For around 15 years now, adventure-seeking marine enthusiasts travel to the Tongan islands where they can watch or swim with humpback whales making a yearly visit to the South Pacific.

Adding to your bucket list? How about swimming with gentle, graceful giants about 52 feet long and weighing anywhere from 27 to 45 tons? For around 15 years now, adventure-seeking marine enthusiasts travel to the Tongan islands where they can watch or swim with humpback whales making a yearly visit to the South Pacific.

After migrating nearly 5,000 miles from Antarctica, the whales breed in the warm waters from July to October. While in Tonga, mothers nurse their young around 26 gallons of milk daily to prepare for the journey back.

On the eco-tour, the boat’s skipper locates a whale and makes sure it’s ok with having company. Then, up to 4 people and a guide can safely enter the water for up to 90 minutes.

Once underwater, people are amazed at the creatures’ size and behavior. Many swimmers hear sounds and feel vibrations of what seems like the whales singing songs.

The eco-tours discourage touching or getting too close. Tonga also has multiple whale-protection laws.

Kirsty Bowe, a guide for Whale Watch Vava’u, says, “Words don't do any justice to what we actually do. It's a privilege.” Many swimmers share that sentiment saying each encounter is emotional and unique.