2022 EXPEDITIONS
Join me swimming with the gentle giants of Vava'u Tonga!
TRIP OVERVIEW
- 7 nights accomodation on the tropical island of Vava’u
- 5 full days swimming with the whales
- Small intimate groups – maximum of 7 guests
- Snorkelling on tropical coral reefs
- Swimming and exploring stunning ocean caves
- Photography & editing workshops
- Tongan welcome feast
- Airport transfers
Join us
OUR PASSION
For most, the full brilliance of our natural world is a spectacle seldom seen. As an environmental scientist, freediver and wildlife photographer, my job is to take you as close to this raw beauty as possible, and to do my part in bringing deeper appreciation and conservation to our natural wonders.
Every year thousands of beautiful humpback whales make their annual migration from the freezing feeding grounds of Antarctica, to the warm blue paradise of Tonga to mate and give birth! Despite their large size and weighing over 30 tonnes, humpback are complete gentle giants! They’re inquisitive, intelligent and very self-aware creatures that regularly allow for breathtaking interactions in the water.
Jono Allen Personal Guide
WHY JOIN ME?
My personal guided encounters aren’t called “tours” for very good reasons. I don’t believe in the “take a seat and smile for the camera” approach, particularly when in the presence of something as special as a humpback whale. My encounters bring you as close as possible to the whales in every way, while guiding I provide a deeper understanding of the whales, their physiology, behaviour & understanding their personalities. As this knowledge deepens so does our ability to successfully approach the whales underwater, and most importantly to connect and engage with them, leading to that face to face encounter we all dream of.
I believe in supporting the local Tongan community of Vava’u, after all it’s the Kingdom of Tonga that allow us to swim with their gentle giants each year. I strive to use local services, food, accommodation & staff wherever possible, without compromising on quality.
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Photo: Jordan Robins
ABOUT VAVA’U
Vava’u is a small community orientated island in the northern region of the Kingdom of Tonga. The island is lush and green and surrounded by clear warm blue water. Given the remote location, Vava’u is relatively basic in nature. While it still has restaurants, cafes, a pharmacy, ATMs, bakery & 4G phone signal, it doesn’t have the kind of selection we have back home.
ACCOMODATION
Guests can relax knowing that every person/couple is provided with their own room and ensuite bathroom, in a hotel hired exclusively for our use. The hotel is a short walk to town and boasts a stunning view over the islands.
“When we think about the opportunity an experience like this provides us to connect to the natural world, nothing compares. I can’t recommend this trip or Jono more highly.”
- Chloe. M.
