2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Swimming alongside a humpback whale is an unforgettable experience.

Swimming with the Humpbacks of Ha’apai IN TONGA’S REMOTE TROPICAL ISLES

This journey grants you one of the great thrills of the natural world. The Ha’apai Islands are one of the few places on Earth where one can swim close to humpback whales, and we’ll have exhilarating encounters

HIGHLIGHTS • Swim with humpback whales—the experience of a lifetime! • Sea kayak and snorkel, optional paddleboarding • Enjoy your beachfront cabana set in a tropical garden, with sunrise views from your lanai • Stargaze in clear skies under the Milky Way • Learn about the skills of early Polynesian navigators DETAILS • 8-day trip begins and ends in Tongatapu • 7 nights Tongan-style beach resort • All meals included

with them, including seeing their spyhopping, breaching, and mother-calf interactions. In addition to our whale adventures, we’ll paddle sea kayaks, snorkel above extensive coral reefs, and meet the Ha’apai islanders,

“Snorkeling with the whales is one of my great lifetime experiences. Just awesome!”

DARREN RICE

the best time of year for this adventure, when the whales are more relaxed as their calves have grown larger. Many migrating whales are drawn to the sheltered Ha’apai waters, which means we seldom have to travel far before sighting the first whales of the day. We set out by boat each morning in search of these magical creatures, and when we find them, we slip into the water, and have the thrill of swimming alongside them. We’ll stop at times to listen for the haunting sounds of whale song, perhaps hearing male humpbacks’ elaborate “ballads,” whose stanzas evolve over generations. Our in-water encounters range from swim-bys, where the whales simply swim past us as we snorkel (sometimes changing course to get a closer look at us) to extended courtship displays. Afternoons are for snorkeling, kayaking, or biking around the island. Our kayaking adventures include the channel between Nukunamu and Ha’ano Islands, and we’ll beach our kayaks to snorkel among brilliant Moorish idol, butterflyfish, wrasse, and clown fish. We also watch for the elegant stingrays and sea turtles that inhabit these reefs. Depart on Day 8.

Rick L., Falmouth MA

who welcome us with time-honored hospitality. Trip Leader Jon Imhoof is an expert in Polynesian cultures and he’ll share insights into the renowned skills of early Polynesian navigators who used the stars as their compass. Our Tongan-style lodge is set right on a white-sand beach. Days 1-8 Tongatapu / Foa Island / Whale Watching / Snorkeling / Kayaking A flight from Tongatapu, Tonga’s capital, brings us to Foa Island in the Ha’apai Islands, an outer archipelago of Tonga that sees few visitors. This palm-fringed island, with its long, sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, is the setting for our encounters with humpback whales. We’ve chosen

DATES Sep 5-12, 2019 Sep 12-19 Sep 19-26 Sep 26-Oct 3

TRIP COST $5895 (7-8 members) $6295 (4-6 members) Single supplement: $895 Internal airfare: $310 (subject to change) TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Whale watching, swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking, beachcombing

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL PACIFIC@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 103