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Travel/Study
Swimming with majestic humpback whales

Tonga

Off the path of cruise lines, this South Pacific archipelago of more than 170 islands is awash with marine-rich waters, dazzling coral reefs and crystal-clear lagoons.

Overview

A truly unforgettable adventure

Tonga is one of the few places in the world where one can swim with whales. Every year, hundreds of female humpback whales journey from the frigid waters of Antarctica to shelter in the tropical reef-protected waters and give birth to their young. The waters are also a paradise for snorkelers, rife with coral reefs teeming with brilliant fish.

The last Polynesian monarchy, Tonga has never been colonized, leaving Tongan traditions and culture intact. Learn about ancient handicrafts, such as mat weaving and wood carving. Be mesmerized by a Tongan performance, marked by polyphonic singing and graceful, synchronized dance movements. Stroll through vast tropical gardens brimming with exotic native flowers and trees. This adventure is not your ordinary South Pacific vacation!

Dates

July 30–August 6, 2024

Duration

8 days

Price

From $9,595 per person

Trip size

30 participants

Minimum age

12 years
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“Traveling with Stanford to swim with the humpbacks nourished my mind, body, and soul. It was a truly spectacular experience.”

—Sarah Kasbeer-Smithe

Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Steve Palumbi

Oceans and Biology

Professor Palumbi has worked extensively on the biology and evolution of marine organisms, focusing on basic evolutionary questions but also on practical solutions to questions about how to preserve and protect the diverse life in the sea.

Learn more about Steve

Itinerary

Swimming with majestic humpback whales

With Vava’u as our homebase, snorkel among coral reefs awash with brightly hued fish and with southern humpback whales and their calves. Take in the white sand beaches and verdant hills that shelter rare plants and native birds. Throughout our visit, we meet with Tongans who share their cultural traditions and discuss life in this kingdom that is home to more than 170 islands.

Tapa cloth

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 whether to interact with us and to what level. We will follow guidelines closely and observe respectfully.

  • Vava’u, Tonga

    Arrive at Vava’u International Airport and transfer to our resort, which will be our home for the next seven nights. Meet fellow guests for lunch and a whale swim briefing. Then gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Tongan Beach Resort

    Included meals: Lunch and dinner
  • to

    Vava’u

    Meet the humpback whales who have ventured here from Antarctica. Swim among these gentle giants, hear their beautiful singing, see their full-body breaching, and watch as a group of males chases a female or as a mother gently tends to her calf. Each day, return to our resort for a special experience—a dinner of local Tongan cuisine prepared in a traditional underground oven called an umu, and a lecture and discussion with a local Peace Corp teacher and a guest speaker from the Vava’u Environment Protection Association.

    Accommodations:

    Tongan Beach Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Vava’u

    Today we venture to the ’Ene’io Botanical Garden, a 22-acre garden has been the lifetime commitment of Haniteli Fa’anunu, Tonga’s former director of agriculture. Stroll through the garden with Fa’anunu, who will share stories and legends as well as explain the history and folklore of many of the plants. Then watch cultural demonstrations of the ancient Polynesians’ way of life and learn about tapa cloth (made from tree bark), mat-weaving, and other crafts. After lunch at a beachside restaurant, meet with children at a local school to hear about their educational system.

    Accommodations:

    Tongan Beach Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Vava’u

    Enjoy another day of swimming with the humpback whales that shelter in the tropical reef-protected waters of Tonga after their long journey from the Southern Ocean.

    Accommodations:

    Tongan Beach Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Vava’u

    Tonga is a churchgoing nation, and Sunday is a sacred day, when almost everything closes. Beautifully clear harmonies, the ringing of church bells and the rhythmic beat of the lali (wooden drums) are all familiar sounds drifting on the tropical breezes. Attend an optional church service and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

    Accommodations:

    Tongan Beach Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Vava’u

    Spend today snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Clouds Reef and Coral Garden among the brilliantly colored coral reefs and the exotic reef fish that are their denizens. Tonight, celebrate our adventure with a farewell reception and dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Tongan Beach Resort

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Vava’u

    After breakfast and a leisurely morning, transfer to the airport for outbound flights and bid farewell to idyllic Vava’u.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

About our Accommodations

Tongan Beach Resort has single and double kayaks and bicycles available for guests’ use. Between taking a dip and snorkeling, travelers can sit back and enjoy the resort’s sun loungers, dotted along the water’s edge.

“We have traveled around the world to see and do so many amazing things. I can say unreservedly that being in the water so close to these gentle giants and to not only hear but feel my body reverberate with whale song will be impossible to top."

—Leif Gregory

Activity Level

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 must be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. Boarding the excursion vessel from land, one steps aboard from a shoreside dock; when boarding from the water, one must climb into the boat using a ladder without assistance. 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 sandy beaches and sometimes over rough terrain, including steep and sandy trails.

Activities include snorkeling in open water, whale watching, exploring by motorized boat, walking through forest, intertidal exploration, beachcombing, kayaking, water cave exploration, and cultural activities.  July/August is considered winter, which tends to be a dry, cool 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 experience the occasional Antarctic-driven cold front combined with trade winds and need to be prepared for cooler temperatures while whale watching.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$9,595 per person

Single occupancy:
$11,295 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Snorkel fins (snorkel and mask not included)

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 7 nights of best-available accommodations

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance (for U.S. residents only)

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments and cancellations

A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 120 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

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