• 7 nights private villa waterfront accommodation (twin-share)
• Hotel and airport transfers
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner by a professional chef
• Traditional Tongan Welcome Feast
• Daily whale swims
• 5 full days of exclusive boat charter
• Interacting with marine megafauna workshop with Brooke Pyke
• Underwater photography and editing masterclasses with Brooke Pyke
• Private full-day island tour
• Exploration of hidden blue caves and secluded beaches
• Personal gallery of trip highlights by Brooke Pyke
• Airguides expedition leader and storyteller guide

• International and domestic flights
• Visa and passport fees
• Alcohol
• Tips
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities and personal expenses

Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, and weather conditions can vary. Some activities may be affected by factors outside our control.

Swimming with humpback whales has operated in Tonga for over 20 years with a strong safety record. Every swim is managed by experienced local guides who read the whales' behaviour and make the call on when and how to enter the water. As with any wildlife encounter in open water, there is an inherent level of risk - but your safety is always the priority.

On the ethical side, Tonga operates under strict government-regulated guidelines designed to put the whale's comfort first. Interactions only happen when whales approach voluntarily - nothing is forced. When humpbacks are at ease, they actively seek out human company out of curiosity. Airguides works exclusively with operators who follow these guidelines, and Brooke's years of experience as a wildlife photographer and advocate means every encounter is approached with genuine respect for the animals and the environment.

No. This is a snorkelling experience. Humpbacks surface to breathe, and that's where the best interactions happen.

Vava'u is a small, community-oriented island in the north of Tonga, surrounded by clear warm water with a lush, green interior. It's relatively low-key - think local restaurants and cafes, a bakery, pharmacy, ATMs and 4G signal. Everything you need is there, just without the resort-style infrastructure of more developed destinations. The community is warm and welcoming, and supporting local operators here genuinely matters - the island is still recovering from the 2022 volcanic eruption and the impact of closed borders during the pandemic.

Every Airguides expedition has two leaders: an Airguides trip leader who handles logistics and keeps everything running smoothly, and a storyteller guide - in this case Brooke Pyke - who brings deep expertise, stories and perspective to every experience.

Moderate. You need to be comfortable in the ocean, as water activities can last several hours. If you have any concerns, contact us before booking.

Airguides trips are small group expeditions, typically 6 to 12 guests. You'll travel alongside an Airguides trip leader, Brooke Pyke, and a group of like-minded people - solo travellers, couples, and friends drawn together by curiosity and a love of the natural world. Most trips are for guests 18 and over, though exceptions can be made for confident swimmers on a case-by-case basis. Get in touch if you're unsure.

Yes. Solo travellers can request a private room for an additional fee. We also offer a roommate pairing option on a limited, first-come-first-served basis. Contact us for details and availability.

Yes. Our team can help with flight options and travel routing. Call, text or WhatsApp us at +61 402 552 918. You'll speak directly with an Airguides team member who knows this trip inside out. We’re here to help with any questions, big or small, from planning your adventure to arriving back home.