown or bought, and it mostly comes from Nuku’alofa via the ferry once a week.
The fales are some of the most comfortable and beautiful in Tonga. If you are expecting to get away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life and relax in a tranquil environment that boasts absolutely beautiful beaches and, of course, the experience of swimming with humpback whales, then this is definitely the place for you.
This eco-resort has only a limited number of bungalows, so our group will have them to ourselves for the whole week.
How to Get There
International: if you are travelling from Australia, you can take direct flights from Sydney (SYD) to Nuku’alofa-Tongatapu (TBU) with Virgin Australia or Qantas. The flight time is approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can consider Air New Zealand or Fiji Airways for flight/stopover options.
For travellers originating from the United States, the flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Nuku’alofa-Tongatapu (TBU) takes approximately 13 hours, with the fastest route being from Honolulu to Nuku’alofa. Two airlines operate flights to Tonga: Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways.
Domestic: the internal flights are included in the package price.
For more information, click here.
About the Area
Tonga is located in the picturesque South Pacific and is just a short 30 to 40-minute domestic flight from the main island of Tongatapu. Uoleva is a sand-clay island situated in the Lifuka district of the Ha’apai Islands in Tonga. It is nearly uninhabited and is known for its five small resorts and pristine, tranquil beaches—a true paradise of the South Pacific.
Uoleva can be accessed by boat or on foot. During low tide, it is possible to walk across the shallow reef connecting the northern tip of Uoleva to the southern tip of Lifuka; the walk takes about 30 minutes and requires strenuous effort. The water is typically knee-deep but can rise to waist height depending on the route taken. A visible path usually guides travelers, though the terrain can shift after significant storms. Local Tongans from Lifuka sometimes ride horses across the reef to visit their plantations on Uoleva. Most visitors choose to reach Uoleva by a 30-minute boat ride (which is what we will do).
Itinerary
Day 0 (Aug 11)
Arrive in Tongatapu at any time and stay at the accommodation you booked. We recommend the Tanoa Dateline Hotel or Tukulolo Tree Houses (book as early as you can, as they book out quickly).
Day 1 (Aug 12)
- Transfer to the domestic airport for your island flight to Ha’apai
- Car and boat transfer from Ha’apa Airport to Fanifo Lofa
- Rest and unpack
- Twin-share
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 2–5 (Aug 13–16)
- Whale swimming, approx. 6 hours
- Accommodation (Fanifo Lofa)
- Afternoon activities or rest
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6 (Aug 17)
- Sunday is a day of rest
- Accommodation Fanifo Lofa
- Possible church visit
- Free day
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7 (Aug 18)
- Whale swimming, approx. 6 hours
- Accommodation Fanifo Lofa
- Afternoon activities or rest
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8 (Aug 19)
- Boat transfer to Ha’apai Airport, return to Tongataou
- Breakfast and Lunch
Currency
The best currency to use in Tonga is the Tongan Pa’anga, represented by the international currency code TOP. This currency is necessary for small local purchases. For larger expenses, you can charge items to your tab and pay by credit card at the end of your stay.
Why Travel with OceanLife?
OceanLife expeditions are designed for divers and snorkellers who want more than a holiday. Every journey is personally led by Amanda Delaforce, a marine biologist and wildlife ecologist with more than 25 years of field experience and over 30 years of diving experience. Her knowledge of marine life, underwater photography and responsible wildlife encounters adds depth to every adventure. Groups are intentionally kept to 8 guests, fostering more personal experiences and genuine connections with like-minded travellers. Each destination is carefully selected for its exceptional marine encounters and trusted local operators. Read more
”“Our whale swim trip in Tonga was extraordinary in all aspects and is one of our most favourite adventures ever! This is an effortless holiday with sensational rewards.”
—Jennifer Roberts
Travel with Purpose in Tonga
Our Tonga whale swims are centred on respectful, meaningful encounters with humpback whales in their natural environment. We record behaviours, sightings, and guest fluke print photos to support citizen science through Happywhale. Amanda also donates whale photographs to the Tongan Fluke Collective, helping researchers better understand whale populations, movements and relationships. Our trusted local partners follow strict guidelines, including snorkelling only, limited time with each pod and giving mothers with newborn calves the space they need. With Amanda’s marine biology expertise, guests gain a deeper understanding of these gentle giants and why responsible wildlife experiences matter. More info
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you. Curious what it’s like to travel with OceanLife? Explore our Testimonials to hear from past guests.
Questions? Feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
Bookings, Payment, Cancellation Policy and Force Majeure in relation to the Tour
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions (“OceanLife Scuba Expeditions”, “we”, “us” or “our”).
1. Insurance
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions highly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive personal travel and dive insurance as soon as possible after confirming their travel plans. Your insurance policy should provide adequate cover for, at a minimum, trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, scuba diving activities, missed or delayed flights, baggage loss or delay, travel interruptions and personal liability. We recommend Dive Assure or DAN for dive insurance. Dive Assure offers both annual and short-term (per trip) Dive and Travel Insurance policies. You can purchase a policy here – https://app.diveassure.com/#/registration/main/process/0/int/0/18669/en-intl
- Evidence of adequate travel and dive insurance must be provided prior to departure.
- All diving, snorkelling and in-water activities are conducted by our appointed in-country operator(s), including liveaboard vessel operators and local dive centres, who maintain responsibility for their own operational procedures, safety standards and applicable insurance requirements. While participating in diving, snorkelling or swimming activities, you are required to comply with all instructions given by the Captain, Dive Instructor, Divemaster or other authorised crew members.
2. Bookings and Payments
- Bookings made more than 100 days before the commencement of the trip require a non-refundable deposit of USD $800 per passenger.
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- Bookings made within 100 days of the commencement of the trip require payment in full to secure the booking.
- Final payment is due no later than 100 days before the commencement of the trip. A final payment reminder will be sent prior to the due date.
- Each guest is required to complete a Dive Trip Questionnaire (which may include a Dive Medical Assessment where applicable) before receiving final trip confirmation. The completed questionnaire must be returned to OceanLife Scuba Expeditions before final payment is made.
- Guests are required to disclose all relevant medical conditions honestly and completely. Failure to disclose relevant medical information, or providing false or misleading information, may result in OceanLife Scuba Expeditions refusing participation where the condition may affect the safety of the guest, other participants or the safe operation of the expedition.
- Guests are responsible for ensuring they hold valid passports, visas, permits, vaccinations and any other documentation required for entry into the destination country or countries. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for denied boarding, refused entry or additional costs resulting from incomplete, expired or invalid travel documentation.
3. Amendment and Cancellation Policy
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- The total trip cost becomes 100% non-refundable within 100 days of the scheduled departure date. This applies to deposits and all subsequent payments, except where otherwise required by law.
- If you cancel your booking 100 days or more before departure, and your place can be resold, a trip credit equal to your remaining balance (less a USD $300 administration fee) will be issued. The credit must be used on another OceanLife Scuba Expeditions trip departing within two (2) years of the cancellation date.
- If you cancel your booking within 99 days of departure, no refund or trip credit will be issued.
- If a guest misses the commencement of the expedition or any part of the itinerary due to delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions, no refund, credit or alternative arrangements will be provided by OceanLife Scuba Expeditions. Any eligible costs should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to amend itineraries, accommodation, vessels, dive sites, schedules, guides or expedition leaders where reasonably necessary due to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations, wildlife activity, mechanical issues, operational requirements, government directives or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Such changes do not constitute grounds for compensation or refund.
- We choose our in-country dive operators carefully. We check that they hold the correct permits, licences, vessel registrations and insurance before we work with them. Once you’re on the water, they’re responsible for running the trip safely under their own procedures, not ours.
4. Force Majeure
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any delay, alteration, cancellation or failure to deliver a trip where such circumstances are caused by events beyond our reasonable control.
- A Force Majeure Event includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood, severe weather, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, industrial disputes, strikes, civil unrest, acts of government or regulatory authorities, the inability to obtain licences or permits, delays caused by subcontractors or suppliers, telecommunications failures, material shortages or any other event beyond our reasonable control.
5. Guest Responsibilities
- Guests participating in scuba diving must hold the minimum certification required for the expedition and provide proof of certification if requested.
- Guests agree to dive within the limits of their certification, experience and current medical fitness, and to follow all instructions provided by dive professionals, vessel crew and expedition staff.
- Guests are responsible for arriving at the designated departure location at the required time. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions is not responsible for missed departures resulting from delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions beyond our reasonable control. Any costs, losses or expenses incurred as a result of these disruptions are the responsibility of the guest and should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy.
- Guests are responsible for the care and security of their own dive equipment, camera equipment, luggage and personal belongings throughout the expedition.
- Wildlife sightings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions makes no representation or warranty that any particular marine species, wildlife encounter or photographic opportunity will occur during an expedition.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to refuse participation or remove any guest from an expedition, without refund, where their behaviour is considered unsafe, abusive, disruptive, illegal, intoxicated, or likely to place themselves, other guests, crew members or the expedition at risk.
6. Liability and Obligations
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions acts as an expedition organiser and booking agent for accommodation providers, liveaboards, dive operators, transport providers and other third-party suppliers.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, delay or expense arising from the acts, omissions or default of any third-party supplier involved in delivering any component of the expedition.
- Participation in scuba diving, snorkelling and other adventure activities involves inherent risks which may result in serious injury, permanent disability or death. These risks include, but are not limited to, decompression sickness, arterial gas embolism, hyperbaric injuries requiring recompression treatment, equipment failure, adverse weather, strong currents, remote locations where emergency medical assistance may be delayed, and encounters with wild marine life that may result in stings, bites or other injuries.
- Guests acknowledge these inherent risks and voluntarily participate in these activities at their own risk. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate, exercising reasonable care, following all safety instructions and complying with directions provided by the vessel crew, dive professionals and expedition leaders.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any personal injury, illness or death suffered directly or indirectly as a result of participation in the expedition or associated activities. We are also not liable for any consequential loss, including loss of income, profits, enjoyment or opportunity, nor for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings before, during or after the expedition.
- Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable legislation.
7. Privacy & Data Collection Notice
OceanLife Scuba Expeditions collects personal information, including contact details, payment information and, where relevant to trip participation, health and medical information, in order to process bookings, arrange travel and diving activities, and communicate with guests. Health information collected through our Dive Trip Questionnaire is used solely to assess fitness to dive and may be shared with our appointed in-country dive operators for safety purposes. We do not sell personal information to third parties. By using this website or booking a trip, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described here.
8. Photography
During the expedition, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions and its representatives may capture photographs and video footage for promotional, educational and marketing purposes. Unless you notify us in writing before departure, you consent to the use of images or video in which you may appear on our website, social media channels, printed publications and other promotional material without compensation.
9. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.
By placing a booking with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and the Cancellation Policy.
