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Sustainable Whale Encounters

Whilst whale swims and encounters are absolutely incredible and life changing - our focus at Mounu is to deliver this sustainably, without adding pressure onto the whales whilst they are here mating and calving.

 

We have 2 purpose built Aluminium Catamarans for sole charter use or shared hire.  With easy access in and out of the water, toilet, seats and shelter from weather and top viewing platform

Vava'u, faces several challenges when it comes to whale watching, particularly increased pressure from inexperienced operators. Maintaining these licenses requires strict adherence to Tongan whale-watching regulations, which are designed to keep us safe and protect the whales well-being.

 

The relatively short whale season runs from July to end of October​.  During this time here you will have the chance to see where they have their babies in the sheltered waters.  Witness the huge ariel displays and explosive heat runs (pre mating behaviour)  Listen to the males sing their haunting song and come away with a deeper respect and knowledge of the whales - all found here right on the doorstep of Mounu

It's called Whale Watching - and thats what we have to do - all eyes spotting for the whales.  Need to find the whales before we can swim with them.  Fluke shots are saved so we can identify whales with HappyWhale or Tongan Whale Collective.

We ask you, as a tourist to carefully select your company and act as an advocate for the protection of the whales. Please read below on basic regulation info.   Report badly behaved operators to the Ministry of Tourism.

PRIVATE BOOKINGS TAKEN FOR WHALE WATCH TRIPS - ENJOY THE DAY WITH OUR EXPERIENCED SKIPPER AND GUIDE - VARIOUS PACKAGES AND PRICING AVAILABLE

Key guidelines for whale-watching operators in Tonga:

01.

Distance and Approach

  • Maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters (328 feet) from the whales.

  • Approach whales from the side, moving parallel to their direction of travel, and should never approach head-on or from behind.

02.

Swim with Whales Rules

  • Max of 4 swimmers and one guide are allowed in the water at a time with the whales.

  • Maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters (33 feet) from the whales.

  • Swimmers are prohibited from diving beneath the whale or chasing it.

03.

Time Limits

  • Whale-watching encounters are limited to a maximum duration of 90 minutes to reduce stress on the animals.

  • Only two vessels are allowed near a group of whales at any one time to avoid overcrowding.

  • No queuing and hounding whales.

04.

Whale Behavior

  • Operators recognize signs of whale distress or discomfort. If a whale shows signs of stress (e.g., tail slapping, erratic movement, or diving suddenly), the boat or swimmers must leave the area.

  • If there is a mother with a calf, extra caution is required, and interaction times are often shorter!

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