So hard to find the words to describe the experience, but epic, majestic, magical and breathtaking all come to mind! Our captain and guide were top notch and made sure we had the best experiences with the whales while keeping us safe and knowing our abilities. Nadia came by Mystic Sands every day to check on us and made sure we had dinner plans if it wasn't a bento box day (those bento boxes - OMG! If you're at Mystic Sands, definitely get them!). Swimming in such close proximity to such massive creatures was absolutely incredible, and the small group configuration gives each swimmer such an intimate experience with the whales. We hope to be back soon!
LL
Lloyd L.
Amazing Humpback Swims!
This was one of the most spectacular experiences of my life. I thought it would be good, but it surpassed all expectations. I love the Tongan people's hospitality. Such wonderful, loving people. That same loving attitude extends to their whale residents and you can feel it when you're out swimming with them. I felt a warm, personal connection with the whales. The whales know they are in safe harbors with the Tongan people and their friends. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who's thinking of going. There's no place like it. Thank you Tonga and Humpback Swims for dream like experiences!
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Heather U.
Best trip of our entire lives
Best trip of our entire lives! Nadia runs an extraordinary program! Her team is the finest in Tonga and she has thought of everything. We waited years after putting down our deposit (because of Covid) and the wait was soooo worth it! Even with the 17 hour time difference, Nadia replied right away to my every question. If you are passionate about whales and epic experiences, do not miss the chance to swim with these gentle giants! Their song, gaze, curiosity and playfulness are hypnotic. Memories to last a lifetime! Thank you Nadia.. we will forever cherish our memories with you and your fabulous team.
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Carolyn F.
Amazing and Unforgettable experience !!
From beginning to end the experience was outstanding !! Nadia offers great video’s and information to prepare you for the trip, what to expect in Vava’u, Tonga, what to expect on the Whale swim days, information about the boats and how to swim with Whales. This information is truly valuable and leverages the extensive Whale swim and Tonga experience Nadia has. We stayed at Mystic Sands which was awesome, gorgeous place, run by incredibly hospitable, friendly, and professional people. Wonderful experience !! Now what we were there for…. Whales… absolutely incredible encounters !! Our captain and guide were brilliant, friendly, skilled and worked hard to find the Whales and wonderful experiences for us. The weather was a bit rough and windy on some days and this all part of the experience, while Nadia and her team delivered amazing outcomes, they can’t control the weather : ) If you have ever wanted to swim with Humpbacks, then I would highly recommend HumpbackSwims… Nadia and her team are incredible and made sure we were well looked after and had incredible encounters with these amazing, majestic, magical, awesome creatures. Unforgettable experience !!
CF
Cj F.
Humpback swims
Humpback swims, is absolutely amazing. Nadia and her team are fantastic. Very knowledgeable, very thorough and took care of everything we needed. I would, without a doubt, book with them again. We stayed at Mystic Sands and could not have been taken care of any better. Anything we needed they were on it. For Nadia and her team to do what they do when traveling halfway around the world and to make things so smooth is Phenomenal. We had originally booked in 2018 for the 2020 slots... Well with Covid shutting everything down we were very concerned about how everything would work out. Nadia stayed in touch and gave updates when anything changed or came up. We finally were able to take the trip this September. The whale swimming experience was so extremely magical and life-changing. After going and seeing the other options of companies and lodgings I am very pleased that we used and stayed with Nadia and the people of Mystic Sands. They have the best boats and guides. I could go on and on about how great our experience was. If you are questioning to book this trip, just do it, you will not regret it..... I would also only ever book with Nadia. She will make sure you have everything you need to have an epic trip!
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Tony T.
Epic!!
I just returned from an amazing adventure in Tonga with Nadia and her amazing staff and crew. If feelings can be put into words they would be Amazing, Epic, Life Changing. Made friends and memories for life. Thank you Nadia and I look forward to future adventures with you!!!
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Linda
Amazing experience!
I recently had the privilege of embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience: swimming with humpback whales, and I must say, it was absolutely amazing! From the moment I arrived to the day of departure, every aspect of this adventure left me in awe and utter delight. The crew played an instrumental role in making this experience truly exceptional. Their extensive knowledge of humpback whales and their natural habitat was impressive. They provided detailed briefings, ensuring we were well-prepared and informed about safety guidelines and respectful behaviour around these majestic creatures. The accommodation provided during the holiday was great too and the staff was very friendly. My holiday experience of swimming with humpback whales was a remarkable journey! It was an unforgettable adventure! 100% recommended!
LO
Louise
Once in a lifetime
If you consider booking this, do not hesitate. It will be something you never forgot! I have traveled and experienced a lot, but nothing compares to this experience🐋
Unreal, amazing, perfect!!!!!
Thank you so much for setting the scene and creating the best circumstances for this experience. Prior to the trip, both the booking process and guidance upon arrival (and support when our plane got canceled and plans changed) was 10/10 and made me feel secure and well prepared. During our stay, everything went smoothly. Staying at Flying Anniemoa was a great experience with good rooms and very open and heartwarming hosts. The boats were spacious with both inside and outside space (good for us that normally gets seasick), and everything just went smoothly in terms of lunches, pick up etc.
BUT, the best part was the crew! Our skipper and our whale guide were AWESOME and truly committed and experienced - providing us with so many unbelievable whaleswims. Also, humpbackswims truly sticks to the regulations of for example not duck diving, keeping a fair distance to the whales etc. And this is just so great to see and support! I felt that everything was done with the whales well-being as the top priority and that is just awesome and so so important. We had so many great encounters and respecting the whales really pays off in some unforgettable experiences. For example, our guide Sifa took the time to let a mom and calf get used to our boat for some time. When showing signs of being ok with us being there, we got in the water and kept a good distance and let them feel safe. Suddenly, the calf and mom came closer all by themselves and it was a truly precious moment with a sleeping mom who trusted us completely and a calf that started to play around us. This is just one example of many unique encounters we had during our trip.
Nadia has been super helpful the whole way in guidance, advice, reminders etc and acted as an awesome host while we were there! Giving us a quick guide to the town etc etc 🙏🏻
I had dreamt of doing this since I was a little girl, and I had a much better experience that I could have ever dreamed of. Thank you to everyone who was part of making our stay and experience a once in a lifetime and one to remember forever. I really hope to be back one day and do it all over! Nothing else compares to being in the water with these gentle and beautiful giants❤️
I can only recommend humpbackswims (and Nadia, I hope to join one of the other SDL tours in the future)🥳
Thank you for this experience - I’ll never forget this trip!!!!!!