Moa Looking for Whales
Our first experience snorkeling with whales was in Niuatoputapu, Tonga.
The Captain and I were out in the dinghy preparing to snorkel a reef when we spied a pod of whales just beyond the reef. We raced over to the pod, got suited up and entered the water for one of the most amazing experiences that nature has on offer.
Paulo Looking for Whales With One In Distance
Image Courtesy Of The Captain
Unfortunately, the waters were rather murky so the photos didn’t come out. And the whales didn’t stick around long so it was a short lived experience.
But we were hooked!
Whale!
We thought that we would have another go at it when we sailed into Vava’u, but we couldn’t find any whales in the area that was supposed to be ‘whale central’, at least in August and September.
At first we feared that we might be too late, but we met other boaters that had gone whale snorkeling with Beluga Diving, a top company in the area.
Approaching Whales
Image Courtesy The Captain
Our friend Jacob on SY Kwispel swung into action and organized an outing of sailors with Beluga Diving (at a slight ‘group rate’ discount). We signed on and were joined by seven others for a full-day of whale watching/snorkeling.
Baby Whale Tail
Image Courtesy The Captain
We arrived at Beluga Diving’s dock at 6:45 am and joined our three very talented guides Paulo, Tate and Moa.
Swimming Toward Whale
We set out for the Southern part of the Vava’u group. Everyone kept an eye out and finally, after a few hours, we spotted a pod of whales (mother, baby and escort) that we could snorkel with.
Mother and Baby
We spent about two hours with the first pod, taking turns in two groups. Then we headed out in search of another pod which we found relatively quickly. We swam with the second pod for about an hour and then headed to two caves (Mariners and Swallow) for additional snorkeling (with fish and coral).
Baby Whale
I feel blessed to have enjoyed this incredible experience.
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If you want to swim with the whales virtually, check out The Captain’s video footage here.
Steve Kellley October 15, 2014
Hi Lisa and Fabio,
What great pictures and great opportunity to get close to such beautify creatures. Glad you are having such a great time in Tonga. Would really like to join you on your passage, but the timing just doesn’t work.
Have a great time in Tonga and a great safe passage to New Zealand.
Maybe we can meet up together sometime later.
Steve and Margo
Lisa Dorenfest October 16, 2014 — Post Author
Hey Steve and Margo!
We so wish that you guys were here with us! Saw more whales today on our dinghy ride to snorkel Swallows Cave.
We are truly disappointed that you can’t join us for the passage to New Zealand, but you are welcome to visit anytime!
Lisa and The Captain
Karen Thurman October 16, 2014
What an amazing experience, lucky lady! Love the picture of the two whales together.
Lisa Dorenfest October 16, 2014 — Post Author
I am most certainly a lucky lady
Vanessa October 16, 2014
Wow Wow Wow
Lisa Dorenfest October 16, 2014 — Post Author
It was a most definitely WOW experience. Someday, on your way to or from a visit to Australia, you need to bring the girls to Tonga for a snorkel with the whales. Experience of a lifetime.
Susi October 17, 2014
Wow! What an amazing experience. To be so close to those magnificent creatures of the sea. The islands of Tonga look so out of time and so beautiful, land, water and people. Think of you guys often and love to live vicariously thru you and the captain. So much going on here…looks like Ana is going to miss us….hope all the islands are lucky with this storm. Lava is at a stall again….keeping Pahoa on its toes….still over a mile from the hwy. enjoy!! Give the captain a hug and kiss for me. Aloha, susi
Lisa Dorenfest October 17, 2014 — Post Author
We are very lucky to be enjoying all the wonderful things that Tonga has to offer. We keep hoping you will come for a visit so you don’t just have to live vicariously through us :-). Fingers crossed that Ana bypasses the Big Island and the lava stays stalled. Captain sends his love. We miss The Hawaii gang
jean October 24, 2014
Dorn, this was amazing. Just so beautiful with the baby …..
Keep the blog coming. I love living through you
Lisa Dorenfest October 24, 2014 — Post Author
Awww, thanks Jean! It was a bucket list item I didn’t even know I had!
Donna June 15, 2015
Now that is beautiful. Poetry in motion
Lisa Dorenfest June 16, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Donna! It was like watching a beautiful ballet….
Terri Webster Schrandt June 16, 2015
Lisa, I am just so in awe of this post and the experience and wonderful photos behind it! I had a whale sail opportunity in La Paz, Baja two years ago and I didn’t take it, partly because my hubby didn’t want to (which was unlike him). Next time I will DO it! Thank you for taking part in The Leisure Link (and for the pingback and tweets!)
Lisa Dorenfest June 16, 2015 — Post Author
Well now you have something to look forward to Terri. It was such a wonderful adventure.
Thank you for your compliments on the photography and also for starting The Leisure Link. I think it is such a marvelous idea and a perfect way to champion the leisure lifestyle!
Terri Webster Schrandt June 16, 2015
Your posts and some others have been linked so far and I am thrilled. Thanks!