As humpback calves cruise back along the Australian coast towards Antarctic waters this November, Australian eco encounters operator, Majestic Whale Encounters, is offering a new whale swim tour to Tonga next September so nature lovers can watch baby whales learn how to spy hop, breach and slap their pecs and flukes before they head south.

Majestic Whale Encounters’ 2015 season in August and September this year was the biggest-ever, with a one third increase in the number of whales swimming with their guests off the pristine Tongan island of Ha’apai.

“The increase in whales meant an increase in the number of beautifully intimate whale encounters our guests enjoyed in the water,” said Majestic Whale Encounters Director, Carmen Ellis. “And we expect the whale boom to continue in 2016,” she added.

The package includes five days of whale swims in Tonga’s pristine, blue lagoons, giving guests opportunities to swim, snorkel and spot humpback whales in their natural environment. Swimmers will see mothers teach their newborn calves how to spy hop, breach and slap their flukes and pecs.

Guests will spend seven nights at Sandy Beach Resort on Ha’apai and four nights at Fafa Island Resort just north of Tonga’s main island of Tongatapu, with all main meals included in the package and free days to bushwalk, fish, cycle or just relax under a palm tree by the beach.