Untidevideo

SWIMMING WITH HUMPBACKS IN TONGA! (Sailing Across the Pacific)

29 December 2024 · 16 min · 33K views · Vavaʻu Group

What this video covers

The crew of the 1970s Swan 37 Elixir cruises the Vavaʻu Group in Tonga, utilising the protected, deep-water channels for short passages between anchorages.0:30 While exploring the region, the crew hires a local boat to swim with migrating humpback whales.1:39 To navigate into a shallow, uncharted lagoon, the crew uses snorkelers to scout the channel for depth before proceeding with the vessel.10:59 When anchoring at night in unknown conditions, the crew discovers the chain has snagged on a coral head.12:06 They resolve the issue by diving to manually clear the chain and reposition the anchor into a nearby sand patch, emphasising the importance of avoiding coral damage and ensuring secure holding.13:03 The crew prepares for a southward passage to the Haʻapai group and Tongatapu before departing for New Zealand, carrying two additional crew members for the transit.10:15

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Swan 37Their boat

More from Untide

How We Get Paid to Sail the World (Full Time)Sept 2026The Perfect Affordable Cruising Boat? (Dufour 31)Aug 2026Sailing with Orcas and Humpbacks in the Pacific Northwest!Aug 2026How We Get Paid to Sail in Paradise (Full-Time Boat Life)Jul 2026

From Untide — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue