Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of good questions about traveling to Tonga, swimming with the whales, and how things work on the island.
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Below are the answers to some of our most popular guest questions.
If you don't find your answer here, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Bookings As a small family owned business, when you stay at Blue Lagoon Resort you are our family's guest. We will be here to look after everything you need, but also to show you a genuine and welcoming environment for your holiday. If you would like to book or make an inquiry, please email us so that we can work out the details of your stay and we can provide a tailored quote for your all-inclusive visit. We are happy to help you in putting together an itinerary that suits the holiday that you have in mind. Things to consider: - When would you like to visit? (**NOTE: Whale season is from July 1 - Oct 31**) - How long would you like to stay? - How many days would you like to go swimming with the whales?
Getting here/Airport Transfers There are currently 2 routes into Vava'u. **NOTE: There are no flights in Tonga on Sundays due to the country-wide observation of a day of rest** 1: You can arrive on a direct international flight with Fiji Airways from Nadi, Fiji (NAD) to Vava'u International Airport (VAV). This route flies a few times a week and tends to have fewer delays/schedule changes. 2: You can fly into the main island group called Tongatapu. The international airport there in Nuku'alofa (the largest city) is called Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU). Then from Nuku'alofa you would need a domestic flight with Lulutai Airways (the only domestic airline) onward to Vava'u. These typically depart every day besides Sundays. You'll need to contact the airline directly via phone or facebook for bookings. There is a website which you can reference for schedules, but we recommend booking with them directly rather than booking online to be sure your booking is successful. ​ However you choose to fly into Vava'u airport, we will take it from there! We will meet you at the airport and you will take a ~20 minute ride to the wharf in the main town, Neiafu. Once the boat is ready and all guests are at the wharf, the boat will depart for a stunning ~35 minute ride amongst the islands of Vava'u. After which you will arrive on our outlying island of Foeata. When the time comes for you to depart Blue Lagoon, we will take care of the transfers back to the airport as well, making sure you get there in plenty of time for your flight. Your transportations is a part of your all-inclusive package.
Whale Swimming There's simply nothing like sharing space with a humpback whale! Many describe it as a life changing experience, and we obviously tend to agree. As a guest on our whale swimming boats, you will wake up in the morning and come down for a beautiful breakfast in the restaurant. After your meal, the crew will assist you in getting changed and packed for the boat. From there we will depart the resort not long after breakfast. We have gear that guests are welcome to use while you are here. This includes wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkels. If you prefer your own, you are more than welcome to bring it along. When out whale swimming, the chefs will pack plenty of lunch for everyone. During our day we will find an opportunity to have a lunch break out on the boat, often with the option for an amazing snorkel. Your crew each day will consist of a skipper + a whale guide who will spend the day giving you the best experience possible. All of our crew are experienced ocean overs and passionate about what they do! The skippers have grown up working with the whales for many years. All you will need to do is listen to your crew's instructions and have a great day. It's important that you follow your crew's directions on the boat and in the water. Not only will they keep everyone safe, but they will be observing the whales and deciding how best to approach in order to avoid disturbing them. This way, we are able to see natural behavior with our own eyes as we allow the whales to remain comfortable with our presence. NOTES: - Please let us know your comfort level swimming/ snorkelling when booking. You must be able to swim safely but you do not have to have extensive snorkelling experience. - Please note that for the happiness & safety of the whales as well as the guests, regulations do not allow free diving with the whales. Thank you so much for supporting these moves to look after the everyone's wellbeing. - If you have a water proof camera, or even a waterproof case you like to use for your phone, bring it! You'll have so much fun capturing memories to look back on. - Please pack plenty of sunscreen. Other things to consider: a sun hat, sunglasses, light jacket, reusable water bottle... - The average water temperature in Vava'u during the whale season tends to be around 25 degrees C. The water is relatively comfortable, but if you chill easily or there is wind it can be cool on the boat as we are in and out of the water throughout the day. For this reason the wetsuit/jacket can be helpful. It is completely up to each guest how they are most comfortable.
Guest Fales (Houses) We have 4 beautiful guest accommodations available here on the island, all built by the family's themselves! We are even in the process of building a beautiful new fale that we cannot wait to show everyone! Currently we have 2 one-bedroom fales and 2 two-bedroom fales available. All fales have comfortable beds, toilet/sink, hot water shower, large veranda and stunning water views! The fales do not have kitchen facilities as our chefs will serve your meals in the restaurant each day. This also allows us to be mindful of our solar power supply.
Fresh Water At Blue Lagoon we are 100% rain water dependent so we have a beautiful natural water supply. If you have a reusable water bottle, it is great to bring one with you as they can be easily refilled at the Restaurant. Separate from staying well hydrated (a must for all of your island activities!), we ask that guests be mindful of their water usage as we have to take care of our water supply to be sure it lasts throughout the whale season (typically the dry season here in Tonga). Please be mindful of repeated or long showers, rinsing gear, etc. It's extremely helpful to us.
Electricity We use mostly solar power here on the island and run a generator when necessary. This means that you can charge your devices in your fale without a problem. However it is not able to support high power appliances such as hair dryers etc, so please leave these at home. **NOTE: Power plugs are Type 1 (Aus/NZ). Please bring any adaptors you may need**
Meal Package Blue Lagoon has a long history of offering a high-quality restaurant experience! Meal time has always been a guest highlight. It all started with Feleti the cofounder. Well known in Tonga for his incredible food, he passed on his skills and passion to his sons who now carry on the cooking tradition! As a guest, each of your meals will be prepared and served by our chefs in our on-site restaurant. With the exception of whale swimming days, when we will pack plenty of lunch for everyone to enjoy on the boat. Your meal plan is included in your all-inclusive package, covering all of your meal while you are with us as well as coffee, tea, and water. Of course we have additional beverages available for purchase from our restaurant/bar such as juice, smoothies, soft drinks, beer, wine & spirits. **NOTE: Please make us aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking. We are happy to do our best to accommodate**
Want more information?
Get in touch,
send us a message.
Foeata Island, Vava'u
Kingdom of Tonga
+676 876 0889
