Humpback Whales of Tonga 2009
September

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Trip overview
In Joel Simon's adult life there have been only a few experiences that have significantly altered his most fundamental perceptions of our world. In 1991, seven minutes of total solar eclipse cast an entirely new light on the celestial heavens. In 1992, gazing over the edge of an active volcanic crater into the erupting caldrons below opened a geologic window into primordial time. And last year, swimming eye to eye with humpback whales in Tonga incomparably expanded his appreciation of aquatic life.

This year, we have done our utmost to make this last experience available to a limited number of Sea for Yourself travelers. In September 2004, Sea for Yourself is proud to offer an expedition that provides the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves with the humpback whales of Tonga.

Adult humpbacks attain a length of 45 feet and a weight of over 50 tons. Realistically, they are the largest animals most snorkelers could ever witness first hand, either above or under the sea. In spite of their immense size, humpbacks are exquisitely graceful in the water. They are attentive, intelligent, and have no wish to accidentally (or deliberately!) bump into snorkelers, boats, or anything else for that matter. We've never heard of any snorkeler being subjected to aggressive behavior by these whales. In fact, quite the opposite is true -- snorkelers are often regarded with inquisitive curiosity, especially by the baby whales which can be 15 feet in length.

Vava'u is the ideal location for whale watching, both above and below the water's surface. The humpbacks seasonally congregate in and around Vava'u's large protected lagoon, where waters are usually calm and remarkably clear. During this time the whales engage in courtship activities, give birth, and continue to nurture and teach their young.

Our home in Tonga will be the Tongan Beach Resort, a casual, small, and personable facility located on a sand beach about 30 minutes drive from the town of Neiafu. The rooms are not fancy, but they are clean, each with private bath and hot shower. The sand-floor restaurant serves very good food, and the protected water off our doorstep features intriguing snorkeling. In the mixed shallow sand, grass, and coral environment just in front of the resort, we see clownfish, angelfish, butterfly fish, lionfish, and an array of fascinating invertebrates including shrimp, anemonies, sea hares, and crinoids. Last year we ever found sea horses in just a few feet of water as well as several rare flying gurnards and a crocodile eel. For those who wish and if conditions permit, we plan to offer a night snorkeling opportunity in these calm waters.

Our main goal during this time will be to snorkel with the whales, however, this area of Tonga offers many other attractions, both above and below the water. In addition to whales, we have a diversity of other exciting snorkeling opportunities. Tongan reefs offer a wide variety of robust hard corals, and an extensive assortment of reef fish. Visibility often exceeds 100 feet underwater. And there's more. Due to the dramatic geology of the islands, sheer limestone cliffs feature a number of spectacular open sea-level caverns. Dancing shafts of sunlight filter in, illuminating schools of small fish and interior topography, often in water of breathtaking clarity.

In addition to whale watching, we have also planned reef oriented snorkeling excursions. These should offer pleasant shallow water snorkeling opportunities. In all cases, for your safety and enjoyment, we encourage you to acknowledge and stay within your own personal limitations. Our tour staff will gladly provide any needed snorkeling instruction, from floating over reef environments and deeper water to freediving.

The islands themselves, mostly small and uninhabited, are among the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Long stretches of white sand beaches overhung with palm trees and other lush foliage are punctuated with dark rocky points and luminous shallow reefs. Postcards come alive in Vava'u.

On land, Tongan culture is basically unaffected by tourism. The Tongans are friendly, hospitable, and devoutly religious. When Joel was there last year, early mornings were frequently filled with the music of church bells and choir voices, along with those of roosters and the occasional grunts of untethered pigs.

Skill Level: Please read this carefully!
It's important to enunciate the skill level appropriate to this trip and review potential water conditions. In contrast to many other Sea for Yourself programs, this one is best enjoyed by snorkelers who are already comfortable and competent in the water. While we will do our best to frequent protected shallow water, there may be times when tides create modest surface currents or the surface is choppy due to wind. Also, any interactions with whales will be dictated by their location (and demeanor), and guidelines established by our local operator in Tonga. We've done everything possible to maximize our chances of finding co-operative whales: our local operator is the best in the business, and this is the perfect time of year. However, whether or not we swim with the whales is really up to them, not us, and can not be guaranteed. You should also remember that typically, whales are found in relatively deep water. Chances are you will not see any bottom in areas hosting whales. Depending on your swimming ability, you may find a floatation vest helpful.

Trip Limit
The Humpback Whales of Tonga program is strictly limited to 14 participants, with a minimum of 10. Due to the limited space available for this tour, reservations for space will be accepted in the order deposits are received. Our trips are small and generally fill quickly.

Weather
Daytime temperatures in Tonga during the month of September range from the low 80's to the high 90's, and cool to a refreshing 65-70 degrees at night. Rain showers usually end in April and begin again in mid-November - however in the tropics, there is always a chance of rain. Also typical of this time of year are trade winds from the East.

A Note About Snorkeling
Water temperatures in Tonga are expected to be approximately 74-80 degrees F. Thermal tolerance obviously varies with each individual. On this program, we recommend you seriously consider wearing a wetsuit. Please remember that some kind of covering (such as a Lycra suit or even pajamas!) when in the water is highly recommended as protection from sun, occasional stinging marine organisms, or to prevent coral abrasions.

Financial Information

The cost of this program is TBA, based on double occupancy, excluding international airfare from Los Angeles to Tonga, but including domestic air within Tonga on group flights. For those requesting a single room an additional supplement of $850 will be added to the tour cost. Please be advised that single space is limited and subject to availability.