Come away with us on our 2026 Salt Aotearoa Wāhine Voyager trip across Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa/The Pacific Ocean to the magical Vavaʻu in Tonga where 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.
What to expect:
Snorkelling/ Freediving
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Moana - In the warm waters and stunning reef of Vava'u.
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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!
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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.
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Freediving- we will be offering freediving sessions in addition to the whale swim encounters for those who are keen!
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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!
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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.
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Skill Level: No freedive experience is necessary as the whale encounters are largely swimming and snorkelling based. However, you will need to be a confident swimmer. If you have freediving experience or want to also learn some new skills we will also be offering freediving sessions in addition to whale swims.
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!
Gear required: Basic snorkelling gear is provided by our expedition company however for the best experience and comfort we HIGHLY recommend bringing your own freedive kit.
Transfers to our accom is included once you've made it to Vava'u. (We recommend flying in from Fiji rather than Tongatapu as it is a much more reliable flight.)
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.
Availability: 8 spots only (2x person shared room)
Cost: $7500 NZD ($1000 non-refundable deposit)
Location: Vavaʻu, Tonga
When: 27th July – 3th August
Not included:
flights
travel/health insurance
Prerequisites:
*Must identify as a woman/wahine
*Must be 18+ years of age
*Medical waiver to be completed if you intend on free diving (attached below)
*$1000 NZD non-refundable deposit required to secure your spot (remaining payment to be paid by 1st June 2025 - payment plans can be arranged no stress, just flick us a message).
***By purchasing a ticket you are consenting to the terms and conditions outlined in this product description and as specified under our T's +C's : https://www.saltaotearoa.co.nz/pages/terms-conditions
IMPORTANT: Prerequisite (this is a non-negotiable so make sure it's signed off before paying):
A completed and signed medical form. Read and sign the medical form carefully before paying your non-refundable deposit.
IMPORTANT: Prerequisite (this is a non-negotiable so make sure it's signed off before paying):