Sailing in Tonga

[alyeska]

Does anyone have information on the best times to sail in Tonga? I've heard between July and October is the best for whale watching. Can anyone narrow it down as far as weather?

Thanks!

[Knowazark]

Roughly, May to October is best for sailing in Tonga. November to April is cyclone season in the southern Pacific and things can get a tad exciting during that period.

May-June is usually when the South Pacific trade winds establish and settle into a pattern. Of course, this is all subject to change at the whims of the weather gods who apparently have never read a textbook on what they're supposed to do when.

[jglauds]

We were in Tonga in mid-to-late September, and saw -- and swam -- with the whales ... plenty around, although others might confirm/chime in re: their earlier arrival ... have fun!

/jon

[MarkJ]

Yeah, lots of whales there.

Photo below, crappy quality sorry. Taken in Tonga off Neafu Vu'vau group.

Note the whale and calf are being persued by tourists in a boat. They hung around harassing the whales for hours.

Get close for a few minutes and take your photos then leave them be