Wāhine Voyager Series | Tonga Edition 2026

When: 27th July – 3th August
Location: Vavaʻu, Tonga
Cost: $7500 NZD ($1000 non-refundable deposit, remaining payment to be paid by 1st June 2026, payment plans on request)
Availability: 8 spots only (2x person shared room)

Come away with us on our 2026 Salt Aotearoa Wāhine Voyager trip across Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa/The Pacific Ocean to the warm waters and stunning reef of Vava'u in Tonga. Here we will be guided by the best on a once in a lifetime whale experience. 

A week of freediving and snorkelling amongst an ocean filled with whales, sharing delicious kai and kōrero as a new oceanic whānau/family. We are offering this opportunity to just 8 wāhine.

Stories tell of whales guiding early Polynesian navigators across the Pacific, acting as kaitiaki (guardians) of voyagers. Their songs and migrations are understood as part of the natural rhythms that connect the people of Tonga to the wider Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (Pacific Ocean). We feel incredibly privileged to be able to connect our community with these taonga with the most respectful and experienced crew and guides. You will leave a changed person for the better after sharing the moana with these sacred giants and we can truely say this will be a life-changing experience. 

Instructors: You will be guided in the water by our incredibly experienced  whale guides Shona and Lomi (The only local wahine whale guide in Vava'u!!) and our amazing freedive instructor Camille!

Whales: We are SO lucky to have 5 whole private whale swim days with the opportunity to also do some freediving and exploring ancient sea caves.

Freediving- we will be offering freediving sessions in addition to the whale swim encounters for those who are keen!

Accomodation: We have a beautiful home with its own wharf which is where we will be picked up and dropped off everyday by our guides and the boat!

Catering: This trip is fully catered with yummy as kai and some optional nights out too! So please just let us know if you have any food allergies.

Shared accomodation: on the water's edge near Neiafu, with our very own private jetty, swimming platform, and a dive wreck site in the bay right in front of our whare!

Photography: Shona is also an amazing underwater photographer so you will be lucky enough to have your own paparazzi so you don't have to constantly ruin your whale experiences by being distracted trying to get your own content. We want you to have a really genuine, beautiful experience and to be fully present in these life-changing moments. 

Salt Aotearoa may need to cancel a trip or event if weather or other unforeseen circumstances make it unsafe to run. If this happens before departure, you can choose a full refund or rebook for another date. Please note that we’re unable to offer refunds if you cancel or don’t arrive on time for your trip.