Tonga Whale Encounters Eco Tour

Day 1. Arrive in Tonga, transfer to hotel Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Tonga a hotel shuttle is available to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. OVERNIGHT: Tongatapu hotel MEALS: N/A EXTRAS: Single room supplement Day 2. Fly to Ha'apai, free time This morning you take the hotel shuttle to the airport for your scenic flight to the beautiful and remote islands of Ha'apai. The Resort team will be waiting at the Ha'apai airport to transfer you 1.3km to your beachfront fale, home for the next 7 nights. After breakfast, the rest of the day is free to relax and settle in, perhaps having a swim and snorkel over the house reef. A whale watching briefing is also held this afternoon to plan for your first whale safari tomorrow. In the evening, watch the sunset from the Ocean view restaurant and bar, just meters from the sand. OVERNIGHT: Ha'apai Beach Resort MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner Day 3. Swim with the Humpback whales After breakfast we board our traditional Tongan fishing vessel at 9am for a 6-hour trip on the water. Your professional guides are eager to introduce the majestic Tongan Humpback whales. Our aim is to take you into the water for memories that will last a lifetime. Lunch is served onboard and all equipment is provided. Arriving back at around 2.30 pm allows time to relax and look at your photos, take a walk along the beach and enjoy a cold drink from the bar. BBQ dinner served just after sunset. OVERNIGHT: Ha'apai Beach Resort MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4. Day of rest and reflection in Tonga King George Tupou I pledged The Kingdom of Tonga and its people to heaven making Sunday a strict day of rest in the kingdom. It is actually illegal to work on the Sabbath. You can chose to begin your day by visiting a local church to hear the angelic voices of the choir or simply enjoy a day of your choice. The resort is open all day and swimming, snorkeling, cycling, kayaking, eating and drinking are all options for this restful day in Tonga. In the afternoon you will attend an informative whale briefing in preparation for your excursion tomorrow. OVERNIGHT: Ha'apai Beach Resort MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner Day 5. Swim with the Humpback whales After breakfast we head out for our second day into the crystal clear waters of Ha'apai to join the Humpback whales for further adventures and memories of a lifetime. Excellent food is provided in our ocean front restaurant as we share our experiences of the day. OVERNIGHT: Ha'apai Beach Resort MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6. Swim with the Humpback whales After breakfast we head out for our final day into the crystal clear waters of Ha'apai to join the Humpback whales for further adventures and memories of a lifetime. Excellent food is provided in our ocean front restaurant and a farewell bonfire is lit as the Milky Way falls across the night sky. OVERNIGHT: Ha'apai Beach Resort MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7. Free day, optional island tour Your day is free today to relax at the resort. We keep this free in case any of your earlier whale swims need rescheduling due to weather issues. If all has gone to plan, then your day is free and you could ride a bike, hire a car and explore the island's resorts, other snorkelling spots, beaches or the local cafe. Or you may simply relax at the resort - scuba diving, sea kayaks or snorkel the reef in front of the resort are options. An additional whale swimming trip may also be booked with the resort (subject to existing bookings and space on the boat). An optional guided tour around the island is also available. During this tour you can learn the whole truth about coconuts and their uses; hear the local history of the island including Captain Cook, Mutiny on the Bounty and the Port of Prince; and visit various historical and special spots around the island. OVERNIGHT: Ha'apai Beach Resort MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner Day 8. Free day on Ha'apai Your time is again free today to enjoy some final relaxation or activities on the island. Further whale swims, water sports and the island tour are again available. OVERNIGHT: Ha'apai Beach Resort MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner Day 9. Fly to Tongatapu. Island tour, Tongan feast You fly back from Ha'apai to the main island of Tongatapu today and take the hotel shuttle to your hotel near the airport. The rest of your day is free with options available through the hotel to book a half day island tour. Here you can learn more about Tongan lifestyle, culture, heritage and traditions, see demonstrations and learn about the customs and stories of the old times and visit the busy Tongan Market where the locals throng to purchase and sell their produce. The market provides a great opportunity to purchase handicrafts, local fruit and take photos. Tours also visit the Royal Tombs where the late King George IV is laid to rest, along with the Royal Palace, and the Eastern Side of Tonga with Captain Cook's Landing, the Ancient Burial Tomb's and the Ha'amonga Trilithon, a stone arch which was said to have been built 1200AD, an impressive movement of 80 tonnes of stone and a story of a warrior king. Taxis are also available to head into the main town and visit the market, and look around independently. A fun option in the evening is to visit the Ohelei Beach Resort for a Tongan feast, cultural show and live music night. OVERNIGHT: Tongatapu hotel MEALS: Breakfast Day 10. Free day, transfer to airport Free time until transferring to the airport for your international departure flight. You may wish to revisit the market today which teems with Tongans from various different islands on Saturdays; a great place for a final taste of Tonga and some souvenirs. OVERNIGHT: N/A MEALS: Breakfast