“Swimming with humpbacks in Tonga has been on my bucket list for years, but it still managed to exceed every expectation. A big part of that was thanks to Nadia. It's hard to believe there's someone out there who knows these incredible creatures better than she does. Her never-ending enthusiasm, knowledge and day-to-day help made our incredible whale encounters even more special. If there was an option for 6 stars, I'd be clicking it. Can't wait for next year.”
“I’ve been blessed in my life to visit 62 countries and have had some great international experiences and to often remote destinations. Do yourself a favor and book a whale swim with Nadia in Tonga, or elsewhere. She’s a true professional who pays attention to all the details, your experience and the longest I ever went without a reply to a question was 30 minutes. Oh by the way, what an incredible experience I will never forget !
Doug Crowe
Virginia, USA”
“Hands down the best experience I've ever had in the ocean/sea. Six dives of swimming and at least 10 close encounters with the beautiful humpback whale. On two occasions I had a calves swim directly to me and turn within five feet to check me out. Spinning and turning and so full of curiosity these playful giants welcomed me into the warm waters of the pacific ocean for an experience I'll never forget.”
“I really can't explain the trip... it's hard... it's like the most amazing the I have ever done.
You just have to do it yourself. I booked with Nadia in 2018 and because of the Pandemic, finally got to go this year in 2022. Nadia was with me, and I am sure everyone else, every step of the way. The minute I emailed her, it seemed within minutes she would email me back. She is a serious rockstar at what she does, not just at photography, but literally everything else when it comes to business.
I stayed at Flying Annie and had such a wonderful time. The staff there are just amazing. The rooms were super comfortable, and it is very obvious that Flying Annie is the best place to stay in/near town.
Vava'u is very undeveloped and it's clear that Humpback Swims/ Nadia has the best of everything.
The boat was very comfortable and to my surprise had a great head! I had Nadia show me all the boats she uses, and it's clear they are the best in Vava'u. When we were out and saw the other boats, I was kind of surprised, they were nothing like the boat we were on. I would certainly not be happy if I was on any of the other boats that I saw out on the water.
The whales were amazing, I don't know what it's like to go out with other people, but our crew were amazing. They worked hard every day, and got us the best of the best. I have attached one of my best clips to this review. This mom was amazing. She came up to us with her calf, and when we could not keep up, she came back to us. The experience on this day was over 1 hour. It was amazing.
Every day was different and every whale was different. I felt like each day it just got better and better!!!
Nadia puts on great trips, and is always there every day. Even if she doesn't go out on the boat. She meets you in the morning and when you get back. She joins for dinner most nights, and honestly, I can't think of anyone else in the world who cares so much about your trip and expeicne. She is very unique and her energy is contagious!
I am so happy to have my dreams come true! I am still in shock! I hope to come back in 2024!”
“This is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences possible. The encounters were both respectful and intimate with the tour guides and operators showing clear respect for the whales, their calves, and knowledge of their behaviors. If you're not a strong snorkeller, I'd advise some practice before the trip both for comfort and cardio keeping up with the whales if you have some on the move - not required, but just allows you to get the most out of your experiences!
The staff at Flying Annie (B&B) were wonderful, made lovely fresh breakfast each morning, and kept the spaces very clean and tidy. The rooms were basic, with AC, and delivered exactly what you need for a trip of this nature. Only advice for travellers is to carry earplugs if you are bothered by the sound of barking dogs or roosters (they seem to be earlier than normal risers...) - I personally just thought it was a nice trade for the sound of trucks and people yelling in the streets.
When it comes to photos and videos, Nadia is an INCREDIBLE resource. She showed me some tips and tricks to take my images to the next level. She also went above and beyond to make dinner reservations on some of the nights in town as well.
All in all, 100000000 stars. Fantastic trip. Would do it again in a heartbeat.”
“WOW, Just WOW! It doesn't seem real...But it IS! The whale encounters are an experience of a lifetime. With only 4 in the water at a time and some encounters with moms, calves and escorts lasting over an hour...Simply Incredible! We even had a singer!! It's always exciting to hear the whale's song but to be close enough to physically feel it resonate through your body... UNFORGETABLE! As for Nadia... total rockstar! Her attention to detail and knowledge of Tongan logistics are invaluable. She's operated for years on Vava'u securing access to the best resorts, boats, captains and guides. She is very quick to respond to any questions/concerns you might have pre-trip and is always available throughout your stay. Factor in her infectious energy along with the warmth and kindness of the Tongan people, and you can't go wrong. Do not hesitate to book this trip!”
“The best in Vavau!
I just got back from a wonderful 8 swim day trip in Tonga. This is my third time to Tonga and my best so far. The reason being that I booked with this company. It is very clear to me now that booking with the right company does matter in Vavau. Nadia by far has the best boats in the area, the staff seem to be the best. I don’t day this lightly, as in 2019 and 2018, I went with other companies, and it’s clear that having well trained staff with the whales can make or break your trip. I actually met Nadia as she saved me from a terrible experience in 2019, allowing me a great day of whale swimming. I was so happy, I booked 2021 right away! Of course the tours got pushed, but communication was great and rescheduling was easy!
I had amazing encounters this year, and have already signed up for next year! Thank you!”
“A highly recommended activity thanks to Nadia's impeccable organizational skills and her keen eye for whales. Her commitment and hard work made it a success - lots of whale sightings and lots of actual encounters. The boat was very comfortable, it even had a head. Take-out Lunch was prepared by one of the best restaurants in town. Overall, we had a blast.”
“Nadia was always available for questions and was timely in responding. The accommodation at Oceansong House was Awesome! Right there on the water with a private garden. The whales were incredible. The crew on the boat and our whale guide made sure we had amazing water days even when the weather wasn’t cooperating. Lepolo was our house hostess and we fell in love with her. She made our breakfast every morning and gave us a great start to each day. Can’t wait to come back!”
“Our experience in Tonga was nothing short of amazing. Nadia arranged everything from our airport pick up, to drop off. Our accommodation was super cute and clean with snorkeling off the dock, our boat captain and guide kept us safe, and there the experience in the water with the whales was OUT OF THIS WORLD! The resort host owner and family are absolutely the sweetest people that work hard all day to make sure you have anything you need, including accommodating to dietary needs. There wasn't a time that we felt unsafe while in the water with the whales and these guys had an eye to find them, even when the seas were a little rough. Nothing compares to swimming with these animals, having one on one encounters with them, and at times being a fly on the wall watching mom-baby interactions... it was so incredibly special, we feel fortunate to have experienced it all. We were sad to leave Tonga, and have a countdown to when we can return and swim again!”
“Amazing experience. Nadia was super helpful and lovely, her staff truly amazing and with great knowledge of the seas and the whales, the accommodation could not be better. All in all it was a dream come true and the encounters with the whales were great every single day!”
“I have a Divecentre in South Africa and have used Nadia for 2 group trips to Tonga so far-everything was excellent from arriving to departing in Vava’u. Our accommodation was excellent and we swam with whales every day.Nadia runs an excellent operation and we will definitely be back!”
“This experience was amazing, It absolutely exceeded any expectations I thought I had and the time spent in the water and interactions with the whales is now a lifetime memory, The crew were amazing, knowledgeable and experienced. The accommodation was fantastic and hosts warm and welcoming. Thank you Nadia for an awesome adventure”
“Had an absolutely amazing time on my first trip to Tonga to swim with humpback whales. I'm very happy with the entire experience! The days were scheduled very well by Nadia. With plenty of time to look for and swim with whales, while also getting to explore and play in some of the nearby sea caves. Tasty lunches on board each day at gorgeous locations to relax and enjoy. Our skipper and guide worked well together to give everyone on board every chance available to get in the water. The accommodations at Vava’u Villa were great, with a nice restaurant onsite. We also had many opportunities to check out the numerous restaurants around town. My time in Tonga with Humpback Swims was incredible! I had many great encounters seeing mother & calf whales, and singing male escorts. I’d recommend this experience to everyone!”
“I had a wonderful time swimming with the humpback whales in the beautiful island of Vava’u and I owe to Nadia and her team they have been fantastic with organising everything from accomodation to organising the days out on the water and I’m going home full of wonderful memories swimming with the whales from mother and calf to singing males and we even got to see pilot whales and dolphins too Shout out to Julie, Pake (Tour guide), Waleey (skipper) and Sarah (Caretaker) you were absolutely outstanding and all went the extra mile to make sure we had a good time great addition to Nadia’s team thank you all for a wonderful holiday definitely will be back”
“Just returned from a 2 week trip to Tonga (in the South Pacific) to snorkel with humpback whales in Tonga with my brothers John and David. David is an underwater videographer, and he met our fearless leader, Nadia Aly, on a shark diving trip. Nadia has created a wonderful trip - she has found the best housing, the best guides, the best boats, and the best food. Take a look at this video (this site will not let me include a web site, so search "Tonga humpbacks David Trescot" to find his wonderful video.”
“If you are looking for a truly unique adventure, then this trip is for you. Words can't do justice to describing the beauty, joy and sheer majesty of being so close to these incredible mammals. Nadia does a great job of communicating, organizing and hosting her guests. No detail is left unattended to and for things that come up suddenly, she is all about getting it taken care of. This trip is extremely well run. My whole goal was to experience swimming with humpback whales for the first time. I accomplished that in spades, but also discovered a lovely south seas paradise with genuine people of the Tongan culture. We had a new and well laid out boat for our swims. The guide and skipper were extremely qualified. It was clear that their goal was to get us as many swims as possible with whales. They accomplished this. I had an extra day and decided to get an extra day with another outfit. It was not nearly as professionally done as the boats and crews that Nadia provides. If I were to do this again, I would only go through her company. This is a trip of a lifetime and if you love adventure and animals and travel to an amazing place, you'd be crazy not to go.”
“Great experience from start to finish. Nadia and the team were extremely helpful answering my questions during the booking process and the trip itself was incredible! Everything was smooth and easy. The boat crew were phenomenal, hotel staff were great, location of Flying Annie was perfect, and the list goes on and on. I’ll def be back again next year!”
“We were distributed on boats that maximised our opportunities for swimming, guides and skippers were professional and well-informed, food on the boat was good, overall experience was excellent!”
