My recent humpback whale swim experience in Vava'u, Tonga, was nothing short of magical. Staying at Mystic Sands added a peaceful and picturesque backdrop to the entire adventure. From the moment I arrived, the warmth and hospitality of the resort staff made me feel like I was among family. They went out of their way to ensure every aspect of my stay was comfortable, from the beautifully maintained beachfront accommodations to helping me relax and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean right from my doorstep. But the real highlight, of course, was the whale swimming. The boat staff were absolute professionals—knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly passionate about the whales. Each day on the water felt like a dream, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and, of course, the breathtaking encounters with these gentle giants. The crew made sure that everything was smooth and safe, from briefing us on the protocols to guiding us into the water at just the right moments. Their expertise added so much to the experience, and they seemed to genuinely love sharing their knowledge with us. What truly stood out was the impeccable organization by Nadia. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered someone so on top of things! She handled every little detail of the trip, from booking to making sure we were all well-informed, with a level of efficiency that is honestly awe-inspiring. It seemed like every time I had a question, Nadia had an answer for me within 10 seconds—no exaggeration! She made the entire process seamless and stress-free, which allowed me to fully enjoy the magic of the experience. Her passion for what she does shines through in every interaction, and it made such a difference knowing I was in such capable hands. The combination of the incredible whale encounters, the wonderful staff at Mystic Sands, the boat crew, and Nadia’s flawless organization made this trip one for the books. I’ll carry the memories of swimming with the humpbacks with me forever and would highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Tonga!

This was my 8th trip with SDL Expeditions, and I can't recommend Nadia and her incredible team enough! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of joining her orca, sperm whale, and humpback whale expeditions in Tonga, and each experience has been absolutely unforgettable. The level of organization, care, and professionalism they bring to the table is truly exceptional. This year, we stayed at Flying Annie—a more budget-friendly option compared to Mystic Sands, where we stayed on previous trips. Both accommodations are fantastic, but each offers something different. Flying Annie was perfect for this trip. Its location is super convenient; it only took us 3-4 minutes to walk to the boats each morning, and the town’s restaurants were all within a 10-minute walk. The ease of getting around on foot really added to our experience, especially when you're in Vava'u, a place that feels so untouched and natural. When we stayed at Mystic Sands, we loved being right on the beach, with taxis to town and boat pickups directly from the resort. The beach views and calm surroundings at Mystic are hard to beat, but it does require a bit more planning for getting into town, which is no big deal. You really get a "I'm on an island vacation feel" staying at Mystic. The staff there are always so friendly and accommodating, which makes it another excellent option. Both Flying Annie and Mystic Sands are clearly some of the best choices for staying on the island, as finding nice accommodations in Vava’u can sometimes be a challenge given its more remote and undeveloped nature. As for the whale swims—wow! Every single trip has delivered breathtaking encounters with the whales. This year, we went a bit later in the season compared to our August tour last year and September tour the year before. All tours had extraordinary whale swims. It’s clear that Vava’u is the premier destination in the world for humpback whale encounters. We’ve tried whale swims in other locations like Moorea and the Dominican Republic, but nothing compares to the experience in Vava'u. The crews, boats, and meals provided by Nadia’s team are always top-notch, ensuring that every aspect of the journey is well taken care of. One thing I have to mention is how amazing Nadia’s communication is—she is so quick to respond! Whether by email or text, she always gets back to us right away, even when we had some last-minute questions before and during the trip. It’s rare to find that level of responsiveness and attention, especially when organizing complex expeditions like these. It makes planning stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you're looking to swim with orcas, sperm whales, or humpbacks, you can trust that Nadia and her team will deliver an unforgettable experience. She is truly a master at ocean expeditions, and I look forward to many more adventures with SDL Expeditions in the future! See you in May for Orcas!