The Kingdom of Tonga is making waves in the South Pacific once again with the official start of its annual whale season – and 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the best yet.
With more than 50 confirmed humpback whale sightings in the waters off Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, and Tongatapu in just the first two weeks of July, local operators are reporting the earliest and most active start to the season in several years. These majestic creatures, who migrate from Antarctica to Tonga’s warm, sheltered waters to breed and give birth, offer visitors a rare and unforgettable experience: swimming with wild humpback whales in their natural environment.
This year, Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism has introduced new community-led cultural excursions and enhanced guidelines for responsible whale tourism, ensuring that every encounter is both respectful and regenerative. Visitors can now combine whale swims with village tours, traditional feasts (ʻumu), and storytelling sessions to deepen their understanding of Tonga’s unique culture and environmental guardianship.
“We are proud to share this special season with the world and to see more local communities directly benefit from tourism,” said Ms Teisa Fifita-Tupou, the Head of Marketing & Promotions for the Tonga Tourism Authority. “Tonga remains one of the only places on Earth where people can legally swim with whales – and we’re committed to doing this in a way that protects the whales and uplifts our people.”
The whale season runs from July through October, with peak activity expected between mid-August and September. With limited licenses issued to operators, bookings are strongly encouraged in advance.
