Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR PACIFIC TRIPS, VISIT 106
In Tonga’s enchanting Ha’apai Islands, we
paddle sea kayaks, snorkel amid an
abundance of dazzling
tropical fish, and delight in
encounters with humpback
whales who migrate here
annually to court, mate,
and bear their young. This
is one of the few places in
the world where you can
swim right alongside these
majestic creatures, and our
heart-pounding experiences
will include witnessing
mother-calf interactions. Along the way,
we meet the Ha’apai islanders who
welcome us with time-honored hospitality
and a Polynesian ‘umu feast. Our overnights
are in a traditional beach lodge set on
a white-sand beach—this is a South Seas
idyll at its finest!
Days 1-2 Tongatapu / Snorkeling / Kayaking
From Tongatapu, fly to the remote Ha’apai Islands,
a group of low coral isles with vibrant reefs and
miles of deserted and utterly picture-perfect
beaches. We enjoy excellent reef snorkeling right
out the front door of our lodge, with colorful
coral gardens featuring Moorish idol, butterfly
fish, wrasse, and clown fish, as well as stingrays
and sea turtles. At night, we stargaze under
the bright Milky Way and learn how early
Polynesians used the stars to navigate.
Days 3-9 Whale Watching / Snorkeling /
Kayaking We’re off on our search for
humpback whales! To swim with a 40-ton whale
in its natural environment is surely one of the
biggest thrills and greatest privileges the natural
world has to offer. We set out by boat in
search of them, with the chance for up-close
observations of the whales as they breach, “spy
hop,” and slap the water with their fins. Then,
with snorkel, mask, and fins, we slip into the
water and swim alongside them! (All appropriate
protocol for safe whale interactions is observed.)
In the late afternoons, we can snorkel, kayak,
or enjoy a bike ride around the island. On
Sunday, we’ll have the opportunity to attend
a church service at a nearby village and listen
to the renowned harmonies of Tongan singing.
Depart on Day 9.
EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE
Explore the wondrous underwater realm of
Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.
Swimming with whales, fabulous snorkeling, sea kayaking in crystalline
waters—put this adventure on your “must-do” list! PHOTO: YVES LEFEVRE
JURGEN FREUND
“The trip was
everything we’d
hoped for and
more. We loved
getting to know
the Tongans, and
snorkeling with
the whales was
spectacular.”
Pam R.
University Place WA
HIGHLIGHTS
• Swim with humpback whales—the
experience of a lifetime!
• Snorkel over reefs with amazing
geography—caves, canyons, caverns,
tunnels, vertical walls, and colorful coral
gardens with plenty of fish
• Sea kayak in a remote, untouched South
Pacific paradise
• Enjoy warm Tongan hospitality and
traditional feasts, listen to Tongan
singing at a Sunday church service
• Relax at a beachside lodge with excellent
snorkeling right at water’s edge
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins and ends in Tongatapu
• 7 nights Tongan-style beach resort,
1 night hotel
• All meals included
DATES
Sep 8-16, 2017
Sep 21-29
TRIP COST
$4895 (7-8 members)
$5195 (4-6 members)
Single supplement: $675
Internal airfare: $310 (subject to change)
Fiji extension: from $1995
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Snorkeling, sea kayaking (no previous
experience necessary), whale watching,
swimming, beachcombing