Swimming with humpback whales, on a private charter with Whale Discoveries

In Vava''u, the operator Whale Discoveries runs an entirely private charter for swimming with humpback whales, aboard the catamaran Wildlife (a 16.2-metre Schionning Waterline), bought by founders Tris and Dave in 2012 for that specific purpose. The boat takes up to eight guests on live-aboard trips and up to twenty on day trips. The crew includes Tris Sheen, who has been swimming with marine wildlife for more than thirty-two years. Booking goes exclusively direct with the operator, by email or phone, never through a mass-market online ticketing platform. Vava''u''s whale season generally runs from July to October.