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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, 2024Duration
8 daysPrice
From $9,595 per person
Trip size
30 participantsMinimum age
12 years“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.
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.
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Tapa cloth
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 dinnerVava’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 dinnerVava’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 dinnerVava’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 dinnerVava’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.
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“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
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.
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