“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.”
“I swam with whales in Tonga with Humpback Swims, it was amazing! The experience was seamless and well planned from booking to the swim itself. I especially loved that there are only 6 people on the boats.”
“What a phenomenal few weeks we had with HUmpback whales in the south pacific. The animals encounters were awesome, not only that though, the operator Nadia and Humpback swims made everything run smoothly. From the comfortable boat, to the problem solving and help from Nadia herself to make out trip run smoothly. There are other operators doing similar things, but the guys with Humpback Swims were professional, informative and great fun to be around. Thanks guys!!”
“This was one of the most memorable trips we've ever been on! It's absolutely magical to get to swim with humpbacks! Nadia and all the staff were so helpful before and during the trip! They answered all our questions and concerns and were very accommodating throughout the trip. Every day on the boat was so much fun, comfortable and I learned loads from the guides and staff - I can't recommend Humpback swims enough!”
“I made the mistake of visiting Vava’u 5 years ago and not making any bookings. Nadia and her team saved me. Just showing up doesn’t work on this small island and the boats that had space available were a 1 star in comparison to what this company has. Everything makes a difference and it’s worth going with a company who knows what they are doing. I can’t say enough good things about this company. Look no further.”
“I went in 2019 and had a blast! We swam with the whales everyday! Can’t ask for much more! The boats were great, easy to see we had the best ones out there. Quite easy to get to from LAX. No complaints.”
“Thank you nadia! This was the experience and trip of a lifetime! Everyday was different on the water. Just when we thought it couldn't get better, it did. The whale encounters were fantastic. Our captain and crew were top notch. They were very helpful and more importantly, very respectful of the whales. Our accommodations were lovely. A beautiful property that was very clean and equipped with everything we needed. Small kitchen, with refrigerator, gas cooktop, microwave, kettle. Nice sized bathroom. Mosey, the property manager, and her family and staff were so sweet. Anything you needed, she made happen. Breakfast on the patio was always a treat. You will not be disappointed! I can't wait to go back!”
“Nadia and the Humpback Whales team did an exceptional job with the entire experience. From the superb response rate to questions during booking to the support throughout the whale swims. It was a little tough for me to afford the cost but it was so worth it. This experience is worth the investment. Thank you!”
“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”
“We had an amazing trip. We did the 8 swim days and were glad we did because two days had limited swim opportunities. A lot of your time on the boat will be spent looking for good encounters, but once you find them, the experience is extraordinary. Be sure to pay close attention to Nadi's advice. Her assistance was great...from dinner reservations to extra equipment, Nadi is on top of everything. Also, be sure to stop on the way in from the airport and pick up bottled water as you are likely to want it, The accommodations are basic but Mosi, the property manager made up for anything that we might have missed. Mosi is awesome and deserves 6 stars. Let her cook for you a couple of times during your stay. There is a lot of variety in the boats used. Request the larger boat. Our captain and guide were excellent and made our trip a success, but the small boat was cramped, didn't have a true head, and was challenging when the conditions were rough. This is the only reason my reveiw was not 5 stars.”
“There are no words that truly communicate the joy of this experience. The entire trip is organized perfectly for you to make your experience the best it can be. Nadia works one on one with you through the entire process to ensure you have all the information you need. We stayed at Mystic Sands and it was an absolutely perfect setting. We were picked up on the jetty every morning and taken out by an amazing crew each day in search of humpbacks. During our five day tour we were incredibly fortunate to swim with groups of moving whales, a few heat runs (what a rush) and a number of mothers with a calf. Seeing a baby whale come to the surface and roll and eyeball you within almost high diving distance is an experience I’ll never forget. We also swam with a playful pod of pilot whales. If you love whales - this is the tour for you!!!!! You won’t regret it!”