Whale Watching and Sailing Adventure
in the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga

Sail, Snorkel, Explore

On a skippered charter on Melinda we explore the 40 islands of the Vava'u group, anchoring near a different tropical island each night. You can explore the island, snorkel or just relax. Our crew will provide any needed snorkeling instruction to the novice, and lively discussion of reef inhabitants with the experts. Some of the smaller, uninhabited islands, are surrounded by white sand beaches, while others have dramatic limestone cliffs with sea level caves. Besides snorkeling, we can hike through lush tropical forests to vistas overlooking sheer cliffs where the surf crashes in the turqouise water, or we can explore a stretch of beach, poking into tidepools full of marine life.

Accommodation onboard our sailing vessel while whale watching in Tonga
The very deep, but warm and sheltered waters of Vava'u, Tonga provide one of the South Pacific's most important habitats for the endangered southern humpback whales, which come to Vava'u every year to mate and birth. The 100 ft visibility of the water enhances an encounter with humpback whales if we have an opportunity to get in the water with them. Sometimes we are lulled to sleep by whale song at night, or we wake up to the sight of whales breaching in the distance as we breakfast on deck. Scuba diving is not allowed with the whales, but with patience we may have opportunities to snorkel with the whales.

Encounters with Humpback Whales
After being driven nearly to extinction, Humpback whales are making a comeback, not only in the seas, but in human consiousness. With their haunting songs and evidence of culture—even language, they are now embraced as mysterious long-neglected kin, perhaps a seat of wisdom deeper and more enduring than our own. Exhilarating and humbling, encountering whales can be a life-changing experience. However it should not be assumed that in the water encounters are a daily occurrence. These are wild animals in the their natural habitat.

100 ft Visibility in Crystal Clear Water
Volcanoes, underwater caves, a wide variety of hard corals, over 100 species of colorful tropical fish, giant clams, manta rays, sea turtles, spinner dolphins, not to mention the Humpback whales! There is a vast array of underwater wilderness to explore. And you can experience it in warm tropical water with visibility often exceeding 100 ft. You can snorkel off the boat or we can arrange scuba diving at an additional cost. While living onboard you can explore a different tropical island each day, as well as sailing through one of the most beautiful island groups in the South Pacific.

Cruise, Snorkel, Dive, Explore Uninhabited Islands
In addition to whale watching, we can explore the 40 islands of the Vava'u group. Anchoring near a different island in Tonga's Vava'u group each night. You can explore the island, snorkel or just relax. Scuba diving can be arranged for an extra cost. Our crew will provide any needed snorkeling instruction to the novice, and lively discussion of reef inhabitants with the experts. Some of the smaller, uninhabited islands,are surrounded by white sand beaches, while others have dramatic limestone cliffs with sea level caves. Besides snorkeling, we can hike through lush tropical forests to vistas overlooking sheer cliffs where the surf crashes in the turqouise water, or we can explore a stretch of beach, poking into tidepools full of marine life.