WHALE WATCH/SWIM CHARTER ON SAILING CATAMARAN "Independence"

Whale watch/swim tour

Melinda Sea Adventures has been operating whale watching tours in Vava'u since 1998. We provide a safe comfortable environment for our guests and an informative, respectful experience with the humpback whales. We have both live-aboard multi-night trips as well as daytrips available on our 44 ft sailing catamaran "Independence".

Live-aboard Independence

“Independence” is a beautiful St Francis luxury catamaran. Three spacious guest cabins with en suite make this the best way to see the whales in comfort. Each night we anchor at an island close to the whale nursery. There is opportunity to explore the island and snorkel at each anchorage. We are sometimes kept awake at night by the haunting sounds of humpback whale song reverberating through the hull. Often we see our first whales of the day while breakfasting on deck. With patience and care we will get an opportunity for swimming with the whales. It is easy to slip into the water from the swimming platform at the stern of boat.

Testimonials

Easy Swim Platform

Another great feature on "Independence" is the low swim platform which makes it especially easy to get in and out of the water or on and off the dinghy. And for those of you that enjoy fishing it is a perfect fishing platform.

Exploring Vava'u

The waters around Vava'u are crystal clear with visibilty exceeding 100 feet. Underwater is an unspoiled wilderness. Staying out in the islands you can be immersed in the pristine natural environment of the Vava'u islands. As well as seeing the whales you can explore the islands. Some of the smaller, uninhabited islands, are surrounded by white sand beaches, while others have dramatic limestone cliffs with sea level caves. 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.

Snorkeling Tonga

Humpback whales are only one of the many marine creatures to be seen in Vava'u. Over 100 species of colorful tropical fish, giant clams, manta rays, sea turtles, spinner dolphins, whether you are a novice snorkeler or an advanced scuba diver, Vava'u island has a vast array of underwater wilderness for you to explore. And you can experience it in warm tropical water with visibility often exceeding 100 ft. While living onboard Independence you can see the humpback whales as well as experiencing the best of South Pacific sailing.

Daytrips

275 TOP per person
leaves the dock at 9:30 AM
return at 5:00 PM
Includes a delicious lunch

No need to sacrafice comfort for a day trip out to the islands. 'Independence" has all the comforts of home. Besides the luxurious interior you can find a welcoming breeze and plenty of shade in the exceptionally large cockpit. The bimini and side curtains provide extra shade and comfort for those wanting to kick back in the shade and read a book. Or you can grab a cool drink from the cockpit drinks fridge to take with you while you sunbathe comfortably on the huge trampoline. There is no shortage of places to relax onboard Independence.

Crew

Our crew know these islands better than anyone. Combining the local knowledge of crew that have grown up in these islands with many years of cruising and chartering; you will be pampered and enriched.