Our Boats

Purpose-built. Fast. Comfortable.

Join us aboard one of our two 9-meter fast, twin-engine and purpose-built boats with observation deck, sunshade, toilet, easy access in and out of the water, and are operated by licensed experienced crew who have the utmost respect for the whales. Enjoy a nice lunch, coffee/tea/water, snorkel gear, 3mm shorty wetsuit, and a hooded neoprene jacket to wear on board during cooler days on the water.

m/v LUMINESCENCE ("Lumi")

Luminescence, n. ~ Spontaneous emission of light as a result of the excitation of atoms by energy other than heat. Bioluminescence, fluorescence, and phosphorescence are examples of luminescence that can be produced by biological or chemical process.

m/v EMERSION ("Emi")

Emersion, v. ~ The act of emerging; emergence. The time of reappearance: as in, the emersion of a whale from the depths of the water, the emersion of a whale tail from the water's surface. Chiefly used in contrast with immersion.

Our Crews

Licensed. Experienced. Respectful.

Our experienced skipper and in-water guides are the heart of every whale swim adventure. Fully licensed, first aid certified, highly trained, passionate, and deeply respectful of both guests and wildlife, they do everything possible to create a safe, unforgettable day on the water. Our crews have each made an ethical whale interaction commitment.

With years of local knowledge, our crew know the waters of Vava'u and the Humpback whales that visit each season incredibly well. They're experts at reading whale behaviour and timing encounters carefully, always waiting until the whales are calm and settled before guiding you into the water.

Most importantly, they're here to keep you safe, support your confidence, and make sure everyone enjoys a fun, relaxed,

once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience--from your first booking enquiry to your final swim. You're in great hands from start to finish!

Explore Vava'u is American-Tongan owned, is operated by Tongan skippers, and follows all of the Ministry's 2013 Whale Watch & Swim Regulations.