A Life-Changing Experience in Haʻapai, Tonga

By Isabella Martins, São Paulo, Brazil

There are some trips that change you forever—where every moment feels like a dream, where you wake up each day in awe, and where you leave with your heart full and your soul forever touched. My whale swim tour in Haʻapai, Tonga, was one of those experiences. And without a doubt, the magic of it all was made possible by Magenta—whose passion, warmth, and attention to detail transformed an already extraordinary trip into the best journey of my life.

Before this trip, I had only seen pictures of Tonga—beautiful, yes, but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. Haʻapai is a paradise in its purest form. Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy whale swim destinations, Haʻapai feels untouched, peaceful, and perfectly remote. There’s a stillness here, a quiet that allows you to truly disconnect from the chaos of the world and reconnect with nature.

From the moment I arrived, I knew this was going to be something special. The transfer was seamless—everything had been organized so smoothly that all I had to do was show up and let the adventure begin.

The Accommodation:

I’ll admit, when I first heard that the accommodation was “rustic yet comfortable,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. But from the moment I stepped into my little slice of paradise, I was blown away. It was simple, yes, but in the most elegant and thoughtful way. Every detail had been considered—cozy bedding, a private space to relax, and the sound of the ocean lulling me to sleep every night. It was the kind of place that feels like home instantly.

And then there were the communal spaces—where our group of incredible women from around the world gathered each evening to share stories, laugh, and reflect on the magic we had witnessed that day. There was something truly special about the women on this trip. We came from different backgrounds, different countries, different walks of life, but we were all connected by a shared sense of wonder and adventure. By the end of the trip, these women felt like sisters.

The Perfect Balance of Adventure and Relaxation

One of the things that made this experience so perfect was the balance. Some adventure tours push you to exhaustion, but this was just right. We spent just the right amount of time on the water each day—not too much, not too little. And when we weren’t swimming with whales, we were exploring Haʻapai’s stunning beaches, snorkeling in the most breathtaking spots, or simply soaking up the beauty around us.

The snorkeling alone was enough to make this trip unforgettable. The coral gardens were vibrant and teeming with life, and at times, we found ourselves surrounded by curious reef fish, elegant rays, and even the occasional reef shark. It was like stepping into another world—one so peaceful and alive at the same time.

The Whale Encounters:

I had dreamed about swimming with whales for years, but nothing—absolutely nothing—could have prepared me for what it felt like to be in the water with them. The first time I slipped into the ocean and saw a humpback whale just meters away from me, I forgot to breathe. Time seemed to stop as I watched this enormous, graceful creature move effortlessly through the water.

It wasn’t just the size of the whales that took my breath away—it was their presence. They radiate a kind of peace, a wisdom that is impossible to describe. And the moments when they acknowledged us—when a curious calf swam a little closer, or a mother gently watched us from below—were some of the most profound I’ve ever experienced.

The Crew:

None of this would have been possible without the crew. Our skipper, Glen, was the definition of professional—calm, experienced, and always making sure we were safe and comfortable. He knew these waters like the back of his hand, and I always felt completely at ease under his care.

And then there was Karen—our guide, our teacher, and quite honestly, one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met. Her knowledge of the whales was astounding, and the way she read their behavior made each encounter even more special. She had an uncanny ability to know when and where to position us in the water for the best experience, all while ensuring the whales were respected and undisturbed.

The Food:

I wasn’t expecting a gourmet experience in such a remote part of the world, but wow—the food on this trip was incredible. Our chef prepared the most delicious meals, blending fresh local ingredients with flavors that were both comforting and exciting. Every meal was a delight, from tropical fruits in the morning to fresh seafood and perfectly seasoned dishes in the evening. It was the kind of food that nourished not just the body, but the soul.

And Then There Was Magenta…

If there was one thing that made this trip truly extraordinary, it was Magenta. Her love for the whales was contagious—every word she spoke, every moment she shared with us, was filled with passion and reverence for these incredible creatures.

But it wasn’t just her knowledge or her skill as a photographer that made her so special. It was the way she made each of us feel. She took the time to connect with every guest, ensuring we were comfortable, happy, and truly present in the experience. She noticed the little things—the small details that make a trip unforgettable.

She was there to share in our excitement, to answer our endless questions, to capture the moments we never wanted to forget. And most of all, she created an atmosphere where we could fully immerse ourselves in the magic of it all.

A Journey That Changed Me Forever

As I write this, back home in São Paulo, I can still hear the sound of the whales singing beneath the waves. I can still feel the warm ocean water, see the sun setting over the horizon, and hear the laughter of the women who became like family to me.

This trip was more than just a vacation. It was an experience that touched my soul in a way I never expected. It reminded me of the beauty of the natural world, of the importance of slowing down and truly experiencing each moment.

And above all, it showed me the power of passion—of what happens when someone like Magenta dedicates her life to sharing something truly extraordinary with others.

To anyone who has ever dreamed of swimming with whales, of experiencing nature in its purest form, of embarking on an adventure that will stay with you forever—do not hesitate.

Haʻapai, Tonga, is waiting for you. And if you’re lucky enough to experience it with Magenta, I promise, it will be the trip of a lifetime.

Check out some other reviews for Magenta Oceans at Trip Advisor