Whale Discoveries
Whale Discoveries
4.9
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About
Whale Discoveries is based at Nomuka Island Ha'apai Tonga and is a watersports and activities company specialising in package trips for humpback whalewatching/snorkeling, Tofua volcano treking, kitesurfing ,surfing , stand up paddleboarding, Kayaking, scuba diving, free diving and more. Come and join the passionate and experienced crew for a most memorable adventure in Tonga! Our vessels are both perfect platforms for ocean based activities with safety, stability and comfort number one.
Ha'apai Islands, Tonga
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4.9
47 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
dfauch
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We had the most magical week aboard Wildlife. The Sheens took wonderful care of us, cooking up homemade, delicious, healthy meals, taking us swimming - respectfully - with whales all day for some amazing encounters, and playing games in the evening. We spent my birthday on board and they went out of their way to make it really special (thank you!).
Being on a liveaboard in Ha’apai you have pretty much the ocean (and hence the whales) to yourself. You could not have a better set up - we rarely saw other groups / boats which is unique to our knowledge. The whales were clearly totally comfortable and engaged sometimes for an hour of play at a time, with the limiting factor being the maximum 90mins you’re allowed to spend in the water per encounter, rather than a lack of opportunity.
BOOK!
Being on a liveaboard in Ha’apai you have pretty much the ocean (and hence the whales) to yourself. You could not have a better set up - we rarely saw other groups / boats which is unique to our knowledge. The whales were clearly totally comfortable and engaged sometimes for an hour of play at a time, with the limiting factor being the maximum 90mins you’re allowed to spend in the water per encounter, rather than a lack of opportunity.
BOOK!
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve
Wellington, New Zealand8 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
A wonderful experience with an awesome family. We were privileged to have spent 4 days with two businesses collaborating where 2 days on wildlife with patience and respect were given to all mammals. Truly a life changing experience with an experienced crew.
Written 3 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J T
Opua, New Zealand14 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
I won't repeat all the glowing reports from others. They are all true and accurate. We have experienced other whale watching trips in Tonga and there is no one that provides the experiences and respect for the whales more than these folks. They have created a lovely paradise on the island (where Cook and Bligh used to stop) and complement it with a sailing catamaran and powerful chase boat. Their package of several days on the catamaran and several days on the island is a wonderful way to experience Tonga. Don't come here if you want the resort experience with chlorine pools and fancy restaurants. However, if you want to join the family for a few days experiencing Tonga and whales, there is no better choice.
Written 28 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kstar
10 contributions
We had the most wonderful day trip with Dave and trist on their catamaran 'wildlife'. Swam with the whales twice which was absolutely incredible. Then got a beautiful sail in the sun as well as a delicious lunch! We have absolutely nothing bad to say and would recommend it a hundred times over!! Kim and Ryan, new zealand.
Written 22 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LBRB8185
47 contributions
My wife and I did 3 days with Dave and Trish in early September. Had whale swims every day and had a great time. I highly recommend these guys. They are professional and clearly have a huge passion for what they do. If you are going to haapai use these guys for sure and if you considering whether or not to go to haapai or vavau, we highly recommend you do your swims in haapai. Fewer boats, more professional and much better chances of getting good swims. There is obviously a bit of "luck" involved finding the whale but everyone we spoke to had much more "luck" in haapai. It's also a beautiful place to stay!
Written 21 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell B
San Francisco5 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
We went 4 times with Whale Discoveries in late August early September 2011. This is the way to go for whale swimming in Tonga. Owners Dave and Tris are very nice, incredibly knowledgeable, and very adept at providing once in a lifetime experiences with the whales, above and below water. Their approach with the whales is great as well, and welcome for those concerned about the whole whale swimming thing and negative effects on whales. They observe groups of whales from a distance and wait for the ones that are resting and comfortable - so you get excellent underwater experiences. No craziness, no thrashing about about chasing after whales, none of that. The whole experience is very controlled and you get the sense that it has no negative effect on the whales. We had multiple, 15+ minute close encounters with mothers and calves that were resting (even sleeping). They have 2 boats, a zodiac type which is faster and a larger catamaran which is very comfortable. We went once in Vavau with another operator and were a little put off by the whole experience. Since there are way fewer operators in Hapaii there is no real issue with competition affecting your experience (multiple boats on the same whale). I think this is one of the reasons this company moved from Vavau. They have great food for lunches as well. This activity is expensive but well worth it with these guys. If you want to whale swim in Tonga - this is the place!
Written 12 September 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yara H
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia13 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
It is really hard to put into words when you have an experience that takes your breath away and you are able to share it with such a great bunch of people. Apart from the incredible whale encounters, and the amount of time we actually spent in the water observing these amazing creatures, Dave and Tris who run the boat make the experience. Special touches like dropping a microphone into the water so we can hear the whale song as we eat a delicious healthy feast cooked by Tris out on the sunny deck, to the comfort factor of the boat itself... ( Really comfy, lots of space to chill out, clean, cozy and spacious.) With an emphasis for conservation and a contagious love for the whales, you are guaranteed to learn a lot about them and have a blast in the company of lovely people who really respect these amazing creatures ..And if you want Tris and Dave will share their vast knowledge, amazing whale stories and experiences with you. Both of them are whale whisperers which meant we had lots of encounters and were able to hang out with LOTS of humpbacks. I cannot recommend this trip enough. Once in a lifetime bucket list stuff. ( Although i am going back next year for more : -) If you are thinking of doing this... Don't hesitate for one second. It is totally worth it! Don't miss out !
Written 22 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Izabell T
Hobart, Australia6 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
After sailing 5 days around the Kingdom of Tonga on Wildfire with Dave and his absolutely wonderful family who looked after us I am still in awe of it all. The experiences we had with the Whales are hard to express as there are no words that covers the experiences we had in the dictionary. Our team of 4 ladies from the ages of mid 40's to 60's had a an experience that will live in our hearts. This is a holiday of relaxation, having adventures and seeing the wonderful sights and visiting isolated islands with little villages or no one on with the reefs full of colours to snorkel in. If you are looking for the ultimate adventure, with this wonderful family who are so passionate in what they do, just do it, Wildfire is very comfortable and the food deeeeelicious. We were well looked after and the Whale encounters we had were varied. Snorkelling over the top of a singing Whale was amazing feeling the vibrations hit the chest, and when standing up in the water the body feeling the vibrations from toes all the way through to the top of the head. Absolutely recommended to those who are thinking of doing this. Loved it...... 100 out of 100 experience..... :)
Written 6 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Auckland, New Zealand23 contributions
July 2013 • Family
We booked nearly a year ago for 10 days on Wildlife whale watching in Haapai.
The whole trip went way beyond any of our expectations. With Dave, Tris and crew we were so well looked after.
We swam and interacted with about 18 whales and saw many more frolicking about around us, hearing the whale song through the hull at night was a highlight.
Wildlife is a large 50~ft catamaran, spacious and comfortable, the food was excellent and healthy! With freshly caught fish whenever possible.
Dave and Tris have one much knowledge and happily share their amazing stories of their travels, whales and sailing.
We joined the boat in Haapai and sailed out to the western part of the group and then south and onto Nuku Alofa, she sails like dream, fast and exiting, yet perfectly steady.
We were a group of 4 adults and 2 teenagers, all of us to be looked after, but nothing was ever too much trouble for any of the crew.
A holiday of a lifetime, hopefully we can do it again.
Can't recommend it enough:)
The whole trip went way beyond any of our expectations. With Dave, Tris and crew we were so well looked after.
We swam and interacted with about 18 whales and saw many more frolicking about around us, hearing the whale song through the hull at night was a highlight.
Wildlife is a large 50~ft catamaran, spacious and comfortable, the food was excellent and healthy! With freshly caught fish whenever possible.
Dave and Tris have one much knowledge and happily share their amazing stories of their travels, whales and sailing.
We joined the boat in Haapai and sailed out to the western part of the group and then south and onto Nuku Alofa, she sails like dream, fast and exiting, yet perfectly steady.
We were a group of 4 adults and 2 teenagers, all of us to be looked after, but nothing was ever too much trouble for any of the crew.
A holiday of a lifetime, hopefully we can do it again.
Can't recommend it enough:)
Written 2 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon F
Adelaide, Australia6 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
Truly a breathtaking experience - if it's not on your bucket list it should be. And if I can do it anyone can - I'm not a strong swimmer or experienced snorkeller, but to my surprise I soon learned to be comfortable swimming in deep ocean and watching the humpback whale mothers and calves - amazingly close yet gentle and safe. Dave and Tristin's sensitive and very professional leadership ensured a top experience - with excellent boats and swim gear, friendly Tongan crew, and tasty lunches topped off with fresh coconut milk.
Whales don't follow a timetable so be prepared to spend a few days on the water - every day was different and all were well worth it. And if you really don't dig swimming you can watch whale action from the boat.
Matafonua Lodge on the northern tip of Foa Island is a perfect, relaxed and intimate to stay nearby. Say g'day to Darren and Nina and the staff from Peggy and Simon! And to the whales!!
Whales don't follow a timetable so be prepared to spend a few days on the water - every day was different and all were well worth it. And if you really don't dig swimming you can watch whale action from the boat.
Matafonua Lodge on the northern tip of Foa Island is a perfect, relaxed and intimate to stay nearby. Say g'day to Darren and Nina and the staff from Peggy and Simon! And to the whales!!
Written 1 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
My boyfriend and I will be staying at Serenity Beaches in July and were wondering if we could arrange some snorkel and whale watching tours with you! Are there any availabilities left?
Thanks
Ella and Dan
Written 26 June 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.