I'm putting together my schedule for next year in Tonga.
For the past several years, I've worked with my friend Takaji to organise trips here, which have been filled almost exclusively by travellers from Japan. Usually, we set out a schedule for the following year while we're still in Tonga, and within a few weeks of announcing the schedule in Japan, all the spaces are taken.
At various times, non-Japanese friends and interested people have contacted me about joining our trips, but inevitably, the trips have been fully booked, or the timing hasn't been right (since our itineraries are tailored to Japanese vacation schedules).
For next year, we're considering running one trip for non-Japanese travellers. We're contemplating: 6 people, 8-ish days on the water, target time period early September, price per person US$3500-ish.
I realise it's difficult to plan a year in advance, but it's the only way to get the best boats and captains, especially if you're interested in photographing whales and learning about their behaviour.
If you're interested, please let me know soon. We'll be finalising our plans within the next couple of weeks.