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WHALE
SWIM RETREATS IN TONGA:
1) Do we need to bring our own snorkel gear?
The resort has snorkel gear (masks and fins) but if you have your
own, it is best to bring it. If not, you may wish to rent good
gear. The quality of the gear at the resort is not the very best.
2) What will the weather be like?
Usually mild and warm, although nights can be cool. This is Tonga’s
winter/spring.
3)
What about the water temperature?
It is similar to our Hawaiian winter water. Some like a 3ml wet
suit or shorty dive suit if you tend to get cold in the water
... or a lycra suit or lycra top would be good too. You will need
to bring it with you. Some just go in with swimming suit. You
are advised to bring sweat pants and a windbreaker jacket with
hood for the boat as it can get windy at times. Beach towels are
included at the resort.
4)
Are there dress regulations?
It is illegal for anyone to appear in public without a shirt.
Brief shorts, swim suits and bikinis are frowned upon (except
at the beach or resort.)
5)
Is there a departure tax?
Yes. It will be about US$12 ($25 Tongan - must be in T dollars)
6)
Is a passport necessary?
Yes. Visa? Not for US citizens (if from other countries, please
check.)
7)
Where is Tonga?
Tonga is about 480 miles south-east of Fiji and about 1,234 miles
north-east of New Zealand.
8)
At the resort, is all the food included in the price of the seminar?
Yes, during retreat time. Excellent fresh seafood, chicken and
meat meals are available and you can choose from their extensive
menu. The resort has a reuptation for lavish and delicious meals.
If you have food restrictions, please let us know. They cannot
accommodate Vegan diets but vegetarian is OK. Coffee & tea
are included for breakfast (you pay for them at dinner)....sodas
are extra. Bring about $200 cash for DVDs, shopping, tips, travel
meals. Also, you must buy your bottled water either at the resort
or in town on the way to the resort.
9)
Are we guaranteed whale swims?
It is legal to swim up close to the humpback whales in Tonga.
Our captain is very experienced and conscious of honoring the
whales’ home and territory. The whale swims are carefully
regulated so that there is minimal interference in the whales’
movements. Four people are allowed in the water with the whales
at one time (our retreats are very special as we charter a private
boat for our groups and only allow six participants each week
so that we all will have plenty of time with the whales!) We will
have many opportunities of being eye to eye with the whales, although,
with any ocean encounters with mammals, there is no guarantee
of whale swim encounters. The chances are about 80% for each day.
We had spectacular experiences in 2004, 2005 and 2006!!!
10)
What about weight restrictions on the airlines?
Tongan inter-island airline limits checked luggage to one piece
only per person at 44 pounds (overweight charge = $1 for every
2.2lbs) Pack very lightly. All you need is: two swim suits, snorkel
gear and wet suit, two long pants (such as sweat pants), a few
t-shirts, one sun-dress, sweater, windbreaker and or sweatshirt,
shorts and bath stuff, small flashlight, journal to write in (optional).****also
bring mosquito repellant, sun-screen, hat and sunglasses and your
favorite snacks for the boat days.
11)
Do I have to be a good swimmer?
Yes, we prefer participants who are experienced
snorkelers and who are comfortable in the ocean without needing
extra support.
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