Australian eco operator, Majestic Whale Encounters, is offering a new, deluxe tour incorporating stays and whale swims in two eco resorts in Tonga, as well as snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and a complimentary massage.
The nine-day tour will start on September 4, 2017, in Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, and include a total of four days swimming with humpback whales – which weigh more than 50 times that of a human – as well as time spent enjoying all the leisure activities the eco-resorts have to offer.
This marks the first time Majestic Whale Encounters has included swimming with whales at the 4½ star Fafa Island resort, giving Australians a new experience of encountering the beautiful mammals.
After arriving at the international airport on September 4, 2017 for a complimentary night’s accommodation at the nearby Scenic Hotel, guests will fly to the island of Ha’apai where they will be greeted with a welcome drink and have the rest of the day to explore, relax and take in the scenery. Breakfast, dinner and lunch are included and free time activities include kayaking, snorkelling on the reef just in front of the bungalows, stand up paddle boarding, bike riding and bushwalking. Over the next three days, guests will have the opportunity to swim with humpback whales.
Guests are then transferred to another island, Fafa Island, for a four-night stay at Fafa Island Resort, rated as one of the best eco resorts in Tonga. The resort’s fales are built in traditional Tongan style with high ceilings, coconut thatched walls and wooden shingle roofs, and are just a few steps from deserted sandy beaches. Fafa Island Resort is also renowned for its gourmet dishes, prepared using fresh products from the local market, and guests will enjoy meals served from an open air bar and beachfront restaurant, as they look out and watch the whales swim by.
One of the days at Fafa Island will be spent swimming with whales, while the other two will spent at leisure. Guests can enjoy a complimentary massage, and may have the chance to experience a traditional Tongan dancing night.
Packages include accommodation, local inter-island flights, all main meals, transfers and four whale swim days. Majestic staff also remain with guests throughout the eight-day experience, assisting with the whale swims and sharing their knowledge of and love for the humpbacks.The nine-day package is available from $4975 per person, twins-share. Flights to Tonga from Australia with Virgin Australia or via New Zealand are extra.
