Swimming with Whales

Join us at Sea Change Eco Retreat for an unforgettable and life changing adventure swimming with humpback whales in one of the most pristine environments on Earth. Within 10 to 20 minutes of our resort on Uoleva Island in Ha'apai, Tonga, our tours offer a rare opportunity to connect with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.  In fact you will often see a whale from our resort while you are having your morning coffee or pre-dinner beverage of choice.

Sound on for incredible whale song!

FAQs

  • Your first swim can be a bit overwhelming initially, but almost all guests quickly have feelings of extreme joy and exhilaration.  Humpback Whales are instinctively protective of humans, and the main risk is when a whale does not see you (no different than walking a round a large truck).  Our guides are well trained at always keeping you in safe positions.  It is not unusual for people to feel an overwhelming sense of joy – and for many this experience has a lifelong effect.

  • Sure! - as long as you follow the rules and instructions of the guides at all times.  We know it is quite exciting to get an epic photo, and we will give you every chance to do this – but please note that our guides will not allow you to get between them and the whales, nor free or duck dive to get closer to the whales.  If photography is more important to you than the eco-ethics we follow, we recommend you do not book with us.  Our guides may also take photos and video when it is safe to do so, and this is available for purchase directly from our guides at the end of your stay.

  • We don’t guarantee a swim, and here’s why: whales are wild animals, and we have no control over how they behave or what they feel at any given moment. We will never force a swim if it poses a safety risk, violates Tonga’s regulations, or could disturb the whales. That said, we do everything possible to maximize your chances, including employing some of the most skilled and experienced skippers and guides in Tonga. The vast majority of our guests do swim with whales—in fact, last season, it was 100%. But any operator who claims a guaranteed whale swim is not being professional or responsible.

  • Our tours are approximately 5 hours, giving you ample time to search for and, hopefully, swim with whales, all while enjoying the beautiful waters around Uoleva Island.

  • Yes! Morning tea and lunch is served on board, so you can stay energized and enjoy your time on the water.

  • Absolutely. We operate two 7+ meter RIBs, the same kind used by Coast Guard rescue teams. Our boats are equipped with modern safety equipment and are maintained to the highest standards.

  • Our skippers and whale swim guides are trained not only in safety but also in marine ethics and whale behaviour, ensuring both your well-being and that the whales are respected at all times. In addition, they all have experience in Tongan waters.

  • While we recommend bringing your own wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel to ensure the best fit and comfort, we do have wet suits and snorkeling gear available on-site (no cost for our guests). Our guides will help ensure you're properly fitted before heading out, so you’ll be comfortable and ready for your swim.

  • All swimming with whales is on the surface using snorkeling gear only—no diving or duck diving is permitted. Underwater approaches are often perceived as threatening by whales and can cause them to leave. We ask guests to always stay close to the guide and group, move calmly, and respect the animals' space. A maximum of 4 swimmers are allowed in the water with a guide at one time, and we limit interactions with any single whale or group to 90 minutes before moving on (per Tonga regulations).

Our whale swim tours last approximately 5 hours and include a delicious lunch onboard our custom vessels. We operate two 7+ meter RIBs—the same style boats used by Coast Guard rescue teams. These vessels are perfect for whale encounters - reliable, extremely safe, and equipped with the latest safety gear to ensure your comfort and protection throughout the day.  Each vessel has an emergency locator beacon, life jackets, flares, VHF radio, auxiliary engine, first aid kit, and an automatic emergency defibrillator (AED) device.  We maintain radio contact with each boat and our base radio at the resort where we have an additional rescue vessel available.  Our guides and skippers are all trained in first aid – and all have multiple years of experience with marine tourism and encounters with whales.

At Sea Change, guest safety and whale welfare are our top priorities. Our highly experienced skippers and licensed whale swim guides are trained to uphold the highest standards of eco-ethics, ensuring that we never disturb the whales and always operate responsibly within Tonga’s whale watch and marine guidelines.

Swimming with whales at Sea Change is a snorkeling-only experience—there is no diving or duck diving allowed, as this behaviour can frighten whales and usually causes them to leave. We ask all guests to stay on the surface, remain with the guide and group at all times, and move calmly and respectfully in the water. Whales often perceive underwater approaches as a threat, and we’re committed to creating encounters that are respectful and non-intrusive.  It is crucial that the swim group stays together with the guide at all times, not only for your safety but to also maximise your chances of having an incredible encounter with our amazing humpback whales.  We also require you to follow the instructions of our skippers and guides at all times, and failure to do so can result in you being removed from the water and not allowed to swim again with our tours.

Tonga Whale Watch regulations only allow a maximum of 4 swimmers in the water with a guide at any one time, and we carry no more than 8 guests per boat, ensuring an intimate and safe experience. To minimize stress for the whales, Tonga limits any interaction with a single whale or group to a maximum of 90 minutes, after which we move on in search of another opportunity.

Uoleva Island is truly one of the best places in the world to swim with whales, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and the remarkable proximity of the whales to our shores. The visibility and calm sea conditions make for intimate and awe-inspiring encounters that you'll never forget.

Our Ethical Approach

At Sea Change Eco Retreat, we are deeply committed to providing a safe and unforgettable experience for our guests while upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility. Our guiding principle is to create a safe space where you can connect with nature in a meaningful way, especially when swimming with the majestic whales that visit our waters.  We prioritize the safety of our guests by ensuring that all interactions with whales are conducted with respect, care, and the guidance of experienced guides and skippers who share our strong beliefs. Our team follows strict protocols to guarantee that every encounter is safe, educational, and enriching—both for you and the whales.  We also believe in the importance of protecting these incredible creatures and their natural habitat. That’s why we are dedicated to sustainable practices that minimize our impact on the environment and ensure the long-term protection of whale populations.  This means that we may not always swim with the whales we encounter, as our team makes a careful judgment of their reception to our presence in the water with them.  We also do not allow free diving, or any other actions which may disturb the mothers, calves or other whales present.  Our team will do their best to give you the most amazing experience and opportunities for great photos/video, but never at the expense of safety or respect of the whales. 

Our ethical approach emphasizes responsible, eco-friendly tourism that allows you to experience the wonder of the ocean while preserving its delicate ecosystems.  We completely understand if our principles may not align with your own personal objectives, and we would rather you choose a different tour operator if that is the case.  If our principles are in line with the experience you would like to have - join us at Sea Change Eco Retreat, where your adventure is as safe and respectful as it is unforgettable.