“An unprecedented experience that will stay with you forever” 5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 4, 2014 NEW One of the reasons my wife and I chose Tonga was the because the kingdom is one of the few world locations that you can actually get in the water with these almost mythical beasts. We took a lot of time researching which operator wed use and settled on Jeff & Chris because all there communication indicated they value the Whales safety as much as their patrons enjoyment. Jeff operates a smaller boat only taking 8 passengers and we were lucky enough to land a spectacular day. It started with a snorkel over the beautiful still reef off Malinoa Island then it was out into the water to try and spot these gentle giants of the ocean. Our morning was to be a fruitless one and so we headed for an early lunch on Tao, a picture postcard island only inhabited by a plethora of hermit crabs. It was on Tao I tried to manage my expectations. It was very early in the season, Whales are tremendously hard to spot on the surface and fate may not favour us on this day - this is worth taking into consideration because I found it hard and we are talking of wild animals if their own habitat but passage is no guarantee. As luck would have it towards the middle of the afternoon fortune did favour us and in the most awe inspiring way. Jeff paused the boat a good distance from the whale and we were instructed into the water at just that moment Jeff called she is swimming right towards you just stay still. The next minute passed like an hour as a 40-50ft female humpback swam right towards us, seemingly pausing curiously to inspect us. She then effortlessly gave her tale a wave and preceded down to the depths below. Im a very pragmatic person and this was a close to a spiritual experience as Ive ever encountered in 45 countries around the globe. It was truly beautiful. If this wasnt enough on our second time in the water she rose like a submarine right below us again inquisitive to see what was happening or simply to take a breath - whatever the reason these are memories that will stay with me until Im old and grey. The following day I went out with Jeff again to participate in the local game fishing contest. Again it tells you a lot about Jeff that he took out a complete novice which would impact on his own enjoyment. We had yet another great day, seeing a school of sailfish breaching, catching 2 dog fish Tuna and 1 Maui Maui and just to cap off one of the most spectacular 48 hours of my life we saw more whales, this time a large male breaching time and time again. If you are looking for a considerate, professional operator who clearly demonstrates his passion and respect for the whales that allow his business to exist then stop your search. Youve found it. Thanks Jeff & Chris for everything. Visited July 2014 Another amazing story to share from tripadvisor! Thank you Dave and Sharon:) tripadvisor/ShowUserReviews-g294142-d4444082-r219394664-Whale_Swim_Dive_Tours_Private_Tour-Nuku_alofa_Tongatapu_Island.html#REVIEWS
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 03:54:44 +0000
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