Loving leviathans! Spend three days snorkeling in the waters of the Vava’u island group amid southern humpback whales and their calves. Joining us is faculty leader and biology professor Stephen Palumbi, who has researched the genetics and evolution of whales. A local hero. Walk around the splendid 22-acre 'Ene'io Botanical Garden with its founder, Haniteli Fa’anunu, dedicated to saving Tonga’s endangered plant species. The giving tree. Learn the important part coconuts play in the lives of Tongans—from the producing of coconut milk and oil to converting coconut waste into electricity, soap and charcoal.

Watch this video to see what it's like to swim in open water with a 40-ton whale.

$6,995

PLEASE NOTE: Our itinerary is entirely dependent upon weather and sea conditions. As with all wildlife sightings, interaction levels may vary greatly each day. Whales make the choice to interact with us and to what level. We will follow guidelines closely and observe respectively.

SATURDAY, SUNDAY & MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 19 & 20
U.S. / AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND / TONGATAPU, TONGA
Depart for Fua’amotu International Airport in Tonga. En route we cross the international date line and lose a day. Arrive on Monday and transfer to our hotel in Nuku’alofa, set on 16 acres of lush tropical flowers and trees. This afternoon, take a scenic tour of Tongatapu. In Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, view the Royal Palace, the town’s waterfront and the bustling local market. See the tombs of ancient kings, the landing sites of Captain Cook and Abel Tasman, and two seaside blowholes. This evening meet fellow guests for a welcome reception complete with traditional music and dance. SCENIC HOTEL TONGA (8/20: L,D)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21
TONGATAPU / VAVA’U
After breakfast, take a short flight to Neiafu, Vava’u, in the northern Tongan islands. On arrival, drive to the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden at the beautiful ‘Ene’io Beach. This 22-acre garden has been the lifetime commitment of Haniteli Fa’anunu, the former Director of Agriculture and Food. Here he has preserved different plant cultivars, saved endangered plant species, and educated locals and visitors about Tonga’s flora and fauna. As we stroll through the garden, he will share stories, legends, and the history and folklore of many of the plants. While at the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden, watch cultural demonstrations of the ancient Polynesians’ way of life. Learn about tapa cloth, mat weaving and other crafts. This afternoon, enjoy lunch at the ‘Ene’io beachside restaurant and view traditional dances performed by local school children. Meet the children and learn about their educational system. Saying farewell to the ‘Ene’io area, en route to our simple beach resort in ‘Utungake, visit a local business that has reintroduced the production of coconut products and vanilla. Check in to our resort, home for the next four nights, and meet with a local Peace Corps teacher for dinner and discussion. TONGAN BEACH RESORT (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 & 23
VAVA’U
At our resort this morning, we’ll be fitted with snorkeling gear. During the next two days, we’ll take part in an experience of a lifetime—swimming with and getting to know the humpback whales who return from the frigid waters of Antarctica to Tonga’s waters every year. After their long journey, female southern humpback whales shelter in the tropical reef protected waters of Tonga to give birth to their young and nurture them. The arrival of the whales from June to November completes nature’s cycle, as the new calves are born where they were conceived 11 months earlier. Tonga is one of the few places in the world where one can swim with whales, hear their beautiful singing, see their full body breaching and watch as a group of males chase a female or as a mother gently tends to her calf. TONGAN BEACH RESORT (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
VAVA’U
The Vava’u archipelago has a near-perfect climate. Today we leave the shore for a day of snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Clouds Reef and Coral Garden to study and learn about the brilliantly colored coral reefs and their denizens, exotic reef fish. Tonight celebrate our adventure with a farewell reception and traditional Tongan feast. TONGAN BEACH RESORT (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
VAVA’U / TONGATAPU / AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, say farewell to the idyllic beach and town of Vava’u before taking a short flight to Tongatapu. From there, connect with an international flight for Auckland. On arrival, transfer to the Stamford Plaza Hotel. STAMFORD PLAZA HOTEL (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26
AUCKLAND / U.S.
Spend time independently sightseeing, shopping or relaxing in this lovely marine city. Transfer to the airport for flights home, re-crossing the international date line and regaining the day we lost flying westbound. (B)

Size
24 participants (single accommodations limited—please call for availability)

Cost*
$6,995 per person, double occupancy
$7,495 per person, single occupancy
*Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person

Included

• 6 nights of best-available hotel accommodations
• 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
• Welcome and farewell receptions
• Gratuities to guides, drivers and crew for all group activities
• All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary
• Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days
• Internal flight from Tongatapu to Vava’u and return
• Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance
• Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information
• Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program
• The use of snorkeling gear during the program

Not Included

• International and U.S. domestic airfare
• Passport and visa fees Immunization costs
• Meals and beverages other than those specified as included
• Independent and private transfers
• Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance
• Excess-baggage charges
• Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

What to Expect
We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. No prior snorkeling experience is needed, however all participants should be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. Boarding the excursion vessel is safe and easy; you simply step aboard the vessel from a shore side dock. Boat rides may be bumpy and jarring at times as the prevailing southeast trade winds occur this time of year. During land excursions you must be able to walk moderate distances unaided, along beaches and sometimes over rough terrain, including steep and sandy trails. Activities include snorkeling in open water, whale watching, exploring by motorized boats, walking through forest, intertidal exploration, beachcombing, kayaking, cave exploration and cultural activities. August/September is considered the end of winter, which tends to be a drier and cooler time of year. Temperatures should be relatively pleasant with daytime highs in the 70s (°F) and cooler nighttime temperatures in the low 60s. We could potentially experience cooler temperatures with the occasional Antarctic driven cold front combined with trade winds and need to be prepared for cooler temperatures while whale watching. The aircraft used for this program has the following strict luggage restriction: one carry-on (a backpack is recommended) and one checked bag—combined weight cannot exceed 33 pounds. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

Eligibility
We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members' price. A person traveling as a guest paid for by a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. To purchase a membership, call (650) 725-0692 or click here for more information.

Deposits, Payments and Cancellations
A $1,000 deposit is required to hold space. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Insurance
Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. Information offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you postmark your insurance payment within 14 days of the date listed on the welcome letter.

Responsibility
The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk entirely. It is understood that the ship's ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect at the time the brochure is printed and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50