Humpback whales of Vava’u, Tonga
Vavaʻu again delivered an unforgettable experience, blending beautiful scenery, dramatic weather, wonderful people, and intimate encounters with humpback whales. The trip was timed to coincide with the peak of the whale season, when Southern Hemisphere humpbacks migrate to Tonga’s warm waters to breed, give birth, and nurse their young.
Humpack whale calf, Vava’u, Tonga.
We had tough weather for half of this trip, with large seas, heavy rain and above-water visibility falling to ~50 meters on days. On the day with the most intense weather we were witness to the brief formation of several water spouts. Waterspouts form when winds from different directions converge, forcing air upward and creating a low-level rotating funnel. These towering columns of rotating air and water created a surreal backdrop.
Humpback whale with calf, Vava’u, Tonga.
There were many highlights of the trip, including a 15-whale heat run. A heat run is a competitive mating display where males chase a female, vying for her attention. The water churned with energy as massive bodies surged past, sometimes just meters away.
Humpback whale heat run, Vava’u, Tonga.
In contrast, other days offered the serene and moving experience of watching a mother and calf rest together in a sheltered bay. The calves are often curious, coming right up to you. On several days we were forced to swim away from calves as they carelessly swung their tails around. Although only months old, some of the calves already weigh up to 3,000kg.
Humpback whale with calf, Vava’u, Tonga.
Humpback whale with Jess, Vava’u, Tonga.
Humpback whale up close, Vava’u, Tonga.
I again stayed with Blue Lagoon Resort in Vavaú. They host a small number of guests on a beautiful little island. It was a privilege to swim with humpbacks in the special waters of Vavaú. I will certainly be back again.
Blue Lagoon Resort, Vava’u, Tonga.
