Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between French Polynesia and Tonga?
Whales migrate across the South Pacific, stopping at various islands. We love running trips in both Tonga and French Polynesia, as each offers unique experiences—neither is better or worse.
In both locations, encounters with whales vary. Some days, we spend hours in the water with them; other days, we may not see them at all. Tonga has more whales but also more boats, while French Polynesia has fewer whales and fewer boats. This balances out the opportunities for whale interactions.
Tonga allows only five people in the water at a time (three guests and two guides), ensuring quiet encounters but requiring guests to take turns. In French Polynesia, there’s no limit, but we coordinate with other boats to keep group sizes small. This sometimes results in more people in the water, but there are also moments when we have whales all to ourselves.
Tonga offers a wider variety of encounters—singers, heat runs, mothers with calves, and juveniles—while French Polynesia primarily features mothers and calves closer to shore, often over shallow coral reefs. If you value variety, Tonga is ideal. However, French Polynesia provides opportunities for deeper connections with the same whales. In 2022, we spent 25 hours over the season with a single mother and calf, building trust to the point where the mother rested while her calf interacted with us.
Both locations are exceptional, offering unforgettable, ethical, and respectful face-to-face interactions with these incredible wild animals. This is why we run trips in both places—whale swimming is a privilege unlike any other.
Is swimming with whales dangerous?
Swimming with whales is safe if you are respectful and follow instructions. Whales are among the most gentle and considerate animals, despite their size. We swim with them on their terms, guided by our licensed captain and guide. Unlike many animals, whales are aware and considerate, even in challenging situations, and will move their fins and bodies to avoid you, even if you're in their path.
While swimming with whales is safe, remember they are wild animals. It's crucial to follow the instructions of your guide, captain, or staff, as they have the final say in ensuring a safe and respectful encounter.
Which trip is the best? What part of the season should I come in?
Every season, day, and encounter is unique. We spend 5-7 days on the water (depending on the trip) to experience a variety of encounters and observe different behaviors. Whale behavior changes throughout the season, and there’s no predictable pattern for when we’ll encounter battles, singers, or mothers with calves. We might see a heat run and a calf on the same day, or have days with lots of singers and others with none. Some days we’ll spend hours in the water, while others may be shorter.
Nature is dynamic, but no matter what, we’re sure to have incredible, face-to-face experiences with humpbacks.
How close do the whales come?
Adults are typically aware of their boundaries and will maintain a respectful distance, usually staying 1-2 car lengths away, though they may come within arm's reach. They move with careful precision and agility in the water. Calves, however, may not yet understand boundaries and can come as close as 1 foot (30 cm), playfully rolling and gazing into your eyes. It’s one of the most amazing experiences you can have in life.
What type of interactions will we likely encounter?
We may encounter a wide range of interactions, including juveniles playing, mothers resting with their calves, large male singers hovering with their heads toward the ocean floor, heat runs (whale battles), playful calves, and even whales interacting with dolphins. Each whale has a unique personality that varies with age, making every encounter different. The possibilities are endless, and every experience is one of a kind.
Is swimming with whales ethical?
Ethics in whale watching is a complex topic, but generally, there is a right and wrong way to approach it. The licensed whale-watching boat we use accommodates a maximum of 6 guests, split into two teams. This ensures that at most 3 people are in the water with a guide at any given time. We move quietly and always on the whales' terms. If they don’t wish to interact, they will quickly swim away or signal us to leave. We prioritize the whales’ comfort and go to great lengths to ensure our presence doesn’t cause them stress. Some whales may be unfazed by us, while others may be curious, playful, or even fascinated. We remain flexible and adjust to the situation as needed.
What swimming and/or fitness level is required?
Most people are physically capable of this trip, but you should be able to swim and snorkel. Ideally, you should be able to swim 200 meters (similar to swimming back and forth in a pool) to reach the whales from the boat. You'll also need to swim back to the boat and climb aboard, either via ladder or by pulling yourself up. Comfort with snorkeling and wearing fins is essential. Water conditions can vary from calm, glassy waters to larger swells and rough waves.
We strongly recommend spending as much time in the water as possible before your trip to prepare.
Important note: We will not be wearing life vests.
Are there health limitations for this trip?
This trip is physically demanding. If you have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions, this trip may not be suitable for you, and you must disclose them at sign-up. We strongly advise against participating if you have injuries or conditions related to your back, spine, knees, shoulders, heart, lungs, or any other limiting health issues.
If you are over the age of 55, we require a physician’s release of health and a list of any pre-existing medical conditions. Without a clean bill of health, you may not be able to join the trip.
Please note that Tonga is a developing nation with limited access to emergency care or high-quality medical assistance. You will be required to have DAN insurance, comprehensive travel insurance, and personal health insurance.
Do I need insurance for the trip?
Many of the locations where we guide trips have limited access to emergency care or high-quality medical assistance. You will be required to have DAN insurance, comprehensive travel insurance, and personal health insurance.
Do I need any diving or SCUBA certifications?
Nope! No formal diving certifications are required for this trip, although they can be beneficial. We will only be snorkeling and freediving with the whales. All you need is a snorkel, mask, fins, and a wetsuit.
SCUBA diving with humpback whales is prohibited, as the bubbles produced during dives can interfere with the whales' behavior—using them to obscure vision, hide behind, and conceal females, which could be interpreted as aggressive.
What gear will I need for the trip?
No gear is provided, so you will need to bring your own snorkel, mask, and fins. Wetsuits or lycra shirts are recommended as they provide warmth and additional flotation. A full packing list is provided below.
We are happy to offer advice on equipment after booking.
Although our trip leaders have experience in underwater photography, please note that our trips are not photo tours. We offer snorkeling and swimming tours focused on in-water encounters with whales. There are no photo package add-ons available. Our tours are not geared toward underwater photographers, as we prioritize respecting the whales and allowing them to control the interactions. We do not chase photo opportunities, as our goal is to avoid causing the whales any stress. If the whales choose to leave, we respect their decision.
Will you help take photos of us with the whales on the trips?
Is there an age requirement?
The typical age requirement for our trips is 18. However, if you wish to bring someone younger, they must be accompanied by an adult and must be capable swimmers. These trips are designed for adults, and we cannot provide additional entertainment or supervision for young children.
Karim Iliya is the founder of Dance with Whales and leads as many trips as he can each year at all our locations. However, he is not our only trip leader, as that wouldn't be sustainable. We have assembled a passionate and skilled crew with deep knowledge of marine life to lead our trips. You can be sure that whoever leads your trip will be doing what they love and will be excited to have you join.
Will Karim be guiding
my trip?
Packing List
This is a general guide. For specific questions or concerns please get in touch with us.
Essentials
Reusable water bottle
Swimsuit
Reef safe sunscreen
Sunglasses
Rain jacket
Sweater (for evenings and warming up on the boat)
Bug spray
Hat
Toiletries and personal medications (limited access)
Plug adapter
Gear
Snorkel, mask and fins (we recommend fins that do not require boots)
Wetsuit (2-3mm) – full suit, spring suit, short arm suit, steamer suit, or neoprene top
We will spend long periods of time in the water. Even warm water temperatures (23-27˚ C, 73-81˚ F) will strip your body heat.
Additionally a wetsuit will help provide UV protection for the long periods on the boat.
Recommended
Personal first aid kit
Headlamp or flashlight
Waterproof bag or backpack
Camera (and related accessories)
Thermos or insulated water bottle
Favorite snacks
Clothes for dinners in town
Women: We recommend bringing a Diva Cup. It tends to be the easiest and most comfortable way to swim if traveling during your period.