Each year, around 2,000 humpback whales migrate thousands of kilometres from Antarctica to Tonga’s warm waters, particularly around the Vava’u Islands, to give birth. However, they are increasingly sharing their habitat with tourists. Whale-watching and swimming excursions attract around 20,000 visitors annually, generating about $12 million in revenue, but the growing industry raises concerns about its impact on the whales. Swimming alongside the humpback whales is permitted provided tourists maintain a safe distance. However, diving or touching them is strictly prohibited, yet some visitors continue to flout the rules.
Tonga’s Elim Hotel, for example, had its licence suspended for six weeks after guests posted a video of themselves deliberately diving with the humpback whales. Lemoto Fakaosi, director of the Ministry of Tourism’s division in Vava’u, said several operators had received warnings for breaching regulations, yet violations appear to persist. These include overloading vessels and operating on Sundays, when Tonga’s Constitution prohibits commercial activity.
Without stricter enforcement and more responsible tourism, the growing industry could place further pressure on the whales and threaten their breeding environment.
