the island of ‘Eua
21.3870° S, 174.9297° W
Geographically, ‘Eua is one of Tonga’s oldest islands, sitting about 40 km southeast of the main island Tongatapu.
It’s around 19 km long and 7.5 km wide, with steep forested ridges rising up to about 312 m. For the nature-lover this little Polynesian island is teeming with wild rugged cliffs, caves, sinkholes, and dense rainforest. With fewer than 5,000 inhabitants spread across small villages, ʻEua has a quiet, unspoiled landscape that makes it feel like you’ve stepped off the beaten track completely.
Not forgetting the locals of Tonga, who welcome you with open arms & leave you full of smiles.
the humpbacks of Tonga.Every year from July to November, Southern Hemisphere humpback whales leave the freezing waters around Antarctica and make the long journey to Tonga. They come here to mate, give birth, and raise their calves in warm, calm, protected seas… and ʻEua just happens to sit right on their migration path, close to deep ocean trenches and nutrient-rich waters. Which means the whales often pass close to shore and linger in the area, resting and nursing in the quiet bays and channels.
why we chose Tonga...Tonga is one of the few places on the planet where you’re actually allowed to get in the water with humpbacks, under strict rules designed to protect the animals and the humans sharing the ocean with them. Small licensed boats, limited numbers, no harassing or chasing the whales, respectful time in the water, and the focus always on the animal’s choice. ʻEua is especially special because the tourism here is tiny and low-impact. No massive tour boats or a hundred swimmers competing for a glimpse. Just a handful of people heading out in small local boats. Sometimes you can even watch whales right from shore. Breaches, pec slaps, tail slaps, heat runs, mothers teaching new calves how to move through the world.
INCLUDED:
6 nights based on twin/triple share accommodation
Return flights from Tongatapu to ‘Eua
5 days guided whale swim on licensed charter boats (max 7 guests per boat)
All meals, filtered drinking water, tea and coffee.
Expert water guides
Access to wellness facilities, such as ice bath, spa bath, and sauna.
Yoga sessions on the new oceanfront purpose-built yoga deck.
Marine biology presentations of whales and sharks of Tonga.
Half day Island tour.
Breeesea Retreats goodie bag
Blue Water Retreat Souvenir t-shirt, cap and water bottle.
Mask, snorkel and fin rental, upon request.
Lead weights for belts, if required.
Bonfire and Kava ceremony.
NOT INCLUDED:
International flights
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Gratuities
Alcohol & additional snacks
what's included?
WHERE YOU'LL STAY.
Blue Water RetreatBlue Water Retreat is conveniently situated on the Humpback Highway. The Humpback Highway sees the humpback whales pass by and frolic from June until December each year, providing unique whale watching and whale swimming opportunities.
With ocean frontage, their fales and licensed restaurant boasts the best land-based whale watching in the Kingdom of Tonga. All rooms are shared accommodation (2 or 3 per room) with a private bathroom.
Blue Water Retreat have recently launched their brand new wellness centre, equipped with spa baths, ice baths, sauna, massage therapy (at additional cost) and a new yoga deck.
"An experience that must be lived to be believed."
"An experience that must be lived to be believed."
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is a snorkelling trip and does not require you to be a certified freediver; however, we do require our guests to be confident swimmers who have experience in open ocean and deep water scenarios. Our guides are there to ensure the best possible interactions with the wildlife and assist you in the water, but they cannot be liable for inexperienced swimmers. Tongan regulations prohibit you from diving down on the whales, and therefore, freediving is not permitted while the whales are present.
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All guests will need to arrive in Tongatapu, the main island, at least one day before the expedition start date. We will be in touch closer to the time about where we recommend staying in Tongatapu the night before we depart to each island. Please note, accommodation in Tongatapu is not included in the cost. Upon departure from ‘Eua, we recommend leaving at least 1-2 days in Tongatapu to allow for any flight cancellations or delays, before your international flight home.
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To secure your place on the trip, we require a $1,200 AUD deposit upon booking (non refundable, but fully transferable). To pay off the remaining balance, we have payment plans available upon checkout. Payments are broken down into 3 instalments after the initial deposit, and charged every 3 months.
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Deposits are non-refundable, but fully transferable. For cancellations made 100 days or more before the expedition start date, 50% of the full trip cost is refunded. Cancellations made within 100 days are non-refundable or transferable.
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You will be sent a full packing list before you depart on your trip, however to get you started we recommend at least entry level snorkelling equipment. This includes: mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and/or springsuit, & a camera for the memories!
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There is Wi-Fi at the retreat only in the restaurant area. Before arriving, guests can download podcasts, playlists, or books or enjoy a digital detox. The best SIM card to purchase is from DIGICell.
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The rooms are twin share with both double or single beds (some with capacity for 3 guests- 3 beds). If you have a friend or partner joining you on the trip, please let us know in advance so we can allocate the same room.
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Tonga has some of the strictest and most ethical whale interaction rules in the world:
Whale swimming is only permitted with licensed operators and guides
In-water groups: max 4 guests + 1 guide
5 metres away in the water
Max 7 hours per day on the water
No whale swims are allowed on Sundays by law (time for church!)
A safety briefing and waiver will be completed upon arrival
Change in regulation for 2025: No diving below the surface around the whales
trip leaders
BRI HEANEY
Bri is a Gold Coast-based adventurer, freediver, and life living enthusiast, known for her deep connection with the ocean and passion for being comfortably uncomfortable. As a certified PADI Freedive Instructor, she shares a more holistic approach to the underwater experience that translates into all walks of life. Freediving for the past eight years, she’s had to find a path to tread for women in the sport, honoured to become someone people can come to for guidance because not too long ago these pioneers were few and far between.
Founder
POLLY JACKSON
Polly’s fascination with the ocean has followed her across continents and oceans during fifteen years of solo travel. She is a certified freediver and advanced open-water scuba diver who sees nothing more magical than the underwater world. Her story began in the UK, growing up on family boats and building competence at sea from an early age. That foundation later led her to the Whitsundays, working as a deckhand and host and spending her days immersed in the ocean environment that has always felt like home.
Co-host
a note from us…This isn’t a retreat built around infinity pools and curated content. It’s early mornings, open water, physical challenge and getting comfortably uncomfortable. Our itineraries are designed to create the best possible experience, but the ocean has the final say. Weather, sea conditions and other factors may mean plans change, sometimes at short notice. We embrace that unpredictability while always putting safety first. Because sometimes the best experiences are the ones you couldn’t have planned.
GOT ANY QUESTIONS?
Want to join us in the wild waters of Tonga in 2027? Get in touch with us if you have any questions.