The southern Vava’u islands in Tonga are about as close to paradise as it gets – hundreds of small, jungle-covered islands fringed by white sand beaches and some of the clearest water in the South Pacific. Their remote location means almost no light pollution, spectacular night skies, and a feeling of genuine isolation that’s increasingly rare.
But what puts this in the top Wow-factor category of ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ are the humpback whales. This is one of the few places in the world where you can legally and responsibly swim with them in the wild. Being in the water with these gentle, magnificent giants is insane and, without question, one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on the planet.
Stay on one of the smaller outer islands for at least three nights so as to really experience the tropical paradise feel, be able to see and hear the whales off the beach, and have the flexibility to be able to head out whenever the right whale opportunity arises (we stayed at the Treasure Island Eco-Resort on ‘Eua’iki Island, and couldn’t recommend it more).
