Tonga
"Humpback Heaven"
Trip Details
Sept 24 - Oct 1 / 2025
8 Days, 7 Nights
9 Members
8 Spots Available
4 Experiences
Unique Activities / Excursions
From $9,000 USD
Per Person
Please note, this trip will be lead by World Playground Ambassador Virgnie Simard. Brooks Laich, Jeff Shafar and Kyle Vandever will not be joining this trip.
Tonga"Humpback Heaven"
Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure to Tonga, a pristine South Pacific paradise, where the royal blue waters beckon with the promise of an unforgettable encounter with humpback whales. As you set sail into the vast open ocean, anticipation builds for the magical moment when you slip into the water to swim alongside these majestic giants. Guided by experienced local operators and respecting ethical wildlife guidelines, immerse yourself in the serene waters to witness the graceful movements and gentle curiosity of humpback whales in their natural habitat. The sheer enormity of these magnificent creatures, combined with the crystal-clear visibility of Tonga’s waters, creates an otherworldly and humbling experience, forging a profound connection with nature.
Feel the exhilaration as you share the ocean with these gentle giants, hearing their cheerful songs and witnessing their acrobatic displays. The encounter provides an intimate glimpse into the underwater world of humpback whales, fostering a deep appreciation for their grace and intelligence. Return to the boat with a heart full of wonder and gratitude, having forged a connection with one of the ocean’s most majestic species in the pristine and unspoiled waters of Tonga. This adventure promises not just a swim with humpback whales but an immersive journey into the heart of nature’s grandeur and the breathtaking biodiversity that defines this remote island destination.
What's
Included
Experience a hassle-free journey where every aspect is seamlessly bundled for a carefree and comprehensive travel experience.
All Accommodations
Nestled in the heart of the island, three quaint townhouses offer a charming retreat, where each stay is a delightful immersion into cozy surroundings, capturing the essence of island living.
All Meals
Elevating the dining experience, a private chef transforms each meal into a culinary masterpiece, tailored to individual tastes and preferences, creating an indulgent and memorable gastronomic journey.
All Transfers
All transfers will be provided, including to and from the airport on your arrival and departure.
All Experiences
All professional guides, crew and boats are included in the package. We have partnered with the very best service providers in Tonga, and will ensure a private group experience with the whales for our Members.
Fun Group Atmosphere
Infused with laughter and camaraderie, our group atmosphere exudes a contagious sense of fun, making every moment a memorable and enjoyable experience.
App Itinerary
Two weeks prior to the adventure, you will receive a link to download the full adventure itinerary, detailing everything you will need to know for the trip. Available for iOS and Android.
Pre-Trip Video Chats
We will have two group Zoom calls with all Members on the adventure. The first call will be held shortly after the trip is sold out, and the second call will be one week prior to the trip start date, to review logistics and answer any final questions.
Safety
Your safety is our primary concern. We understand the concern with traveling to a remote island and swimming with humpback whales in the open ocean, so we have partnered with the very best service providers in the region to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Enjoy These
Experiences
Explore a variety of captivating experiences, each providing a unique chance to engage in diverse moments of discovery and enjoyment.
Humpback Whales
Swimming with humpback whales is an awe-inspiring experience, where the graceful giants create vivid memories in the underwater realm, offering an unparalleled adventure of exhilaration.
Manta Rays
Swimming with manta rays unveils an enchanting ballet of these graceful creatures gliding through the ocean depths, creating an enriching and unforgettable marine encounter.
Swim In Caves
An immersive experience that is a surreal fusion of adventure and tranquility, as sunlight dances on the water’s surface, revealing the hidden wonders within the subterranean chamber.
Island Tour
A scenic drive around Vava’u Island is a captivating exploration of lush landscapes, picturesque coastal vistas, and charming villages, immersing in the island’s natural beauty and local culture.
ADVENTURE BEGINS IN...
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Meet Our Team
Guiding and overseeing this expedition will be WP Member & Ambassador Virginie Simard. Virgnie’s enthusiasm for swimming with humpback whales is unmatched, fueled by a lifelong passion for marine life. In 2024, she completed the unforgettable experience of swimming with humpback whales and is eagerly anticipating a return in 2025 for more awe-inspiring encounters.
“Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga was a life-changing experience—being so close to these gentle giants in their natural habitat made me feel both humbled and deeply connected to the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Watching them glide gracefully through the water was awe-inspiring, and hearing their mezmerizing songs beneath the surface was like witnessing a secret world. It’s a reminder of how truly majestic and fragile our marine ecosystems are, and how important it is to protect them so future generations can experience this profound connection to nature.”
– Virginie Simard
Meet Our Team
Guiding and overseeing this expedition will be WP Member & Ambassador Virginie Simard. Virgnie’s enthusiasm for swimming with humpback whales is unmatched, fueled by a lifelong passion for marine life. In 2024, she completed the unforgettable experience of swimming with humpback whales and is eagerly anticipating a return in 2025 for more awe-inspiring encounters.
“Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga was a life-changing experience—being so close to these gentle giants in their natural habitat made me feel both humbled and deeply connected to the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Watching them glide gracefully through the water was awe-inspiring, and hearing their mezmerizing songs beneath the surface was like witnessing a secret world. It’s a reminder of how truly majestic and fragile our marine ecosystems are, and how important it is to protect them so future generations can experience this profound connection to nature.”
– Virginie Simard
Virginie Simard
WP Ambassador
Frequently Asked
Questions
"Humpback Heaven"
Tonga
Do I need to be a World Playground Member to book this adventure?
Yes, all our adventures are exclusively available for World Playground Members. If you’re not yet a Member but wish to join us on this exciting journey, you can easily sign up for a Monthly or Annual Membership by clicking here and then booking your spot on this adventure.
Will Brooks Laich or any World Playground staff be on this adventure?
Brooks Laich will not on this adventure, neither will World Playground staff members Jeff Shafar and Kyle Vandever. This adventure will be led by World Playground Ambassador Virginie Simard, who completed the same journey in 2024 and will offer skilled guidance to the group.
How do I book my spot on this adventure?
Do you accept solo travelers, couples and families?
Absolutely! Our community embraces individuals of all ages and demographics, inviting everyone to join our adventures. Approximately 70% of our community comprises females, with 30% being males. Moreover, nearly 70% of our Members are solo travelers, finding reassurance and security in our intimate small group settings.
Are flights included?
No, the adventure cost does not include international flights. This is due to our global Membership, making it challenging to accurately incorporate international flight expenses into the pricing. If you require assistance with booking international flights, our team can effortlessly manage your flight reservation, providing expert guidance and personalized solutions for a seamless and stress-free travel experience. Please email us for flight booking assistance.
What airport should I fly into?
Kindly arrange your arrival and departure through Vava'u International Airport (VAV) in Tonga.
Arrival: Please ensure that your arrival is no later than 12 PM on Wednesday, September 24 / 2025. We aim to have our entire group on Fiji Airways flight 275, departing from Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Fiji at 8 AM and arriving at Vava'u International Airport (VAV) in Tonga at 11:10 AM on September 24 / 2025.
If you prefer to break up your journey and arrive in Fiji (via Nadi International Airport (NAN)) a day or more before your flight to Tonga, we can assist in coordinating additional nights of accommodation at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort on your behalf, with the associated costs covered by you.
Departure: Please ensure that your departure is no later than 12 PM on Wednesday, October 1 / 2025. We aim to have our entire group on Fiji Airways flight 274, departing from Vava'u International Airport (VAV) in Tonga at 11:55 AM and arriving at Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Fiji at 1:15 PM on October 1 / 2025.
Please email us for flight booking assistance.
Do you offer travel insurance?
We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance for every adventure you take. We take pride in providing our Members with a range of Allianz Travel Insurance plans, each thoughtfully designed to offer distinct benefits and limits tailored to diverse travel needs.
Please email us for Travel and/or Medical Insurance assistance.
What is the payment process?
Payments are structured into two stages:
Payment #1: Secure your spot on this adventure with a non-refundable 50% deposit.
Payment #2: As outlined during the booking process, you will receive an invoice for the final 50% of the trip cost on the designated date.
We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, online payment gateways, ACH transfers, and both domestic and international bank wires.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation exceeding 180 days before the commencement of the adventure will lead to the retention of your existing payments as a credit applicable to a future adventure booked through us, whether it pertains to Group or Personal Travel, relieving you of any obligation to settle the remaining adventure cost.
Cancellation within 180 days of an adventure commencement will result in the forfeiture of payments made to date, absolving you of any responsibility for the remaining adventure cost.
All cancellations must be delivered via email to travel@worldplayground.co.
If I book the double occupancy option as a solo traveler, who will my roommate will be?
Once an adventure is fully booked, roommates will be assigned. Using a careful screening process, we will thoughtfully pair you with a roommate of the same sex and relative age, providing you with notification about your assigned roommate. This information will be posted on our adventure itinerary, and you will have access to it. We encourage you to acquaint yourself with your roommate via our Member Circle platform before the adventure. Alternatively, you can request to share a room with another Member participating in the adventure by emailing us.
How is the difficulty rating determined?
The rating system pertains to the physical demands of an adventure. A rating of one indicates the least difficulty, while a rating of five represents the most challenging. Ratings are assigned based on the perceived level of physical exertion required to complete all activities and experiences during the adventure.
