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 One word that describes the diving in Vava'u is “MAGIC!” The waters are crystal clear with the visibility being as good as it gets in the Pacific, averaging 30 metres plus. The water temperature is warm all year round with an average temperature of 25°C in winter. A big plus for diving Vava'u is the incredible variety of diving to be found around one small group of magnificent islands. Vava’u diving offers hard corals that truly are untouched, soft coral gardens with a rainbow of colours.
Watching the Humpback Whales is a treat everyone should experience, both above and below the surface. They aim to please with wonderful displays of activity. Breaching, spy hopping and fin slapping are a few of the behaviours regularly encountered on the surface of the water. The most heart warming though, are the underwater views of a mother resting with her calf, taking a well-earned break whilst still keeping an eye on her restless and often playful calf.
 The waters around Ha'apai are pure and clear. Normal visibility is between 30 - 40 metres and sometimes more. Temperatures range from 23-24º in the winter to 28º in the summer. A 5mm wetsuit in the winter is all you’ll need.
From July to October, humpback whales can often be spotted from the dive boat as these magnificent creatures migrate through Tongan waters to mate and calf.
Niue is the largest coral atoll in the world and the island drops off steeply into the ocean.
You will seldom dive with visibility below 30 or 40 metres and 60 plus metres is common. Water temperature varies between 25-30° C.
From around late June to October Humpback Whales call into Niuean waters as they migrate. As the ocean drops away so quickly these magnificent creatures cruise past only metres off shore yet have below them water hundreds of metres deep.
Even from the shore it is possible to see humpbacks play. On a dive you may be one of the lucky divers to have a whale stop metres away, turn and eyeball you for minutes - an unforgettable experience, one you will find difficult if not impossible to explain to friends.
Snorkelling trips with whales and dolphins are weather and whale dependent space is very limited due to small boats. Clients with prebooked diving and snorkelling trips are given priority.
Diving Queensland, Great Barrier Reef and Snorkel with Minke Whales.
June and July.
 Swim with Minke Whale programs are available during June and July each year. Taka Dive passengers travelling during this time have the opportunity to contribute to the research of these whales. They team up with the James Cook University researchers, and record all sightings of these fantastic mammals. All passengers who have had interaction with the Minkes fill in a questionnaire, which helps to further research. Diving with these majestic creatures will be the most exciting and momentous experience of your life.
 Mike Ball Dive Expeditions introduced a formal Solo Diving Program on the vessels, which allow suitably experienced and equipped divers to dive on their own. This has proved extremely popular with underwater photographers and diving professionals who often have a need to dive without a buddy.
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