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
Boats in this video
More from Untide
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.



