Whales and wellness vacation, Tonga

Planet

Carbon reduction, environment and wildlife -

Tonga boasts a rich diversity of marine life, including humpback whales, pilot whales, false killer whales, turtles, spinner dolphins, common dolphins, various species of sharks, and an array of fish. We strongly advocate for the preservation of this wildlife and strive to set a positive example. Some ways in which we achieve this are:

Adhering to responsible guidelines for whale watching, developed in collaboration with local communities and commercial operators, which prioritize the well-being of the whales and minimize disruption.
Respecting established paths and urging guests to show reverence towards all forms of wildlife.
Properly disposing of waste to avoid disturbing the delicate balance of the marine environment.
Contributing a portion of each tour's proceeds to The Ha'apai Marine Reserve, a non-profit research organization.
Employing measures to minimize waste and pollution, thereby preserving the pristine environment of Tonga. For instance:
Minimizing our ecological footprint and ensuring cleanliness.
Encouraging guests to keep the ocean free from plastic and waste.
Providing water flasks instead of plastic bottles and sustainable cutlery packs instead of plastic straws and utensils.
Educating guests on marine life, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection throughout the tour.
Emphasizing the use of electronic resources rather than printing materials.
Briefing guests on the importance of water conservation, encouraging the reuse of towels in hotels, and promoting energy conservation by turning off lights when not in use.
Advocating for carbon-neutral travel and minimizing transportation by organizing activities in Ha'apai Tonga and arranging group transfers whenever feasible.
Partnering with environmentally conscious suppliers who align with our values and mission, fostering a collective effort to protect the environment.
By implementing these practices and instilling a sense of responsibility in our guests, we aim to safeguard Tonga's beautiful and unspoiled environment from pollution on both land and in the ocean.

People

Local people, economy and diversity -

Having extensively researched and visited the enchanting destination of Tonga numerous times, we prioritise acquainting our guests with the local surroundings and supporting the community in any way possible, thus spreading tourism to those in need. Here are some examples of how we achieve this:

Emphasising locally and organically sourced meals during our tours in Tonga, ensuring freshness and sustainability by utilising island-grown or locally caught food whenever available.
Including recommendations in our trip bulletin for guests to explore local establishments both before and after the tour, fostering support for the local economy.
Within Ha'apai Tonga, there are certain environmental and social issues that we address and discuss with our guests, aiming to work collectively towards improving this paradise. Some of these issues include overfishing, soil degradation, air and water pollution, waste management, climate change vulnerability, as well as health concerns, poverty, discrimination, inadequate education, and alcohol-related problems.

A portion of the proceeds from each tour is allocated to The Marine Reserve in Ha'apai. This reserve, located in the lagoon at the northern tip of Ha'apai, plays a vital role in nurturing a diverse range of species and requires protection. Years of lobbying have resulted in its official recognition as a Marine Reserve by the government in 2019. Fishing within the lagoon is now prohibited, and efforts are underway to establish alternative fishing sources, such as deep-water Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), for the local villages. Safeguarding these areas allows fish and coral populations to grow and replenish, thus reversing the decline in fish populations.

The funds collected through donations are utilised for the maintenance, monitoring, protection, and enforcement of these areas. Additionally, they contribute to community projects in local villages, fostering growth and generating income within those communities. Plans are also in place to incorporate an educational component into the school curriculum, addressing issues such as pollution, plastic waste management, and environmental awareness.

While we employ other businesses for specific segments of our tours, our own guides and administrative staff are directly hired. However, we ensure that the companies we collaborate with treat their employees fairly and employ local staff. If we witness any unfair treatment, we express our concerns and advocate for proper treatment.

We wholeheartedly support the local arts and culture by encouraging guests to visit local museums, partake in local day tours, and purchase locally produced and handmade souvenirs, including arts and crafts. Setting an example, we ourselves also prioritise purchasing local arts and crafts.

Respecting all locals and cultures while traveling is of utmost importance to us. We actively encourage our guests to do the same, emphasising the importance of showing politeness and reverence towards the people and countries they visit.