The Right Gear for Swimming with Whales in Tonga
There is a moment that happens in the water with a humpback whale that is almost impossible to describe. Time slows down. Everything else disappears. And the only thing that exists is you and this gentle giant.
The last thing you want in that moment is a leaking mask.
We have guided hundreds of guests in the water with whales and the difference between someone who arrives with well fitted, trusted gear and someone who does not is remarkable. Not just in their comfort, but in the quality of the encounter they have. When you are not thinking about your equipment, your entire focus can go exactly where it belongs.
This is our no nonsense guide on what to bring.
The Mask
This is the single most important piece of kit you will own for this trip. A mask that does not fit your face will fog, leak, and pull you out of the moment at exactly the wrong time.
Our biggest piece of advice is to go into a store and try masks on in person. Every face is a different shape and no amount of online reviews will tell you whether a mask fits yours. Here is a simple test: hold the mask against your face without putting the strap behind your head, breathe in gently through your nose, and let go. If the mask stays put with no air passing through, it fits. If it falls away, move on to the next one.
We recommend black skirted masks over clear ones. In bright tropical environments a clear skirt can let in too much light and create distracting glare. Black keeps your vision clean.
On anti fog products: do not buy whatever they try to sell you in store. You genuinely do not need them. A mask can be burned in with a lighter before the trip to remove the factory coating that causes fogging, and we are happy to do this for you once you arrive. On the boat we provide a simple soap spray solution that does the job beautifully. Or if you want the most low tech solution in the world, a small amount of spit works perfectly well and has been the diver's secret for decades.
The Snorkel
Not all snorkels are made equal and the open ocean is very different to a swimming pool or sheltered bay. You need a snorkel made from solid, rigid material that does not bend or collapse. Flexible snorkels that fold are not suitable for open water.
Go for a standard or longer length rather than a short travel snorkel. Short snorkels are simply not practical when there is chop and swell on the surface, which is the reality of open ocean swimming.
A purge valve is a great feature and makes clearing water quick and effortless. However avoid snorkels with a splash guard or protection valve at the top. In theory these stop water entering the snorkel but in practice they can close under pressure in open ocean conditions and block air from entering. In the moment that a whale is swimming towards you, the last thing you need is to discover you cannot breathe.
The Wetsuit
The water in Tonga during whale season is warm and genuinely beautiful, sitting around 24°C in September. A 2 to 4mm full body wetsuit is what we re
commend, and here is why it earns its place long before you even get in the water.
Days on the boat in Tonga are generally glorious and sunny, but when the boat is moving between locations the wind picks up quickly. A wetsuit worn over swimmers keeps you warm on the boat, protects you from the sun during long days out on the water, and provides a barrier against the occasional jellyfish or stinger you may encounter in the ocean. It is one of those pieces of kit that works all day, not just during the swims.
A closed cell wetsuit is ideal. Better to have it and be warm than to miss out on an extraordinary encounter because of feeling too cold (trust us, wouldn't be a first).
The Fins
For swimming with whales you want either snorkelling fins or for those more experienced, freediving fins do fine as well. Scuba fins are too heavy and built for a completely different style of kick. They will exhaust you and slow you down.
Go for fins with closed foot pockets. Open heel fins with straps can come off when entering the water and are generally less secure in an open ocean environment. Find yourself fins that have a standard or longer blade rather than short ones, these give you the power and efficie
ncy you need without over exerting yourself.
If you are pr
one to blisters or find fins tend to rub, neoprene socks are a great solution, and regular socks work just as well in a pinch. Just keep in mind that adding a sock means you might need to size up in your fin to accommodate the extra layer.
Sunglasses
A good pair of polarised sunglasses is essential for long days on the water and genuinely changes how much you can see beneath the surface. We wear Waterhaul sunglasses on every expedition and cannot recommend them enough. Made from recovered ghost fishing gear, they are one of the most ethical and high performing pieces of kit we own. As a Blue Vagabonds guest you can access a discount through our partners page.
Sun Protection
Long days in the South Pacific sun are no joke and protecting your skin matters. We recommend Feel Good Inc sunscreen and zinc sticks, a genuinely ocean safe, reef friendly, and cruelty free range that aligns with everything we stand for. You can find them here. Please avoid sunscreens that contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs and marine life. What goes on your skin goes into the water, and in Tonga that matters deeply.
A hat with a brim is also a non negotiable for boat days. Your face will thank you.
A Reusable Water Bottle
Non negotiable. Days on the water are long and staying hydrated makes a real difference to how you feel and how you perform in the water. Bring a good reusable bottle and we will keep it filled.
A Dry Bag
A small dry bag, ziplock bag, or waterproof case for your phone, camera, and any valuables is worth having on the boat. Things get wet. Plan accordingly.
Seasickness
Worth mentioning honestly. Open ocean days can have swell and if you are prone to motion sickness it is far better to come prepared than to suffer through it. Bring medication if you need it, better to have it and not use it than regretting not having it with you at all.
Camera
If you want to capture the experience yourself, a GoPro or compact underwater camera with a floaty wrist strap is ideal. We will assist you throughout the week and share our expertise, having your own camera to document the moments is something many treasure deeply.
One Last Thing
We run a full gear check and a practical session from our house jetty the day before heading out on the boat for the first time. This is your chance to get everything fitted, adjusted, and tested in the water so that by the time we are out in the open ocean with the whales, the gear has completely disappeared and the only thing on your mind are the whales you are swimming with.
Exactly where we want you to be.
