Welcome To Tonga

Dear Blue Water Friends:

Welcome to our adventure to the South Pacific, to the archipelago kingdom of Tonga. Considered one of the most pristine West Polynesian countries and the only one never colonized, Tonga has a fascinating history with rich natural resources. Dramatic volcanic terrain, deserted white sand beaches, coral atolls, tropical rain forests, endemic flora and fauna species combined with rich cultural traditions, makes the Kingdom of Tonga an outstanding destination.

Space is limited so please contact Kim Powell at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com to review the trip and availability. For those of you who have joined us before, we are extremely excited to now include all three major island groups with the addition of Ha’apai to our itinerary. For stunning photos and videos, please visit the photo gallery at Matafonua Lodge where we will stay for the first part of our adventure.

The Humpback Whales, Megaptera novaeangliae that visit Tonga spend part of the year feeding in the rich polar waters of the Antarctica. Sustaining themselves on a diet of krill while in the polar region, they migrate to their tropical calving grounds arriving into Tongan waters by July. For the next 4-5 months, The Humpback Whales use the warm quiet lagoons in this region of the world to give birth and to mate. Tonga is one of few places in the world where highly regulated whale swim encounters are officially permitted.

In 2009, National Geographic awarded The Tonga whale experience the tour of a lifetime!

As I designed then scouted the program, it became apparent that there is far more to Tonga than swimming with whales. Of course, this experience will likely be a trip highlight.
Our 13 day itinerary offers a unique combination of natural and cultural experiences. I have been leading international expeditions mostly to the Neotropics since 1987. Over the decades, my primary interest as a naturalist has been in coral reef ecology. However in recent years, I have been drawn to a region’s megafauna and particularly the cetaceans, the whale and dolphin order of mammals.
I am extremely excited about what I consider the ultimate wildlife encounter, to swim with Humpback Whales and their offspring. Additionally, I am very eager to share and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Tongan people.

Trip Dates: TBA

You will arrive in Tonga on TBA  which requires that you fly on the evening of TBA

We plan to depart Tonga on TBA  and depending upon the airlines you choose, you will arrive back home on TBA

Please review this link: Getting to Tonga

Trip Cost: 9-14 guest:     7-8 guest: 
( check back for updates)

Includes: all lodging in Tonga, all meals,  van and boat transfers, six whale watching excursions, guided island hike, guided snorkeling and intertidal exploration trips, scheduled cultural activities, daily natural history interpretation, all planned activities as described in the itinerary, all tips to our Tongan hosts and guides , entrance fees and permits.

The price does not include international airfare, any hotel arrangements or transfers outside of Tonga, highly recommended trip insurance, phone calls, unscheduled boat excursions, scuba diving, activities not described in the itinerary, personal liquor, airport departure taxes, meals in airports or excess baggage fees.

A complete package of information, all of which can be found on the website, will be sent to you before our trip departure.

Thank you for joining us on our exciting trip destination to the South Pacific!
May we swim together with the Humpback Whales of Tonga!

Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone & fax: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org
Facebook
email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
127 Mason St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Swim Back to Tonga