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)